Read the excerpt from Franklin D. Roosevelt's "First Inaugural Address." More important, a host of unemployed citizens face the grim problem of existence, and an equally great number toil with little return. Only a foolish optimist can deny the dark realities of the moment. Our greatest primary task is to put people to work. This is no unsolvable problem if we face it wisely and courageously. There are many ways in which it can be helped, but it can never be helped merely by talking about it. We must act and act quickly.

Which statement best describes his purpose?

A. to get the public to accept his political policies by providing a rationale

B. to get the public to blame the banks and businesses for the crisis

C. to get the public to start being more optimistic about the country

D. to get the public to accept responsibility for their current circumstances