Donna Edwards: The rich 'have a responsibility'

Kicking off the "Take Back The American Dream" summit in Washington, D.C., Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD) told the crowd that "We must have in this country, once again, an FDR moment," in which the haves take more responsibility for the have-nots because, she said, "They have gained their wealth on the hard work of other Americans, and they have a responsibility."

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Edwards fired up the crowd with her speech, encouraging them to help progressive candidates get out the vote next November because "we have to return the gavel to people who know what to do with it," like House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). And, she said, "We can't do it by just talking."

Edwards also took time to respond to criticisms of President Obama's speech to the Congressional Black Caucus last week. "He got a lot of flack for telling people to take off their bedroom shoes. Well, I say, take off your high heels. We have work to do," she said, to shouts and applause. Edwards suggested instead that attendees "put on [their] marching shoes" and go door-to-door to throw out tea party Congress members and bring a Democratic majority back to the House.

Photo: Rep. Donna Edwards's Flickr page.