Judge — March 22, 1919 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoon Analysis This satirical drawing by Karl Forbert depicts American government buildings—the Capitol, White House, and what appears to be a State building—deliberately flooded or in disrepair, shown as miniature models in a dark landscape. The caption "If We Must Continue These Foreign Trips, Let's Fix Things For Them" suggests the cartoonist is criticizing government leaders for prioritizing foreign travel and international involvement while domestic American infrastructure and institutions deteriorate. The cartoon likely dates from the early-to-mid 20th century and reflects isolationist sentiment—the argument that the U.S. should focus on fixing problems at home before engaging abroad. The ruined appearance of American landmarks emphasizes this critique satirically.