Life — May 31, 1917 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Commentary on WWI Patriotic Duty This page presents a patriotic poem by Clinton Scollard titled "Have You Done Your Bit?" addressing young American men to contribute to the war effort—likely World War I based on references to historical patriotic acts (Lexington, Yorktown, Patrick Henry). The two illustrations contrast patriotic duty with failure: **Left cartoon**: "As It Ought to Be—and Isn't" shows an automobile full of citizens, suggesting civic participation and energy moving forward. **Right cartoon**: "The Greased Pole" depicts a figure labeled "Failure" stuck on a slippery pole, unable to reach the Liberty torch above—symbolizing how lack of patriotic commitment prevents reaching national ideals. The satire criticizes Americans who don't actively support the national cause, portraying inaction as shameful failure.