Life, 1919-01-30 · page 14 of 34
Life — January 30, 1919 — page 14: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical cartoon series mocks government overreach and control of daily life. Each panel shows a citizen's activities subjected to bureaucratic regulation: - **Government Published Paper**: Officials dictate what newspapers publish - **Government Administered Shine**: A "Division of Boot Blacking and Polishing" oversees shoe maintenance - **Government Run Taxi**: Transportation is state-controlled - **Government Served Lunch**: Food rationing ("Eat Less than Nothing") - **Government Censored Journal**: Publications face censorship - **Government Controlled Business**: Bureaucrats regulate private enterprise - **Government Managed Drama**: Entertainment is state-approved - **Prayer for Government Owned Soul**: The final panel sardonically suggests even spiritual life is controlled The satire critiques expansive government intervention in ordinary American activities, suggesting totalitarian control has invaded every aspect of existence—from morning to bedtime.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
‘LIFE- Events in the Day of a Government-Regulated American Moras! Eéitor / i The Government Run Taxi Department of Periodicals and Chewing Gum S Roar | Have you read The Masses is week's Life ? Official Edited by A.S.Burlesonl Publication The Government Censored Journal Right there iy . in p hour. sir LY | Eat Less Private Affairs The Government Controlled Business