Life — September 1, 1921 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Economy Begins in Washington" This satirical comic strip mocks a government official's (likely a bureau chief) contradictory actions regarding budget cuts. **The sequence:** The official declares to his staff that "taxpayers are groaning" and announces major downsizing—claiming 1,251 of 1,249 bureau employees are unnecessary. He then dramatically refuses to listen to Senators and Representatives pleading for mercy, vowing to "ruthlessly cut down the pay roll." **The punchline:** Despite his fierce rhetoric about economy, he dismisses only a single office boy, saving a mere $9.25 weekly—a trivial amount compared to his grand promises. **The satire:** This mocks politicians who grandstand about fiscal responsibility and government waste while taking minimal actual action, protecting their own bureaucratic interests while appearing to address taxpayer concerns.