Life — February 10, 1927 — page 21: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a figure labeled "Prohibition" conducting like an orchestra conductor, singing "the land of the free-e-e and the ho-o-me of the bra-ave!" (patriotic song lyrics). The conductor wears a vest labeled "Prohibition" and holds a musical score. Below are caricatured figures labeled "Bootlegger" and what appears to be "Lawmaker," seemingly forced to participate in this musical performance against their will, holding signs reading "Our Lawmaker" and appearing distressed. **The satire**: The cartoon mocks Prohibition enforcement as absurdly hypocritical—celebrating American freedom while simultaneously criminalizing alcohol and forcing compliance through laws. The "all together" directive suggests forced participation in an unpopular policy, undermining the very freedoms the patriotic song celebrates.