Life, 1927-11-17 · page 20 of 48
Life — November 17, 1927 — page 20: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three separate humorous pieces satirizing American society: **"Sunday School Teacher"** (top): A joke mocking non-committal political rhetoric. "Little Willie" responds to a question about Israelites in the wilderness with "parking space"—a modern urban concern. The satire targets evasive politicians who dodge direct answers, suggesting that contemporary leaders are as elusive as biblical wanderers. **"Headed for the White House"** (left): This piece ridicules overly precocious children and their parents' ambitions. A child responds to every conversational opener with affected, equivocal language ("moderation has advocates," "I should prefer not to be quoted"). The humor suggests the child will become president precisely *because* he commits to nothing—a jab at political non-commitment. **"Add Fairy Tales"** (right): A short satirical fable stating "the richest man in town always paid the most taxes"—clearly presented as pure fantasy. This mocks either wealthy tax-avoiders or naive assumptions about fair taxation. All three pieces target American political evasion and hypocrisy with gentle, witty humor typical of Life's satirical approach.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Sunday School Teacher: Sow vores ANY LITTLE ROY OR GIRL KNOW WHAT THE ISRAEL TIES WERE LOOKING FOR WHEN THEY WENT OUT INTO TILE WILDERN Little Willie: ves, MA’AM, 1 KNOW, PARKING SPACE. Headed for the White House Add Fairy Tales “We L, my boy,” said the friend — the glowing propheey he gave her. 6 NCE upon a time there was a of the family, “do you like ‘He positively refuses to commit him town where the richest man in candy?" . , self on any Subject.” HL. By it always paid the most taxes. “Candy in moderation has its ad vocates,” replied the precocious in fant. “On the other hand, there is much to be said against its use.” The friend of the family tottered with surprise. But he decided to try I'll wager you're glad winter's here,” he ventured. “Coasting and snow-balling; lots of fun, ch?” The precocious infant subject some thought. “Well,” he answered finally, “I don’t know. There's good fun in winter, but as far as that goes, there's good fun in the other seasons, too.” The friend of the family reached for a chair and hung on. ‘In vulgar metaphor, he took the count of nine and came back. “You're looking forward to old Claus, you rascal, I'll war- he said with assumed gaiety. ristmas Eve, my boy, eh?” As to that,” replied the pre- cocious infant, “I should prefer not gave the to be quoted. Certainly not until after Christmas.” Afterward, in conversation with the child's mother, the friend of the family fairly sparkled with en- thusiasm. “He's sure to grow up and run for > President of the United S' * wa “quick, sarvis! My BEsT poots! 1 THINK I’m pyino!” comicbooks.com