Puck — March 5, 1879 — page 18: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon titled "A Picture for the Times" depicts figures climbing a steep, treacherous cliff face during World War I. The climbers carry banners labeled "PATRIOTISM," "MEDICAL NECESSITY," "HUMANITY," and "EVIDENCE OF INSANITY." The satire appears to criticize how various justifications—patriotism, medical claims, humanitarian concerns—are being used to rationalize what the cartoonist suggests is actually evidence of insanity. Published during America's WWI involvement, this likely mocks propaganda or policy arguments used to justify war-related decisions or actions as reasonable when the cartoonist considers them fundamentally irrational. The struggling climbers suggest these justifications are difficult or unstable foundations for decision-making.