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Editorial
June 8, 1936
The Times News
Hendersonville, Henderson County, North Carolina
What is this article about?
This satirical editorial by Julian Miller in the Charlotte Observer mocks the gullibility of Americans toward politicians' absurd campaign promises, such as $200 monthly pensions and wealth redistribution, echoing P.T. Barnum's 'sucker born every minute' idea.
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Full Text
BORN EVERY MINUTE
Nothing do the American people like better than being gullible. They can't take it unless, ever and anon, they are taken in by the magicians, and the fakirs!
That's the answer to the wild schemes in government which are having their run, the popularity of prophets of a new order who promise a new heaven and a new earth before the Lord decides that he will send down such reigns of bliss and righteousness.
"Pensions of $200 a month."
"Share the wealth by soaking the rich."
"End poverty in California."
"Dividends for everybody."
"Less taxes and more government."
Those are samples of the silly, impossible slogans that politicians who are better named as psychologists or self-appointed magicians are flashing before the easy-mark minds of the American people, and many of them getting themselves elected to eminent public office on such unsound and absurd bases.
Mr. Barnum was right, although far too conservative. Julian Miller in Charlotte Observer.
Nothing do the American people like better than being gullible. They can't take it unless, ever and anon, they are taken in by the magicians, and the fakirs!
That's the answer to the wild schemes in government which are having their run, the popularity of prophets of a new order who promise a new heaven and a new earth before the Lord decides that he will send down such reigns of bliss and righteousness.
"Pensions of $200 a month."
"Share the wealth by soaking the rich."
"End poverty in California."
"Dividends for everybody."
"Less taxes and more government."
Those are samples of the silly, impossible slogans that politicians who are better named as psychologists or self-appointed magicians are flashing before the easy-mark minds of the American people, and many of them getting themselves elected to eminent public office on such unsound and absurd bases.
Mr. Barnum was right, although far too conservative. Julian Miller in Charlotte Observer.
What sub-type of article is it?
Satire
Partisan Politics
What keywords are associated?
American Gullibility
Political Slogans
Impossible Promises
Pensions
Share The Wealth
End Poverty
Dividends
Taxes
Barnum Quote
What entities or persons were involved?
Mr. Barnum
Julian Miller
Charlotte Observer
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
American Gullibility To Political Slogans
Stance / Tone
Satirical Criticism
Key Figures
Mr. Barnum
Julian Miller
Charlotte Observer
Key Arguments
Americans Enjoy Being Gullible And Taken In By Magicians And Fakirs
Wild Government Schemes And Prophets Of A New Order Gain Popularity Through Impossible Promises
Slogans Like '$200 A Month Pensions', 'Share The Wealth By Soaking The Rich', 'End Poverty In California', 'Dividends For Everybody', 'Less Taxes And More Government' Are Silly And Absurd
Politicians Use These Slogans To Get Elected To Public Office
Mr. Barnum Was Right But Too Conservative About Suckers Born Every Minute