This 1891 cartoon from Judge turns the biblical story of Samson and Delilah into a battle for American democracy. Columbia — standing in for the public — quietly cuts away the “strength” of a corrupt political boss, with shears labeled Ballot Reform, Registration, and The Australian Ballot. In its own era, this image mocked the political machines that thrived on secrecy, intimidation, and rigged systems. More than a century later, the symbolism lands even harder. The tools have changed, but the threat is the same: powerful figures doing everything they can to keep the public disorganized, distracted, or asleep. And once again, the answer is the same too — protect the vote, defend the process, and cut authoritarian power down to size.
Resistance art isn’t new. Americans have been fighting corruption since before these pages were printed. You’re holding a piece of that ongoing story.
Durable stainless steel core with enamel finish resists rust and staining | Lead and BPA-free | Not suitable for microwave use | Hand wash only.
This 1891 cartoon from Judge turns the biblical story of Samson and Delilah into a battle for American democracy. Columbia — standing in for the public — quietly cuts away the “strength” of a corrupt political boss, with shears labeled Ballot Reform, Registration, and The Australian Ballot. In its own era, this image mocked the political machines that thrived on secrecy, intimidation, and rigged systems. More than a century later, the symbolism lands even harder. The tools have changed, but the threat is the same: powerful figures doing everything they can to keep the public disorganized, distracted, or asleep. And once again, the answer is the same too — protect the vote, defend the process, and cut authoritarian power down to size.
Resistance art isn’t new. Americans have been fighting corruption since before these pages were printed. You’re holding a piece of that ongoing story.
Durable stainless steel core with enamel finish resists rust and staining | Lead and BPA-free | Not suitable for microwave use | Hand wash only.
