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They knew not what they did
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They knew not what they did
They knew not what they did. Illustration shows the drafting of Article I, Section 3 of the US Constitution. Two men labeled The Big Interests and Political Boss who has a Legislator in his back pocket, are peeking from behind a curtain labeled The Intervening Years. Date 1911 July 12. They knew not what they did. Illustration shows the drafting of Article I, Section 3 of the US Constitution. Two men labeled The Big Interests and Political Boss who has a Legislator in his back pocket, are peeking from behind a curtain labeled The Intervening Years. Date 1911 July 12
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Media ID 7364658
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative illustration, published in Puck magazine on July 12, 1911, offers a satirical take on the drafting of Article I, Section 3 of the United States Constitution. The scene depicts two men, labeled as "The Big Interests" and "Political Boss," sneaking a peek from behind a curtain labeled "The Intervening Years." The legislator at the table, engrossed in his work, remains oblivious to their presence. The illustration serves as a poignant reminder of the concerns that arose during the drafting of the Constitution regarding the potential influence of special interests and political machinations on the legislative process. The artists at Puck magazine, known for their incisive political commentary, were not shy about highlighting the potential for corruption and manipulation in the halls of power. The caption "They knew not what they did" adds a layer of irony to the image. The phrase is a reference to the opening lines of T.S. Eliot's poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," which explores the theme of regret and the inability to change the past. In this context, the caption suggests that the framers of the Constitution may have been naive about the challenges that would arise in implementing their vision for a new nation. Overall, this illustration offers a fascinating glimpse into the political climate of the early 20th century and the ongoing debate about the role of special interests and political influence in American democracy.
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