1. The Great Depression

Newscasters and pundits are quick to compare the current high rate of unemployment to The Great Depression, but I have yet to hear them say that in 1929-30-31 there was no unemployment insurance, no social security, no government insurance on bank accounts. There were NO safety nets for the 25 percent unemployed, and Republicans and Democrats did not join together with huge government spending programs for businesses and cash payments to individuals. For the 25 %, hope came with the CCC program and a trip to some faraway place like Wallowa County to build roads and ranger houses, water troughs and bridges—meals, lodging, and medical care provided, and $30 a month. Over three million men worked in CCC camps; some 8,500 women in She-She-She camps (brainchild of Eleanor Roosevelt). Other WPA programs hired 10,000 artists who painted in post offices and taught in 100 art centers—one in La Grande; 6,600 writers who published 270 books; and 11 photographers, who gave us our iconic images of the Great Depression. No comparisons.

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