1941.10.24 “Going, Going…” by Paul R Carmack

1941.10.24 “Going, Going…”
by Paul R Carmack (1895-1977)
11.5 x 14.4 in., crayon and ink on board
Coppola Collection

Paul Carmack was a staff cartoonist for the Christian Science Monitor.

Neutrality isn’t threatened. It’s in the final seconds before disappearance. The tattered “Neutrality Act” flag is no longer flying; it’s barely attached. The wind labeled “Nazi Piracy” supplies the momentum; America isn’t choosing to abandon neutrality – it’s being blown away by events. USS Kearny torpedoed (Oct. 17, 1941); SS Lehigh sunk (Oct. 19, 1941); SS Bold Adventure sunk (Oct. 23, 1941)… just one day before the cartoon, making the image feel current and urgent

“Piracy” is a loaded term. Pirates are outlaws, not legitimate belligerents. Piracy justifies forceful response without formal war. Germany has already placed itself outside the rules—neutrality no longer applies.