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The New Deal's work relief programs were very popular during the Great Depression but they did have their critics. They were frequently attacked as useless "made work," leaf-raking," or "boondoggles." They were also criticized as political, providing jobs for those who supported the New Deal and the Democratic Party. Here, the Holyoke Transcript recounts the story of a local farmer who tries to find a "hired hand" among the city's unemployed. Although he offers $30 per month with room and board, no one wants the job. The Transcript blames the New Deal's work relief program, the WPA, for providing "soft jobs" (easy work) at higher pay. Such programs, it is claimed, lead to "the deterioration of the fibre of American Manhood."

 

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"For the Softies" editorial from the Greenfield Recorder-Gazette newspaper reprinted from The Holyoke Transcript

publisher   Greenfield Recorder-Gazette
date   May 15, 1936
location   Greenfield, Massachusetts
width   2.5"
height   4.5"
process/materials   printed paper, ink
item type   Periodicals/Newspaper
accession #   #L08.027


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See Also...

"The Dilemma" political cartoon from the Daily Recorder-Gazette newspaper

"Wage and Dispute at Monroe Bridge Causes Dismissal of Score in Department" article from the Greenfield Daily Recorder newspaper

"Welfare Workers on Hope Street Job Ask Two Packages of Tobacco" article from the Greenfield Daily Recorder-Gazette newspaper

"Immigration Restrictions Tightened to Alleviate Unemployment Situation" article from the Greenfield Daily Recorder newspaper


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