“The Jungle” per Wikipedia, published in 1906, “depicts working-class poverty, the lack of social supports, harsh and unpleasant living and working conditions, and a hopelessness among many workers. These elements are contrasted with the deeply rooted corruption of people in power. A review by the writer Jack London called it “the Uncle Tom’s Cabin of wage slavery.” (Download free version here.)

Upton Sinclair was disconcerted that instead of focusing on the unequal fight between workers and owners, the public was more interested in his descriptions of the health violations and unsanitary practices in the American meatpacking industry. The uproar inspired by his book led to the “Meat Inspection Act“, and later, the Pure Food and Drug Act.

“I aimed at the public’s heart, and by accident I hit it in the stomach.” 

Hey, maybe “MAGA” means it’s 1906 again! Continue reading “Tues. – 5/1 – This book made your meat safer. The GOP wants to reverse that. Deadline 5/2!” →