google.com, pub-0418880821635173, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0 World of Proverbs: We have met the enemy and he is us. ~ American Proverb [19215]


We have met the enemy and he is us.
~ American Proverb [19215]

1971 Earth Day Poster
featuring Pogo and Porkypine
Written and illustrated by Walt Kelly

The original source of this proclamation came in 1813 after the Battle of Lake Erie. U.S. Navy Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry declared victory by saying "We have met the enemy, and they are ours."

In 1971, Walt Kelly, creator of the Pogo cartoon strip, created the Earth Day poster reflecting the destructive impact of humans on the environment. His rewording of Perry's communication permeated the consciousness of the nation.

More than 40 years later, his words are delivered on a regular basis in a wide variety of situations.

According to Wikipedia.org, "the second best-known Walt Kelly quotation is another one of Pogo's philosophical observations: 'Don't take life so serious, son. It ain't nohow permanent.'"

To see more Illustrated Proverbs click here.


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