Will Rogers (1879-1935) was a Native American actor, writer and humorist who was called “The Cowboy Philosopher”. He is well known for his wry and satirical musings on so many aspects of life but his political comments were what struck me the most as I scanned his quotes. In a sadly comforting way, Rogers’ perspectives on politics remain as pertinent as ever, despite the fact that he said them almost one hundred years ago.

Below are a few examples of his art: wordplay and humor which sound so contemporary in the light of the U.S. political scene in 2017. One can only wonder what he’d have to say if he was still around but it likely would have been funny and insightful all at the same time.

A fool and his money are soon elected.

Last year we said, ‘Things can’t go on like this’, and they didn’t, they got worse.

I don’t make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.

The 1928 Republican Convention opened with a prayer. If the Lord can see His way clear to bless the Republican Party the way it’s been carrying on, then the rest of us ought to get it without even asking.

The only difference between death and taxes is that death doesn’t get worse every time Congress meets.

If I studied all my life, I couldn’t think up half the number of funny things passed in one session of congress.

There’s no trick to being a humorist when you have the whole government working for you.

Liberty doesn’t work as well in practice as it does in speeches.

About all I can say for the United States Senate is that it opens with a prayer and closes with an investigation.

If Stupidity got us into this mess, then why can’t it get us out?