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Polio is a contagious viral disease that, at its worst, can cause paralysis or death. Thanks to the vaccination discovered in 1955, no new cases have been reported in the United States since 1979. Polio does, however, remain in northern Nigeria and on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Though polio is most commonly contracted by children, the disease struck future president Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1929 at age 39, paralyzing his legs. While the public was not totally unaware of the President's condition, he still did his best to avoid being photographed or seen publicly in a wheel chair. 

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"Outlaw guns" is likely referring to gun control in the United States. Gun control is any legal measure intended to restrict the use of guns. U.S. citizens argued that limiting gun access will save lives and reduce crimes. Although the meaning of this button is to ban the use of firearms, gun control has been an ongoing debatable topic, with concerns regarding the Second Amendment of the United States that people have the right to “keep and bear arms.” Other controversial issues include increased gun violence. Although it’s impossible to ban the use of guns, people can advocate reducing gun violence by campaigning for strict regulations on firearm possession.

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In October 1967 during the nationwide Stop the Draft Week campaign, more than 200 people protesting the Vietnam War draft blocked the entrance of the Oakland Induction Center in California. Law enforcement arrested 40 people for the anti-draft demonstrations. Seven of those people, Frank Bardacke, Terry Cannon, Reese Erlich, Steve Hamilton, Bob Mandel, Jeff Segal, and Mike Smith, were charged with conspiracy to commit misdemeanors. The misdemeanors included obstructing sidewalks, trespassing, public nuisance, and obstructing police officers. The group became known as the “Oakland Seven.” They were acquitted in 1969.

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Topps Co. was founded in 1938 and is most prominently known for creating sports trading cards. Today, Topps sells predominantly candy and sports memorabilia. In 1965, Topps began producing “Wise Guy” metal pins that featured satire for novelty and humor. Like the collectible sports cards, the buttons came in colorful packages and were sold for a nickel a piece. Though some buttons made by Topps came with its trademark bubble gum, “Wise Guy” pins did not.

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"When you call me that, smile" is a catch phrase from the novel The Virginian: A Horseman of the Plains written by Owen Wister. The story takes place in the Old West, and the main character is call "The Virginian." His name is never revealed. The Virginian is a ranch hand at Sunk Creek Ranch, located in the state of Wyoming. The line comes from a scene when the Virginian is gambling with the antagonist, Trampas. It was the Virginian's turn to bet but he was silent. Trampas said, "Your bet, you son of a b----." The Virginian pulls out his pistol and says very calmly and gently, "When you call me that, smile." 

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The original Non-Violent Action Committee (N-VAC) was formed in 1957 as an anti-war group. The purpose of the group was to oppose the US government’s nuclear war testing without using violence. The legacy of their nonviolent direct action had significant influence on other movements, especially the civil rights movement. This button was created in 1964 by a south central Los Angeles branch of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) to show support towards African Americans during the height of the civil rights movement.

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"How Many More?" is a protest slogan coined in the United States during the Vietnam War that refers to the number of people that must be drafted, die, or be killed in pursuit of of U.S. victory. Though the Vietnam War was initially supported by the American public at its start in 1955, by the mid-1960s a growing number of people opposed the war and protested against it. The Tet Offensive of 1968 especially swayed public opinion after newspapers and cameras gave the public a clearer picture of the situation overseas. Concurrently, the growing number of soldiers being drafted led to widespread protests; these were mostly led by underrepresented groups and university students. Despite major public outcry and division at home, the Vietnam War did not come to an end until the Fall of Saigon in April 1975.

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CP Curbs Polution is an abbreviated version of the phrase “cleaner production curbs pollution.” Cleaner Production (CP) is a science concept and movement that emphasizes environmental management by reducing sources to limit pollution. CP performs waste reduction, non-polluting production, energy efficiency, safe and healthy work environments, and environmentally sound products. CP also plays an important role in addressing global issues such as smog pollution. CP aims to provide a long-term strategy to eliminate and reduce emissions that cause pollution.