Purple text on a silver background

There are multiple proverbs on silence, for instance “Silence is the Voice of Complicity” is a Latin proverb. The idea behind this proverb is that if one is not objecting out loud, or with actions, then you are silently agreeing, or allowing something to happen. Some believe that by not saying anything it is that same as conforming or yielding to something that one might disagree with.  

White text on a black background and black text on a white background

In more recent years, the sentiment of this button has become a source of office humor; however, it was once a more serious slogan used by trade unions throughout the United States. Trade, or labor, unions have existed as an organized movement since the late 19th century and were created to represent the best interests of laborers and employees, including wage increases, health benefits, and improved working conditions. This specific “shortage of robots” mantra has been used in several newsletters of the American Postal Workers Union, including the Fresno, California Local 339 and Fargo, North Dakota Local 88.

Red blue and black text on a white background

This button represents opposition to the Selective Service Acts, which are federal laws that instituted conscription or compulsory military service (otherwise known as being drafted). Conscription was first implemented in the U.S. during the Civil War and public resistance culminated in the Draft Riot of 1863 in New York City. The draft was suspended and did not return until World War I, when it was instituted by President Woodrow Wilson. In 1940, President Roosevelt signed the Selective Training and Service Act, which required all males age 23 – 36 to register. After the U.S. role in the Vietnam War expanded, the Selective Service System fell under scrutiny amidst growing antiwar sentiment. Between 1965 and 1973, an estimated 500,000 men “dodged” the draft by fleeing the country or simply refusing to respond to notices. In response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, President Carter reactivated the Military Selective Service Act in 1980, which required males age 18 – 26 to register with the System.

Illustration of a water faucet with a drop of water on a light blue background surrounded by a dark blue ring with goldish text with an outer thin red ring then an outer white ring

The "Public Water Works" campaign is supported by the Corporate Accountability International, a non-profit organization founded in 1977. Their campaigns protect public health, the environment and democracy from abuse by transnational corporations. They promote an image of the world where no one goes thirsty, and with one of their campaigns, Challenge Corporate Control of Water, they want to help people get clean water. 

Illustration of a group of people holding up signs on sticks with illustrations of fish on top and red text on a white background

People joining together to support the same cause is represented by the silhouettes of people, but also the school of fish in the foreground. On the left, the large single white fish is taking a big bite from the group of small fish. The small fish are disorganized and swim in different directions. However, on the right, the group of small fish has become organized. They have formed into the shape of one fish, together united. Now, they as a group are big enough to take a bite from the single big fish. This metaphor shows that when people organize, they can rise up together against a single power.

Purple text on a light green background

Starting in the 1980s homelessness began to be seen as a growing issue, one that warranted the federal government stepping in. As a result the first federal task force on homelessness was formed and the McKinney-Vento Act (originally the Homeless Persons’ Survival Act) was passed. Since then homelessness has proven to be an issue due to various factors, such as the economy or mental health. Statistically the numbers in many areas with a significant homeless population have increased each year, leading to continued concerns and amendments to the McKinney-Vento Act.

Illustration of a black and white cow with a white cloud above with black text in it on a blue background

This button may have been worn by anti-nuclear protesters following the Three Miles Island meltdown, which killed many cows. This nuclear meltdown occurred on March 28, 1979, in Pennsylvania, United States. It was considered the worst accident in U.S. nuclear power plant history. After the meltdown, an estimated 65,000 people attended a march and rally against nuclear power. For months more would join the rallies and march all across the country. The cow on the button represents the cows that were poisoned and killed due to the meltdown.  

The button was designed by Carter Wentworth and was originally created for the Greenfield, Massachusetts group Alternative Energy Committee of Franklin County in 1976. According to Donnelly/Colt it was one of the most popular buttons of the anti-nuclear movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Red and blue text on a white background

This button is in opposition to the political, economic, and social views of the conservative politicians that hail from Texas. It is a variation on George H.W. Bush’s “read my lips, no new taxes” comment, which he uttered as a presidential candidate during his 1988 campaign. The button is meant to poke fun of the political figures that have come from Texas in the early 2000s, mainly former President George Bush. According to a 2000 article in the Los Angeles Times, political candidates from Texas have a reputation for boasting and boldness that rubs many people the wrong way. Texans’ tendency to dominate has long been visible in national politics and in Congress. 

Illustration of the top edge of a red building with a white banner with black text on it

Gentrification is a term that is used to describe a process of rebuilding of an urban area accompanied by the influx of middle-class and/or affluent people that often displaces poorer residents of the area. The term was created in 1964 and has been a source of debate and conflict ever since. Those who see it as beneficial often site that it brings money into the community. Those wo oppose it see it as diluting and changing the existing vibrant communities into something more bland as well as disadvantaging lower income people and communities.

Blue and red text and an illustration of a map of the United States on a white background

"Neighborhood bullies grow up to be global thugs" was a common phrase used during the Reagan era as part of punk rock political involvement. The political campaign during the Reagan administration included mudslinging towards opponents, which was met with criticism from young voters who disagreed with the tactic. As Reagan's later policies showed a strong hand towards countries in the middle east, the punk community used their platform to raise awareness for what strong arm tactics could lead to in a global arena.

Donnelly/Colt is a family-owned and operated mail order business that has been designing and distributing union-made progressive materials promoting peace, social and environmental justice and human rights since 1975.