Ohio Edison Ad – July 4, 1951

Here’s an interesting ad from Ohio Edison from the pages of the July 4, 1951 Lorain Journal with a theme that probably resonates with many people: limiting the powers of our government.

The ad beseeches Americans to think about the words of the Declaration of Independence and answer them with a declaration of their own: to declare that government is responsible to its citizens (rather than for them); to declare that freedom is more important than survival; and to declare that our God-given rights may not be taken away by our government.

It's hard to imagine such an ad running today, when corporations are focused on protecting their bottom line and avoiding controversy. 

But for many Americans, the thoughts and beliefs outlined in the ad ring just as true today as they did in 1951.

As for me, I’m surprised Ohio Edison didn’t feature our old pal Reddy Kilowatt in the ad, dressed up like a Minute Man.