Cul de Sac by Richard Thompson for February 14, 2011

There’s more to this story, I’m sure.

Old 8-and-7, Rutherford B. Hayes, the man who ended Reconstruction and one of the least accomplished presidents in our history.

And poor Petey probably has to do a report on him. He’ll be even more neurotic by the time he’s finished …

And a shoebox diorama probably won’t cut it for this report…

Petey’s answer on the test…’Buthford H Days’

rayannina, I’m guessing you’re right. This kills me (with laughter) because when I was Petey’s age, I had to do the same thing. I don’t know if anyone has the skills to make Rutherford B. Hayes interesting, but I won’t count out Thompson.

Oh no…another earworm?

You’ll think of something, Petey.

His hair’s gone critical. This can’t be good.

Sounds like a Presidents’ Day report to me.

When I was about petey’s age and learning the presidents, I thought he was related to me, until I realized he didn’t have an N in his name like I do,

Lousy president. Probably didn’t want to be the underwear president.

Besides Petey it could be worse you could have gotten William Henry Harrison

I’m sure Petey (with Thompson’s help) will xome up with something good… and he does a good job of telling the whole story with just the name.

Hey Petey!

Several things about Hayes: Three times Governor of the State of Ohio,

Closest Presidential election ever (smaller margin than Bush Vs Gore), his Democrat opponent won the popular vote, concession to END RECONSTRUCTION in the Southern States (after the Civil War) with the Democrats in Congress lead to his winning the Electoral College Vote.

Returned to the Gold Standard for backing U.S. “greenbacks” and averted a currency devaluation crisis.

Made a treaty with China, which included immigration and KEPT TO IT, when most of the Republicans wanted to INVALIDATE the Treaty.

Started the massive reform of Federal Civil Service, from all patronage jobs to competitive jobs.

And… Hayes believed in meritocratic government, equal treatment without regard to race, and improvement through education.

He had pledge to serve only ONE term and did NOT run for re-election.

I had to do a college paper on him… you’re welcomed.

my high school in Delaware, OH (1973-77) is named after him. Delaware is Hayes’ birthplace,, which is now marked with a bronze plaque in front of the gas station which replaced his home.

I agree, Barry. We have a Presidents’ Day diorama coming. (I cannot stand calling the third Monday “Presidents’ Day”. We have had so many presidents who never belonged in that office, and some who belonged in prison. I call it Washington-Lincoln Day. Yes, those men had their faults, but they were undeniably great presidents, and our country would be much worse–if it would still exist at all–without them. [I’d include Franklin Roosevelt if that wouldn’t make the day too big a mouthful, and F.D.R.’s birthday wasn’t in February, anyway.])

It’s because Rutherford B. Hayes reminds Petey or Ernesto! See here: http://www.gocomics.com/culdesac/2009/03/09/

Wow, that is just brilliant. I never would’ve believed the same three words repeated over five panels could be so funny. And they always end with a question mark. I can imagine Petey murmring in his sleep “Rutherford B. Hayes? … Rutherford B. Hayes?”

Rutherford B. Hayes is one of RT’s favorite Presidents, though (for comic potential; not as a role model). I expect he’ll throw in some of his little-known RBH facts by the end of the week.

Hmm, but doesn’t Petey love boring things? This should be perfect for him. right up there with his lint collection.

ivor1, I was in Lil Abner back in the day. I was Marryin’ Sam and had to sing “Jubilation T. Cornpone” as a solo!

I agree that Hayes is perfect for Petey. All he has to do is create a shoebox diorama with a little figure standing in the middle with a confused look on his face (and a desk behind him).

Hayes believed in meritocratic government, equal treatment without regard to race, and improvement through education.

He had pledged to serve only ONE term as President and did NOT run for re-election.

You know, Abe Lincoln was not well regarded in his day. At least Petey is a child in the info age. I had to do a report on my ethnic group (the bohemians) and could barely find anything in the encyclopedias of the day.

This should be good!

hey ponytail56, Do you really think RT wants us to fire up that poisonous debate again, here in his nice comic forum? Because no matter how loud you scream IN ALL CAPS LIKE A DOLT, will not change the truth that Bush-Cheney stole it. And look at our country ever since - we’re still suffering from the Bush Recession, which liars like you (of course!) blame on Obama!? I love this comic, and don’t want it to get ugly here. Thank you, Richard, for your excellent creations! :)

I once got Millard Fillmore. That wasn’t much fun.