Issue How does Uncle Sam symbolize America? Starter Pat Oliphant, "Watch Out for the Backswing, Kid" (political cartoon) Not for reproduction or distribution. PAT OLIPHANT © Pat Oliphant. Reprinted with permission of UCLICK. All rights reserved. Focus Questions Why do you think Oliphant chose to depict Civil Liberties as a young child waving an American flag? What do you think Uncle Sam represents in this cartoon? How do you interpret Uncle Sam's attitude toward Civil Liberties? Do you believe this cartoon accurately reflects the position of civil liberties after September 11, 2001? Symbols of America Pathway: 1  2  3  4  5  All (.pdf) Note: The views expressed here have not been approved by the House of Delegates or the Board of Governors of the American Bar Association, and accordingly, should not be construed as representing the policy of the American Bar Association, nor do they represent the official position or policies of the ABA Standing Committee on Public Education.