Panaceas
The politics of depression produced few California leaders who could meet the awesome challenges presented by a collapsed economy. Into this leadership vacuum moved visionaries who offered hope and comfort to those in need. Their offerings usually were nothing more than panaceas, simple cure-alls for a universe of complex problems.
Sister Aimee Semple McPherson preached the "Four Square Gospel" each Sunday to her enthusiastic followers in Los Angeles. A more secular approach was taken by the technocrats and utopians. Security for the elderly was offered by those who called their plan "Ham 'n' Eggs." Supporters of the Townsend plan for old-age relief became a powerful force in state and national politics.