Many born before 1960 may remember the nation’s interstate highways lined with forests of billboards, interspersed with unsightly businesses and junkyards. Those eyesores have largely disappeared, and travelers are treated to more scenic views with natural plantings. The change was propelled, in part, by what is known as Title I of the Highway Beautification Act of 1965. One driving force behind the change was Lady Bird Johnson, wife of President Lyndon Johnson, and her “Beautify America” campaign. Other First Ladies have championed other causes, such as Rosalyn Carter’s mental health advocacy efforts and Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No” drug campaign.
Today’s presidential spouse, Michelle Obama, has declared a “Let’s Move” initiative to reduce childhood obesity. It has garnered as much, if not more, attention than any previous movement—in part, because it is badly needed.