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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Congratulations, Mr. President...
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Congratulations, Mr. President...

Artifact ID1973.1.2958
Artist (United States, born 1927)
Date ca. June 1968
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 in x W 11 1/4 in (35.6 cm x 28.6 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A man (“Congress”) in a hospital gown hands a baby ("Tax Hike") with a mustache and long white beard to LBJ, who appears aged with a long white beard also. Caption: “Congratulations, Mr. President. Better Late Than Never”. Artist signature lower right: "Basset”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten across the bottom: "To Lyndon Johnson with best wishes - Gene Basset". Handwritten at lower right: “61”.
Historical NoteWhen Lyndon B. Johnson signed the 1964 Revenue Act that decreased income taxes and refused to raise taxes, spending by consumers and businesses increased. Along with government spending from the Vietnam War and Great Society, all of this increase of demand led to inflation. Raising taxes would decrease inflation. In January 1967, Johnson pushed for a 6% surcharge on income taxes.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to President Johnson during his term in office. It was received by President Johnson, until the President donated it to the Lyndon B Johnson Presidential Library in 1973.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library and Museum. The Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.

Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
Not on view
Place of Publication