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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
I Know It's Bitter...
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

I Know It's Bitter...

Artifact ID1973.1.841
Artist (United States, 1916 - 1980)
Date ca. August 1967
Medium Ink and applied shading on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 10 1/4 in x W 14 3/8 in (26 cm x 36.5 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ offers a spoonful of medicine ("Tax Rise") to a small man (“Taxpayer”) who stands beside a tall man ("US Economy").Caption: “I Know It's Bitter, but I Wan't to Be Sure You Don't Spread Germs Around Him”. Artist signature lower right: "Fischetti”. A small piece of paper “Fischetti” adhered to upper left. A small piece of paper “Publishers-Hall Syndicate, 1967” adhered to upper center.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower right: “For President Johnson with best wishes, - John Fischetti”. Handwritten at lower left: “1501” “August 15, 1967”. Handwritten at lower center: “5 ½ x 7 ⅜ wide”.
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 slow down the economy and prevent inflation.
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 Baines Johnson Library and Museum 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 LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. The LBJ Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of 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
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