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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
On the Horns of a Dilemma
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

On the Horns of a Dilemma

Artifact ID1973.1.825
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (United States, 1912 - 1981)
Publisher (founded 1829)
Gifter
Date ca. December 1966
Medium Ink on Craftint paper
DimensionsOverall H 12 3/4 in x W 17 1/2 in (32.4 cm x 44.5 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ sits on the head of a large longhorn cow ("The Economy"). Two large bags ("War on Poverty”, “War in Vietnam") hang on the horns. Caption: “On the Horns of a Dilemma”. Artist signature lower right: "B. Green”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsPrinted across bottom: [Craftint manufacturer's markings]. Handwritten at lower right: [blue] “Journal Fri” “30 Dec 66”. Handwritten at lower right: “55”.
Historical NoteThe most ambitious and controversial part of the Great Society was its initiative to end poverty. The Kennedy Administration had been contemplating a federal effort against poverty. Johnson, who, as a teacher, had observed extreme poverty in Texas among Mexican-Americans, launched an "unconditional war on poverty" in the first months of his presidency with the goal of eliminating hunger, illiteracy, and unemployment from American life. In August 1964, US ships were seemingly attacked in the Gulf of Tonkin, leading to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution that allowed President Johnson to take military action. In February 1965, Johnson authorized Operation Rolling Thunder to bomb North Vietnam and in March, 3500 Marines were deployed in Vietnam. Over 1965, President Johnson escalated the conflict to a full-scale war and over 1966, the year this cartoon was made, there were 400,000 American troops in Vietnam. LBJ’s public image was influenced by both his Great Society domestic policies and involvement in Vietnam.
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
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 189698395)
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)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
Providence
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