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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Panning for a Quick Billion
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Panning for a Quick Billion

Artifact ID1973.1.2898
Artist (1901 - 1987)
Date ca. January 1966
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 22 1/8 in x W 19 7/8 in (56.2 cm x 50.5 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ kneels by a stream ("Excise Taxes") panning for gold. Beside him is a stack of papers ("Bills Rising Costs of Vietnam War"). Caption: “Panning for a Quick Billion”. Artist signature lower right: "Kuekes Jan. 17, 1966 Plain Dealer”.
Historical NoteLyndon B. Johnson signed the 1964 Revenue Act that decreased income taxes as well as a law decreasing excise taxes in June 1965. Excise taxes are taxes on the purchase of specific goods and services. He refused to raise taxes and 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.
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 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
Place of Publication
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