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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Trip to the Cleaners
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Trip to the Cleaners

Artifact ID1973.1.2810
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Publisher ()
Date ca. June 1968
Medium Ink, grease pencil and applied shading on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 17 in x W 14 in (43.2 cm x 35.6 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ presents a laundry ticket ("Spending Cut Reluctant Acceptance $6 Billion”) to a man ("Congress"). Behind him is the laundry, ("10% Surcharge") and Congress says, "Found tickee?...I've got washee". Caption: “Trip to the Cleaners”. Additional text at lower right: “New Orleans Times-Picayune June 1, 1968”. Artist signature lower right: "Pletcher”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower left: "For President Lyndon B. Johnson with all good wishes - Eldon Pletcher".
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 or lowering government spending would decrease inflation. In January 1967, Johnson pushed for a 6% surcharge on income taxes. In August, this request increased to 10% and it was passed in June 1968 as the Revenue and Expenditure Control Act of 1968.
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
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)
Person Referenced Everett Dirksen (United States, 1896 - 1969)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
New Orleans
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