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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Fat Man on Thin Ice
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Fat Man on Thin Ice

Artifact ID1973.1.2876
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist
Publisher
Gifter
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 12 5/8 in x W 10 7/8 in (32.1 cm x 27.6 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A large bag ("$186 Billion Budget") skates on ice with holes ("Danger Vietnam War Cost” “Gov't Spending” “Danger Inflation"). Nearby, LBJ asks a man ("90th Congress"), "How about a 10% Tax Surcharge?". Caption: “Fat Man on Thin Ice”. Artist signature lower right: "Shevchik”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at upper left: [illegible].
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. The 90th Congress served from January 3, 1967 to January 3, 1969. The Democrats had a supermajority in the Senate and a majority in the House. Because there were more Republicans in the 90th Congress than the 89th Congress, Johnson would have to negotiate across party lines to get enough votes. Some major legislation passed during this Congress was the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which included the Fair Housing Act, and the Gun 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)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
Beaver Falls
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