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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'm Sick Already!
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

I'm Sick Already!

Artifact ID1966.64.41
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (United States, 1912 - 2000)
Publisher ()
Gifter
Date ca. July 1965
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 17 1/8 in x W 14 7/8 in (43.5 cm x 37.8 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A man ("J. Public U.S.A.") has opened his mailbox outside of his home. He is dizzy as he looks at a document ("Dear Sir: $ Sincerely Medicare") he found in his mailbox. Caption reads: "I'm Sick Already!”. Artist signature lower center: "Gib Crockett © The Washington Star". Additional text at upper left: "Release Upon Receipt The Washington Star Syndicate, 444 Madison Ave., New York 22, N.Y. The Crockett Cartoon".
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower left: "31 picas - Fri July 23 '65".
Historical NoteThe Medicare and Medicaid Act was signed by President Johnson on July 30, 1965. Medicare provided healthcare for the elderly, a fast-growing demographic, and Medicaid helped the poor. President Johnson signed the bill at the Truman Presidential Library to acknowledge the early attempts of Harry Truman to provide national healthcare. John Q Public is a character often included in political cartoons to depict the average citizen, often portrayed with glasses, a mustache, and a fedora. In this cartoon, John Q Public acknowledges the cost of Great Society programs such as Medicare.
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 personally, until the President donated it to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1970.
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.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
Washington
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