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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
And Just Think--I Asked for This Job!
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

And Just Think--I Asked for This Job!

Artifact ID1973.1.2198
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (United States, 1912 - 2000)
Gifter
Publisher ()
Date ca. August 1967
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 19 in x W 15 in (48.3 cm x 38.1 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ sits at his desk reviewing papers ("Vietnam”, “Tax Hike”, “Riots”, and “Urban Programs"). A squawking peace dove sits on his head. Caption: “And Just Think--I Asked for This Job!”. Artist signature lower right: "Gib Crockett © The Washington Star”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower left: “31 picas - Wed Aug 23 ‘67”.
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. 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. By 1965, President Johnson escalated the conflict to a full-scale war and over 1967, there were 500,000 American troops in Vietnam. The Fair Housing Act was a part of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. It was signed by Lyndon Johnson on April 11, 1968 that made housing discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, or national origin illegal. Over 150 race-related riots took place in cities across the country during the Long, Hot Summer of 1967 in response to unemployment, police brutality, and discrimination. In response, President Johnson authorized the Kerner Commission to investigate the causes of the riots, and politicians such as Richard Nixon campaigned on “law and order” during the 1968 presidential election.
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 Note©1967, The Washington Star
 Copyright 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
Washington
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