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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Through the Sonic Barrier
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Through the Sonic Barrier

Artifact ID1973.1.587
Artist (United States, 1912 - 1981)
Publisher (founded 1829)
Date ca. January 1966
Medium Ink on Craftint paper
DimensionsOverall H 11 1/2 in x W 17 5/8 in (29.2 cm x 44.8 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ sits in an airplane ("Proposed Spending") that flies through a line obstacle ("$100 Billion Budget 'Limit'") in his path. An elephant below is startled by the "BANG!" and says, “Ow!”. Caption: “Through the Sonic Barrier”. Artist signature lower right: "B. Green”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower right: [blue] “Sun Journal” “16 Jan 66”. Handwritten at lower right: “55.5”.
Historical NoteThe Johnson Administration submitted 87 bills to Congress, and Johnson signed 84, or 96%, arguably the most successful legislative agenda in US congressional history, leading to a lot of government spending. In 1966, the year this cartoon was made, the United States federal government had a budget of $134.5 billion.
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 Baines Johnson Library and Museum 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