Skip to main content
Collections Menu
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Otherwise, He's in Great Shape
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Otherwise, He's in Great Shape

Artifact ID1973.1.760
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist
Gifter
Publisher ()
Date ca. January 1967
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 18 3/8 in x W 14 1/2 in (46.7 cm x 36.8 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ rides a donkey ("State of the Union") and watches a man ("Yeah, You Know Who") feed the donkey money ("6% Surtax"). LBJ pushes two men ("Great Society”, “Oversold Civil Rights") off of the donkey's rear end. Caption: “Otherwise, He's in Great Shape”. Artist signature lower right: "Ralph Vinson”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at upper left: [red] “States editorial - Thur - Jan 12, 1967”. Handwritten at upper right: “414”. Handwritten at lower center: [red] “5 ¾””.
Historical NoteIn January 1967, Lyndon Johnson delivered a State of the Union Address addressing past achievements of the Johnson administration and issues such as crime, taxes, and foreign policy. When 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 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 this cartoon, the Great Society falls off the donkey, highlighting how there is not enough space on the Democratic platform for the Great Society and Johnson's other policies. 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.
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
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 Wilbur Mills (United States, 1909 - 1992)
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
New Orleans
Related Links