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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
How Long Can We Keep This Up?
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

How Long Can We Keep This Up?

Artifact ID1973.1.2120
Artist (United States, 1932 - 2022)
Publisher (founded 1888)
Date ca. February 1966
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 in x W 11 in (35.6 cm x 27.9 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ and a man are in a tank ("Viet Position -or- How to Stay in the Same Place & Still Move Forward") on a mountain peak. One slope leads in the direction of an arrow ("China Land War") and the other slope leads in the direction of another arrow ("Retreat"). The man speaks to LBJ. The gun on top of the tank spins in circles. Caption: “How Long Can We Keep This Up?”. Artist signature lower center: "Bob Taylor”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower center: "To Lyndon respectfully".
Historical NoteIn 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.
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
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
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