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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Of Course, There Are Exceptions to Every Program
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Of Course, There Are Exceptions to Every Program

Artifact ID1973.1.650
Artist (United States, 1902 - 1971)
Date ca. April 1964
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 1/2 in x W 14 1/4 in (36.8 cm x 36.2 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ leans to speak to an elephant seated on a bench. The elephant holds a newspaper ("LBJ Declares War on Poverty--Jobless to Receive Help"). Caption: “Of Course, There Are Exceptions to Every Program”. Artist signature lower right: "Jim Berryman Washington Star”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at upper left: “3 cols. Tues. April 28, 64”. Handwritten at lower right: “A-10”.
Historical NoteThe most ambitious and controversial part of the Great Society was its initiative to end poverty. The Kennedy Administration had been contemplating a federal effort against poverty. Johnson, who, as a teacher, had observed extreme poverty in Texas among Mexican-Americans, launched an "unconditional war on poverty" in the first months of his presidency with the goal of eliminating hunger, illiteracy, and unemployment from American life.
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 Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library and Museum. The Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these 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