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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Sign It, Mr. President
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Sign It, Mr. President

Artifact ID1973.1.740
Artist (United States, 1912 - 2000)
Date ca. June 1968
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 18 1/4 in x W 15 in (46.4 cm x 38.1 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A large roll of paper ("Crime Bill") sits on LBJ’s desk. Caption: “Sign It, Mr. President”. Artist signature lower right: "Gib Crockett © The Washington Star 6-7-68".
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower right: “At least, Mr. President, it's a step in the right direction”.
Historical NoteThe War on Crime was a series of efforts to reduce crime in the United States. In 1967, the Johnson Crime Commission issued a report “The Challenge of Crime in a Free Society” that gave recommendations. The Crime Commission resulted in the creation of 911 as an emergency number, data collection about crime reporting rates, improved police training, the Community Oriented Policing Services program to decrease tension between police and the communities, and the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to fund local and state police. In June 1968, Johnson signed the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968.
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 Note© The Washington Star 1968
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)
Not on view
Place of Publication