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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Look Behind You LBJ
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Look Behind You LBJ

Artifact ID1965.28.316
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (United States, 1916 - 1978)
Gifter
Publisher (founded 1920)
Date ca. September 1965
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 24 in x W 18 in (61 cm x 45.7 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. Weeping, LBJ speaks into a microphone on a podium, "Why do we have so much crime?". Behind him a man in a rocking chair ("The Courts") bottle-feeds a man holding a smoking gun. Caption reads: "Look Behind You LBJ". Artist signature lower right: "Warren King".
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten across bottom: "To President Lyndon B. Johnson - With respect and best wishes Warren King The News Sept 10/65". Handwritten at lower left: "For Sat 10 65".
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 this cartoon, the perceived leniency of the courts prevents Johnson’s War on Crime from having its full effect.
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.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
New York
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