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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Cartoon Drawing
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Cartoon Drawing

Artifact ID1973.1.966
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (American, born 1931)
Publisher
Gifter
Medium Pencil on tracing paper
DimensionsOverall H 12 in x W 9 1/4 in (30.5 cm x 23.5 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A man ("J. Q. Taxpayer") with horseshoe prints ("10% Tax Increase”, “Nominal Spending Cut") on his backside angrily comments, "Someone ought to award LBJ an honorary degree in Psychology!". Artist signature lower right: "Jack Bender Washington, D.C.”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at upper right: “85 ½”. Handwritten at lower right: “#2”. Handwritten at lower left: [reverse] “Box 13 A” “73.1.966”.
Historical NoteWhen 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. 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 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 (American, 1908 - 1973)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
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