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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Better Tell Him Who's Already Here
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Better Tell Him Who's Already Here

Artifact ID1973.1.3007
Artist (United States)
Date 1967
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 17 5/8 in x W 13 1/2 in (44.8 cm x 34.3 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A man ("Inflation") steals jewelry and money upstairs. His footsteps lead up the stairs to him. Downstairs, a man tugs at LBJ and points to the robber. A chair ("10% surtax to head off Inflation --LBJ") is under the front door knob. A small piece of paper “Publishers-Hall Syndicate, 1967” adhered to lower right. Caption: “Better Tell Him Who's Already Here”. Artist signature lower right: "Dowling The Kansas City Star”.
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 or lowering government spending 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.
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
Place of Publication