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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Bowlegged Gate Tender
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Bowlegged Gate Tender

Artifact ID1973.1.868
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (United States)
Gifter
Publisher ()
Date 1967
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 17 1/2 in x W 13 5/8 in (44.5 cm x 34.6 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ ("Admin.") sits in front of a barnyard gate holding a sign ("Attention taxpayers we have to raise taxes to halt inflation"). A pig ("Give labor what it wants") runs between his legs. Another pig ("Inflationary wage settlements") comes running. Two pigs have already left the pen. A small man stands next to LBJ. Caption: “Bowlegged Gate Tender”. Artist signature lower left: "Dowling The Kansas City Star”. A small piece of paper “Pubishers-Hall Syndicate, 1967” adhered to lower center.
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 slow down the economy and prevent inflation. 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 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)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
Kansas City
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