Skip to main content
Collections Menu
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Scalpel!
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Scalpel!

Artifact ID1973.1.1682
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (1919 - 2014)
Publisher (founded 1878)
Gifter
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 13 5/8 in x W 11 1/8 in (34.6 cm x 28.3 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. Surgeon LBJ gestures for a scalpel during an operation on a patient ("Non-military Spending"). His assistants ("Cities, States") look alarmed. Caption: “Scalpel!”. Artist signature lower right: "Jon Kennedy Ark. Democrat”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower center: “3 col Sun”.
Historical NoteThe Vietnam War cost an estimated $700,000,000 in 1965, $15,119,000,000 in 1966, $17,161,000,000 in 1967, and $19,278,000,000 in 1968. All this government spending from the war and Great Society, as well as a tax cut to increase spending by consumers and businesses, led to inflation.
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 (American, 1908 - 1973)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
Little Rock
Related Links