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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
The Curb Inflation Act
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

The Curb Inflation Act

Artifact ID1973.1.942
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (United States, 1916 - 1978)
Publisher (founded 1920)
Gifter
Date ca. May 1966
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. LBJ is playing Hamlet on stage. He asks, "To tax or not to tax?" while the prompter ("Taxpayer") yells, "Cut Government Spending!". Caption: “The Curb Inflation Act”. Artist signature lower left: "Warren King”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower left: [blue] “Sat May 28-66”.
Historical NoteThe Johnson Administration submitted 87 bills to Congress, and Johnson signed 84, or 96%, arguably the most successful legislative agenda in US congressional history, leading to a lot of government spending. 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
Subjects
HamletTaxes
Place of Publication
New York
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