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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Innocent Bystander
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Innocent Bystander

Artifact ID1966.64.241
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (United States, 1907 - 1981)
Gifter
Publisher (founded 1885)
Date ca. March 1966
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 11 3/8 in x W 14 1/4 in (28.9 cm x 36.2 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ reaches for wooden paddle ("Tax Increase") hanging on a wall, while a fat man ("Inflation") and a small man lean over. The small man says: "P-Please... Isn't there some other cure?". Caption reads: "Innocent Bystander". Artist signature lower right: "Bill McClanahan - Dallas News -".
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower right: "To President Lyndon Johnson, Best Wishes" "4/3/66" "[in red] 65.7".
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, all of this increase of demand led to 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 personally, until the President donated it to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1970.
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
Dallas
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