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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Words We're Waiting to Hear
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Words We're Waiting to Hear

Artifact ID1973.1.872
Date ca. April 1965
Medium Ink, grease pencil and black crayon on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 16 3/4 in x W 13 1/2 in (42.5 cm x 34.3 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ talks on the telephone to a woman ("Federal Excise Tax") who has patched into his phone line. He shouts, "Time you got off the line, ma'am" while a smiling man "John Q." listens on the line and a cat with a polka dot bow tie holds onto the line saying "Hear Hear". Caption: “Words We're Waiting to Hear”. Artist signature lower right: "Vic Runtz news ‘65”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower left: [blue] “Bangor Daily News” “3 col line ed page Thurs”. Handwritten at lower right: [blue] “April 15, 1965”.
Historical NoteExcise taxes are taxes on the purchase of specific goods and services. In June 1965, President Johnson signed a law decreasing excise taxes. 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
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