Skip to main content
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
These Are the Times That Tax Mens' Souls
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

These Are the Times That Tax Mens' Souls

Artifact ID1973.1.3000
Artist (United States, 1908 - 1980)
Publisher (founded 1880)
Date ca. January 1968
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 17 in x W 14 in (43.2 cm x 35.6 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. Frame 1: A man sweats as he completes paperwork ("'67 Tax Return"). Frame 2: LBJ works on a paper ("Plans for 10% '68 Tax Boost"). A small piece of paper “ © 1968 Buffalo Evening News, Inc.” adhered to lower right. Caption: "These Are the Times that Tax Mens' Souls." Artist signature lower right: "Bruce Shanks 1-15-68”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower right: [blue] “Best to LBJ!”.
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 or lowering government spending would decrease inflation. In January 1967, Johnson pushed for a 6% surcharge on income taxes. In August, this request increased to 10% and it was passed in June 1968 as the Revenue and Expenditure Control Act of 1968.
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 B Johnson Presidential Library in 1973.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction Note© Buffalo Evening News, Inc.
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
Subjects
Place of Publication