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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Something for the World to Think About
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Something for the World to Think About

Artifact ID1965.28.362
Artist (United States, 1905 - 1986)
Publisher (1922 - 1989)
Date ca. September 1965
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 1/2 in x W 11 1/8 in (36.8 cm x 28.3 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. Uncle Sam ("U.S.A.") sits with a man ("Panama")at a table and writes a document ("New Panama Canal Treaty"). Behind them, a man with the world for a head listens to another man, "Can you imagine a Communist power rewriting a treaty to give a smaller nation a better deal?" Caption reads: "Something for the World to Think About". Artist signature lower left: "Reg Manning [drawing of a cactus]". Additional text at lower right: "McNaught Syndicate, Inc.".
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at center left: "To President Johnson from a friend of his Latin-American expert, Jack Hood Vaughn, Reg Manning [drawing of a cactus] 10-31-65". Handwritten at lower left: "3 col". Handwritten and stamped at bottom center: "Sep 27 1965 Mailing".
Historical NoteIn January 1964, Panamanians protested the American control of the Panama Canal. In response, Lyndon Johnson began negotiations for a new treaty to eventually transfer control of the canal to the Panamanian government. 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.
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