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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Why Can't We Just Be Friends?
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Why Can't We Just Be Friends?

Artifact ID1973.1.1835
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (1917 - 1991)
Gifter
Publisher ()
Date ca. July 1967
Medium Ink, grease pencil and applied shading on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 15 in x W 10 3/4 in (38.1 cm x 27.3 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. In superhero costumes, LBJ ("USA") and a man (recognizable as Alexei Kosygin "USSR") stand back to back on clouds preparing to duel with space pistols. LBJ turns his head to speak. Caption: “​​Why Can't We Just Be Friends?”. Artist signature lower right: "Scott Long ‘67 Minneapolis Tribune".
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower center: "To LBJ with best wishes from Scott Long".
Historical NoteDuring the Johnson administration and general postwar era, much foreign policy was dictated by the Cold War, the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union for political influence amidst decolonization, associated with proxy wars, ideological struggles, the nuclear arms race, and the space race.
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 (American, 1908 - 1973)
Person Referenced Aleksey N. Kosygin (Russian, 1904 - 1980)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place Described
United StatesUSSR
Place of Publication
Minneapolis
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