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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Take Away Just the Bread and Butter Like My Diet Says
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Take Away Just the Bread and Butter Like My Diet Says

Artifact ID1973.1.605
Date ca. October 1967
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 in x W 11 1/4 in (35.6 cm x 28.6 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A man ("Congress") yells at LBJ, an unhappy waiter, who removes a platter ("Pork Funds"). Congress points to a plate of bread ("Welfare Funds") on the table ("Economy Diet"). Caption: “Take Away Just the Bread and Butter Like My Diet Says”. Artist signature lower left: "Newton Pratt”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower center: [blue] “To The President with sincere personal regards Newton Pratt”. Handwritten at lower left: [strikethrough] “‘Why”. Handwritten at lower right: “10/17/67”.
Historical NoteThe most ambitious and controversial part of the Great Society was its initiative to end poverty. The Kennedy Administration had been contemplating a federal effort against poverty. Johnson, who, as a teacher, had observed extreme poverty in Texas among Mexican-Americans, launched an "unconditional war on poverty" in the first months of his presidency with the goal of eliminating hunger, illiteracy, and unemployment from American life.
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