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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Society Salesman
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Society Salesman

Artifact ID1988.12.56
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (1914 - 1978)
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 15 3/4 in x W 13 1/4 in (40 cm x 33.7 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. At a train station, LBJ holds up ties ("Tax Hike”, “Viet Policy”, “Curb on Travel") from his suitcase ("Great Society") to a man ("Congress") with luggage ("Election Year"). Caption: “Society Salesman”. Artist signature lower right: "Roberts”.
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. To slow down the economy and prevent further inflation, either spending had to be cut or taxes had to be raised. In August 1964, US ships were seemingly attacked in the Gulf of Tonkin, leading to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution that allowed President Johnson to take military action. In February 1965, Johnson authorized Operation Rolling Thunder to bomb North Vietnam. Over 1965, President Johnson escalated the conflict to a full-scale war and over 1967, there were 500,000 American troops in Vietnam. President Johnson announced plans for a travel tax which would tax Americans traveling outside the Western hemisphere. However, this was shelved in March 1968 by the House Ways and Means Committee.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThis item was a gift from Marguerite Roberts (Mrs. William E. Roberts) to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum on May 31, 1988.
Credit LineGift of Marguerite Roberts
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts to the LBJ Library (National Archives Identifier 189698391)
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)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
Cleveland
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