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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Cartoon Drawing
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Cartoon Drawing

Artifact ID1988.12.45
Artist (1914 - 1978)
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 19 in x W 13 1/2 in (48.3 cm x 34.3 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ cries over small gifts ("Social Security”, “Foreign Aid", “Clean Meat Law”, and “Anti-Poverty") that Santa Claus ("90th Congress") has left. A letter (“Dear Santa: I want: 10% Tax Hike, Crime Law, Civil Rights Law xxx LBJ") hangs over the mantle. A Christmas tree is in the background. Artist signature lower left: "Roberts”.
Historical NoteThe 90th Congress served from January 3, 1967 to January 3, 1969. The Democrats had a supermajority in the Senate and a majority in the House. Because there were more Republicans in the 90th Congress than the 89th Congress, Johnson would have to negotiate across party lines to get enough votes. Some major legislation passed during this Congress was the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which included the Fair Housing Act, and the Gun Control Act of 1968. When 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 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. In December 1967, Johnson passed the Wholesome Meat Act, which required that states have their own meat inspection programs.
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
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