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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Do You Have To?
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Do You Have To?

Artifact ID1965.28.164
Artist (United States, 1912 - 2000)
Date ca. February 1964
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 15 in x W 14 1/4 in (38.1 cm x 36.2 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ walks the tightrope on a line on a "U.S. Economy" graph. He holds a balancing pole with a man in a top hat on one end, and a man ("Meany") smoking a cigar and juggling 6 balls on the other. LBJ's head is turned to speak to Meany. Caption reads: "Do You Have To?". Artist signature lower right: "Gib Crockett Washington Star".
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower left: "3 cols - Sat Feb 22 - '64". Handwritten at lower right: "A-4".
Historical NoteDuring the Johnson Administration, the president needed to meet the needs of both labor and the management. During his presidency, he brokered deals between both parties and avoided strikes, such as the railroad dispute in April 1964 and the steel strike in September 1965. George Meany was the president of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and merged it with the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) in 1955 and continued to be president of the combined AFL-CIO. As president of the AFL-CIO, he supported the Civil Rights Movement, domestic programs like Medicare, and the United Farm Workers union.
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)
Person Referenced George Meany (United States, 1894 - 1980)
Not on view
Place of Publication