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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Keypeek: But Mother, I'd Rather Do It Myself!
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Keypeek: But Mother, I'd Rather Do It Myself!

Artifact ID1973.1.1246
Artist (United States, 1911 - 1980)
Publisher (founded 1885)
Date ca. November 1968
Medium Ink and applied shading on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 10 3/4 in x W 6 1/2 in (27.3 cm x 16.5 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. Seen through a keyhole, LBJ as a woman looks at a man ("Vietnam’s Thieu") holding a briefcase ("peace talks"). Caption: “Keypeek: But Mother, I'd Rather Do It Myself!”. Artist signature lower right: "Herc Ficklen”. Additional text at lower left: “© The Ledger Syndicate Inc. T.M. World Rights Reserved”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower right: "With all best wishes to President Lyndon B. Johnson. Sincerely, Herc Ficklen".
Historical NoteNorth Vietnam did not want to recognize the government of South Vietnam and had the goal of reunification, while South Vietnam did not recognize the National Liberation Front. Meanwhile, the United States followed Containment policy, hoping to keep Communism from diffusing to other Southeast Asian nations, and aimed to leave Vietnam without the humiliation of defeat. Nguyen Van Thieu, the president of South Vietnam, was opposed to any concessions to the North Vietnamese.
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 Note© The Ledger Syndicate Inc. T.M. World Rights Reserved, 1968
Copyright 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 Nguyen Van Thieu (Vietnam, 1923 - 2001)
Not on view
Place of Publication
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