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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
A Great Debate Goes on and On
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

A Great Debate Goes on and On

Artifact ID1973.1.1345
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Publisher ()
Date ca. August 1967
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 16 3/4 in x W 14 in (42.5 cm x 35.6 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A hawk wears a button ("Win or Get Out") and a dove also wears a button ("This is All a Big Mistake"). They squawk at each other as they perch on a sign ("Bombing Closer and Closer to Red China"). Caption: “A Great Debate Goes on and On”. Artist signature lower left: "Pletcher”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower right: “To President Johnson, holder of the world's toughest job... best wishes Eldon Pletcher”. Handwritten at lower left: “New Orleans Times-Picayune - Aug. 17, 1967”.
Historical NotePro-war “hawks” supported escalating the war to stop the spread of Communism in Southeast Asia. Pro-war figures believed that the war could be won if the United States had enough public support. Anti-war “doves” included both people who opposed the war ideologically, considering it to be unjust, and people who just believed the war was unwinnable. The number of doves increased over the course of the war. The United States ensured that it would not want a war with China, especially after China detonated its first atomic bomb in 1964, but also remained steadfast in its position on Vietnam.
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
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 189698395)
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.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place Described
China
Place of Publication
New Orleans
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