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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
The National Lightning Rod
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

The National Lightning Rod

Artifact ID1973.1.1480
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (born 1932)
Gifter
Date ca. May 1968
Medium Ink and applied shading on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 13 in x W 9 3/4 in (33 cm x 24.8 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ's face is in the glass ball of a lightning rod being struck by lightning ("Vietnam Criticism"). The rod is on the roof of a house painted with stars and stripes. A small piece of paper “Peoria Journal Star” adhered to lower right. Caption: “The National Lightning Rod”. Artist signature lower right: "John Riedell”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower right: “May 1968”.
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.
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.
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Subjects
Vietnam War
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