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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
If It Ain't One Thing, It's Another
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

If It Ain't One Thing, It's Another

Artifact ID1973.1.1726
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist
Publisher ()
Gifter
Date ca. August 1967
Medium Ink and applied shading on illustration board
DimensionsOverall H 20 in x W 15 in (50.8 cm x 38.1 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A man ("You Know Who") wears a yoke ("Cost of Living") to pull another man ("Great Society Boondoggle") on a covered wagon ("State, Fed, Local Tax Load") toward land (“Growing Vietnam Costs”). Another man holds an axe ("10% Surtax Request"). A cattle skull lies on the ground and a cactus grows in the foreground. Caption: “If It Ain't One Thing, It's Another”. Artist signature lower right: "Ralph Vinson".
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower left: [red] “States editorial”. Handwritten at lower center: [red] “5 ¾”. Handwritten at lower right: [red] “Sat. Aug 5, 1967”. Handwritten at upper right: “440”.
Historical NoteWhen 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. John Q Public is a character often included in political cartoons to depict the average citizen, often portrayed with glasses, a mustache, and a fedora.
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
Vietnam
Place of Publication
New Orleans
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