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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Things Are Tough All Over
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Things Are Tough All Over

Artifact ID1988.12.93
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (1914 - 1978)
Date ca. August 1964
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 19 1/4 in x W 13 5/8 in (48.9 cm x 34.6 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. Two men outside a shack listen to a radio ("Johnson's wealth set at three million…Flash- President signs the poverty bill"). One man says, "They're playin' our song!". Caption: “Things Are Tough All Over”. Artist signature lower right: "Bill Roberts”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower right: “8/21/64”.
Historical NoteThe most ambitious and controversial part of the Great Society was its initiative to end poverty. The Kennedy Administration had been contemplating a federal effort against poverty. Johnson, who, as a teacher, had observed extreme poverty in Texas among Mexican-Americans, launched an "unconditional war on poverty" in the first months of his presidency with the goal of eliminating hunger, illiteracy, and unemployment from American life.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThis item was a gift from Marguerite Roberts (Mrs. William E. Roberts) to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum on May 31, 1988.
Credit LineGift of Marguerite Roberts
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts to the LBJ Library (National Archives Identifier 189698391)
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
Place of Publication
Cleveland
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