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copyright The Houston Chronicle. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; N…
copyright The Houston Chronicle. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; National Archives Records Administration
"Life's Inequalities" Cartoon
copyright The Houston Chronicle. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; National Archives Records Administration

"Life's Inequalities" Cartoon

Artifact IDMO 2024.1.38.45
Object Type Editorial Cartoon
Date 1962
Artist (Cartoonist for the Houston Chronicle, American, 1899-1977)
Publisher (American Newspaper)
Medium Charcoal, pencil, ink on paper
DimensionsOverall H 16 1/4 in x W 14 in (41.3 cm x 35.6 cm )

Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. An distraught Army Reservist Who Wants to Be Released cries to John F. Kennedy - who says "You Have My Sympathy But You Are Needed". In the background a soldier carry a gun asks "What are you gripping about?" "Berlin and Other Danger Fronts"
Historical NotePresident John F. Kennedy called up members of the Ready Reserve to active duty during the Berlin Crisis and the Oxford Incident. In 1961, Kennedy authorized the mobilization of up to 250,000 Ready Reservists to serve for up to 12 months. The mobilization was in response to the Berlin Crisis, when the Soviet Union sealed the border between East and West Berlin. This was unpopular with many reservists who felt they had no clear purpose and inadequate equipment.
The mobilization helped deter a war with the Soviets and demonstrated the U.S. commitment to West Berlin.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - FullyUse Restriction Note© The Houston Cronicle Use of this image is restricted. Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will notinfringe 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.
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