"Heavens Haven't You Got Anything Cheaper?" Cartoon
Artifact IDMO 2024.1.38.53
Object Type
Editorial Cartoon
Date
1962
Artist
Ferman Martin
(Cartoonist for the Houston Chronicle, American, 1899-1977)
Publisher
The Houston Chronicle
(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. In the Bargain Basement, a sheepish JFK holds a Life Saver and sells Foreign Aid reduced to $4.9 Billion while offering "Crying Towels". A man (Congress) dressed in a suit jumps up, arms raised, his hat and glasses flying off his head in protest of high price. Caption reads "Heavens Haven't You Got Anything Cheaper?".
Historical NoteJohn F. Kennedy's most notable foreign aid initiative was the creation of the Peace Corps, a program that sent American volunteers to developing countries to assist with education, healthcare, and community development, aiming to promote economic development and combat communist influence during the Cold War; he also strongly supported the "Alliance for Progress" aimed at improving social and economic conditions in Latin America, and worked to strengthen the existing "Food for Peace" program by redirecting its focus towards development rather than just surplus disposal.
Key points about Kennedy's foreign aid policy:
Peace Corps:
Considered Kennedy's signature foreign aid program, established by executive order in 1961, sending volunteers to assist developing nations with various community development projects.
Alliance for Progress:
A major initiative to provide economic aid and promote social reform in Latin America, aiming to counter communist influence in the region.
Food for Peace:
Kennedy emphasized using this program not just to dispose of surplus American food but also as a tool for economic development in recipient countries.
Focus on emerging nations:
Kennedy prioritized providing aid to newly independent countries in Africa and Asia, believing economic development could prevent them from falling under communist influence.
Modernization theory:
Kennedy's foreign aid strategy was largely based on the idea that providing technical assistance and economic support could help developing countries modernize and improve their living standards.
Additional DetailsKey points about Kennedy's foreign aid policy:
Peace Corps:
Considered Kennedy's signature foreign aid program, established by executive order in 1961, sending volunteers to assist developing nations with various community development projects.
Alliance for Progress:
A major initiative to provide economic aid and promote social reform in Latin America, aiming to counter communist influence in the region.
Food for Peace:
Kennedy emphasized using this program not just to dispose of surplus American food but also as a tool for economic development in recipient countries.
Focus on emerging nations:
Kennedy prioritized providing aid to newly independent countries in Africa and Asia, believing economic development could prevent them from falling under communist influence.
Modernization theory:
Kennedy's foreign aid strategy was largely based on the idea that providing technical assistance and economic support could help developing countries modernize and improve their living standards.
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
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - FullyUse Restriction Note© The Houston Cronicle
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