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"And Start Digging" Cartoon
copyright The Houston Chronicle.John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; National Archives Records Administration
"And Start Digging" Cartoon
copyright The Houston Chronicle.John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; National Archives Records Administration

"And Start Digging" Cartoon

Artifact IDMO 2024.1.38.54
Object Type Editorial Cartoon
Date 1962
Artist (Cartoonist for the Houston Chronicle, American, 1899-1977)
Publisher (American Newspaper, founded 1901)
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. John F. Kennedy hands a shovel [Multi Billion Dollar Shelter Program] to John Q. Public who is loaded down with a sack on his back full of "Peacetime Record of Appropriations $46,662,556,000 For Defense". Caption reads: "And Start Digging".
Historical NoteJohn F. Kennedy's prominent peacetime defense program was called "flexible response," which aimed to deter potential aggression from the Soviet Union by utilizing a variety of military options, including conventional forces, rather than solely relying on nuclear weapons, marking a shift away from the previous policy of massive retaliation.
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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