"Foreign Aid Cow" Cartoon
Artifact IDMO 2024.1.38.86
Object Type
Editorial Cartoon
Date
1962
Artist
Ferman Martin
(Cartoonist for the Houston Chronicle, American, 1899-1977)
Publisher
The Houston Chronicle
(American Newspaper, founded 1901)
Medium
Charcoal, pencil, ink on paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 in x W 22 in (35.6 cm x 55.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionOriginal black and white cartoon drawing. John F. Kennedy dresses as a cowboy, with a concerned or frustrated expression, is holding a rope that is loosely tied around the neck of a small, passive cow labeled "Foreign Aid". A group of wild stampeeding cattle in the background, labeled "Legislation" are running out of control.
Historical NoteThis polictical cartoon critiques President Kennedy's struggles in advancing his domestic agenda in Congress, suggesting that while he was focused on foreign aid, his legislative priorities were slipping away from him. Kennedy successfully prioritzed foreign aid as a strong advocate for international programs like the Peace Corps and aid to developing nations through his Alliance for Progress programs, but at home, many of his legislative efforts such as civil rights and tax cuts faced resistance in Congress. President Kennedy often struggled to pass major legislative reforms due to opposition from Southern Democrats and conservative Republicans. Ferman Martin uses cowboy imagery as a way to symbolize this point.
Additional DetailsCustodial 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
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.In Collection(s)
Not on view
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