Editorial Cartoonists of the Atlanta Journal and Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) :: Lou Erickson ("Eric") – The South’s Gentle Satirist

"Bicycle Built for Thieu" – Original Published Editorial Cartoon by Lou Erickson (1972)

Artist: Lou Erickson (Penciller)

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Bicycle Built for Thieu – Original Published Editorial Cartoon by Lou Erickson (1972) Comic Art

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The Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia) · Sun, Oct 8, 1972 · Page 22

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Artwork Details

Title:	"Bicycle Built for Thieu" – Original Published Editorial Cartoon by Lou Erickson (1972)
Artist:	Lou Erickson (Penciller)
Media Type:	Pen and Ink
Art Type:	Sketch Card
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	28
Likes on CAF:	0 1
Comments:	2
Added to Site:	8/11/2025
Comic Art Archive:

Description

Title: Bicycle Built for Thieu
Artist: Lou Erickson (Penciller)
Date Published: Sunday, October 8, 1972
Medium: Pen and Ink on sketch card
Status: Published original art
Publication: The Atlanta Constitution (editorial cartoon section)

Description & Imagery
This original Lou Erickson cartoon depicts a tandem bicycle labeled for South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu. Thieu occupies the rear seat while the front is driven by a caricature burdened with three heavy saddle bags labeled “Suppression,” “Dictatorship,” and “Censorship.” The title puns on the well-known 1892 song “A Bicycle Built for Two,” turning a lighthearted phrase into a biting political critique.

Historical Context — October 1972
In October 1972, the Vietnam War was in a pivotal stage. The US and North Vietnam were on the verge of finalizing a peace agreement through the Paris Peace Talks. Henry Kissinger and Le Duc Tho were close to terms, but Thieu resisted, believing the accords would hand victory to the communists.

Nixon Administration Pressure: Washington pushed Thieu to accept the terms, even as his regime was accused of widespread corruption, repression of political opponents, and strict control over the press.

American Media Perception: Many US commentators viewed Thieu as an obstacle to peace, kept in place largely through US political and military support.

Satirical Message
Erickson uses the bicycle metaphor to highlight the self-defeating nature of Thieu’s leadership. Rather than pedaling toward peace, the “vehicle” is propelled by authoritarian baggage, making progress impossible. The cartoon reflects American frustration with Thieu’s stance just weeks before Nixon’s landslide re-election and the signing of the Paris Peace Accords in January 1973.

Relevance & Provenance
This cartoon captures a highly specific and historically charged moment, making it a strong piece for Vietnam War–era editorial art collections. Its satire remains sharp, illustrating both US political commentary on a foreign leader and the interplay between American policy and allied regimes. As an authenticated Lou Erickson original tied to a documented publication date, it holds both historical and collector value.

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	Alan E Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	May 2025
Last Login:	September 2025
Country:	UNITED STATES
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Comments on this Artwork

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Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005

Posted on 8/11/2025

Everything about this era was politically charged from domestic to foreign policies. He's also peddaling while looking backwards showing how he's not interested.

Alan E
Member Since 2025

1 - Posted on 8/11/2025

Marcus Wai wrote:

Everything about this era was politically charged from domestic to foreign policies. He's also peddaling while looking backwards showing how he's not interested.

that was a recurring gag Erickson used... he used the backward bike with Maddox, probably on multiple occasions

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