Texas Tales: LBJ's Comic Side

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Ken Ashworth, a former Texas Commissioner of Higher Education, shares amusing anecdotes about President Lyndon B. Johnson in his book, "Stories Better Not Told".

In one story, LBJ is disturbed by an owl outside the White House. He orders Secret Service agents to "get a gun and shoot the son of a bitch." When they refuse, he tells them to "shinny up that tree and strangle the son of a bitch."

Another tale reveals LBJ's desire for direct answers. A Secret Service agent is transferred because he couldn't answer LBJ's odd questions. Supervisors instructed agents to "make something up if necessary, but don't say you don't know."

Ashworth, 92, grew up in poverty and had a 20-year career in Texas government. His storytelling skills and historical insight make "Stories Better Not Told" an entertaining read.

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More from Ashworth's Book:

• Inside LBJ's Hidden Downtown Austin Offices
• The Vietnam War Split Austin Wide Open