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Huey Long Scandal

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Many people believe corruption and fraud go as far back as politics itself. From the first forms of government to modern day politics, civic leaders have been manipulating and dominating their citizens to quench their hunger for power and rise to the top. One of the most notorious corrupt politicians during American history was Huey Long, governor and senator of Louisiana. With his use of political felony and unethical techniques, assassination attempts were looming threats in Long’s future, and at the peak of his career, that very thing happened. The assassination of Huey Long, following years of corruption and political controversy as a prominent governmental leader, involves the hateful actions of a vengeful man which left behind mysteries …show more content…

Rising out from rural yet middle class origins, Long became governor in 1928 experienced and with past skills of sales and law that would aid him through a productive term (Ryan 1-2; Gustainis 191-192). It also allowed him to swing into action almost immediately. Long improved the state of Louisiana with infrastructural and educational renovations funded with heavy taxing among the rich and monopolized oil companies (“Long, Huey Pierce” 583; McElvaine 588). It was most likely here, the targeting of the wealthy, that initiated thoughts of assassination. Once elected senator in 1930, Long became popular from his “Share Our Wealth” plan to distribute all wealth equally among all social classes (McElvaine 589). McElvaine best explains Long’s ideas when he states, “By confiscating yearly income above $1 million and total assets beyond $5 million, Long would provide every family with a home, an automobile, and a radio worth at least $5,000, an annual income of $2,500, and free college educations” (589). The poor who would benefit from this endorsed the plan eagerly, but the wealthy began to despise Long completely. Even more drastic than Long’s controversial plans targeting the wealth, his use of corruption was a blatant sign that he was not fit for and detrimental as governor. According to

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