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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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As the political boss of the state he commanded wide networks of supporters and was willing to take forceful action. He established the political prominence of the Long political family. Unlike Brownback, Huey’s constituents reactors stayed with him and loved him his whole lifetime, he made them feel as if they were good

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The wealthy thought Long was a dangerous man who could have what he wanted and when he wanted. Long was publicly criticized in the media for being a demagogue and dictator. He raised taxes on them forcing the rich to pay more than the poor. They disagreed with the “Share Our Wealth” plan which was designed to provide a decent standard living to all Louisiana residents by spreading the wealth among all people.

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In the 1935 radio address titled Share the Wealth given by Huey Long, Long laid out his political ideology to promote the greater good of society or the common good. During the year of 1935, Huey Long was suiting up for a presidential run against Franklin Delano Roosevelt, so therefore, he criticized Roosevelt’s “New Deal” and then proceeded to lay out his own solution. Long’s solution included six principles which were; first, every family will own a home that is worth more than or equal to one third of the average family wealth. Second, every family will own no more than three hundred times the average family wealth and no less than one third of the average family wealth. Third, every family will have an income equal to at least one third of the average family income and no more than three hundred times the average less than the ordinary income taxes.

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In addition, he proposed that no one should have more than 50 million dollars for his program to work. He also suggested pensions of 30 dollars a month to anyone older than sixty. Long’s entire proposition is to find a balance between production and consumption, work and free-time, and the rich and poor. He asserted that “it is not necessary or reasonable to have wealth piled up beyond that point where we cannot prevent poverty among the masses.” He desired to make “every man a king” by dispersing

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Long blamed his loss on the weather, which he thought could have prevented rural citizens from voting. Four years later, Long ran for governor again with his famous slogan “every man a king”. Louisiana's government would never be same (Project, Long

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