Huey Long Its Good To Be King Analysis

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Cameron Moore Its Good to Be King The stock market crash of 1929 is considered one of the worst periods in American history. The gap between the rich and the poor led to the crash. A rising politician, Huey Long was a key contributor in trying to lower the gap. His time in office was spent devising plans to create a more equal national economy. Long was well liked among most of his peers. His most ardent supporter was President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR). Having FDR as an ally, gave Long a feeling of invincibility. So much so, that he pushed his agenda of what America should be without regard for the American people themselves. In Long’s defense he only wanted to see what was best for the American people. During the late 1920’s Huey…show more content…
His ability to rule with absolute power is considered to be a characteristic of fascism. Many of his critics labeled him tyrant because he acted with impunity in allocating public works and government money. Huey lacked faith that the U.S. government would act in lock step with his beliefs. On numerous occasions he bypassed state laws to implement his own action plans. He believed his plans to benefit the poor were more important than restrictions imposed by federal and state legislatures. “He was a crook — but he had no money; a corrupt politician — but the cost of government is third-lowest in the country; a demagogue — but he kept his campaign promises; a hillbilly — but he had no racial prejudices; an ignoramus — but he ran a business administration; a dictator — but he broadened the suffrage; an opportunist — but he had ideals." Drew Pearson uttered this spot on analogy of Huey Long; he depicted Long as an uncouth man who helped raise a state from the depths of hell. Even though his tactics could be characterized as maverick, he effectively allowed for the state of Louisiana to flourish. One reason why people could have believed that he had succumbed to fascist customs is because his ego grew exponentially in office. After years of behaving in a free wheeling manner, Long began to embrace the notion that he didn’t have to follow the rules imposed by others. In Suzanne LeVert’s Huey Long: The Kingfish of Louisiana she explains that the fame and attention of the nation started to affect Huey’s ego. She quotes him saying “I am the constitution around here now.” Long started to imagine himself as a supreme leader. Some believe if it not for his assassination Huey would have tried to force his way into office again. Huey loved being in charge, he felt that he was the only person that could actually deliver results. People could also jump to conclusions that Huey Long was
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