My father was born in Winnfield, LA, and would often talk about the Long family. Because he was poor, he really believed in Huey P. When he was assassinated, Dad said the light went out of Louisiana. Poor people were devastated. The people "knew" he took graft but he also made things better for the people of Louisiana. He spoke their language and understood the people.
There is no doubt that Huey P Long was a divisive character. However, he got things done and this book makes a point of that. This book is not shy about showing Long's warts either. The book clearly outlines Long's Robin Hood plan to redistribute wealth. The author indicates that his push for the poor may have influenced Roosevelt's plan to establish Social Security.
It is not easy to categorize Huey P Long, even today. He was a complex man, probably a genius (he got so much done in a single day because he slept so little). People generally hated or lived Long. There was no middle ground with him. However, there is no doubt that Long pulled Louisiana up out of Third World status by his leadership regarding roads, education, and generally shifting the status quo.
There is no doubt that Huey P Long was a divisive character. However, he got things done and this book makes a point of that. This book is not shy about showing Long's warts either. The book clearly outlines Long's Robin Hood plan to redistribute wealth. The author indicates that his push for the poor may have influenced Roosevelt's plan to establish Social Security.
It is not easy to categorize Huey P Long, even today. He was a complex man, probably a genius (he got so much done in a single day because he slept so little). People generally hated or lived Long. There was no middle ground with him. However, there is no doubt that Long pulled Louisiana up out of Third World status by his leadership regarding roads, education, and generally shifting the status quo.
