631. Part
2 of Thomas Patterson joining us to discuss his new book, American Populist: Huey Long of Louisiana.
"Thomas E. Patterson’s monumental biography of Huey Long is a
profound reevaluation of his life and legacy, recognizing him as
an inspirational progressive thinker, populist hero, and radical
influence on the New Deal. Long transformed the politics of
Louisiana by standing for the interests of citizens whom state
officials had historically ignored. He eased suffrage
restrictions so that more people could vote, and voters endorsed
his program of more robust government services and shifting the
tax burden to those better able to pay. In
the United States Senate,... he advocated loudly and ceaselessly
for the redistribution of wealth, expanding public works,
increasing the money supply, insuring bank deposits, paying
old-age pensions and veterans’ benefits, delivering a minimum
income for families, and funding college and vocational
education. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, along with other
politicians and pundits, dismissed Long’s proposals as nonsense
put forth by a reckless demagogue in search of votes.... Despite
several biographies, acclaimed novels, and historical studies in
the years since Long’s death, his reputation today is mostly
caricature: a spellbinding speaker, a dictator, a populist
firebrand who was unprincipled and corrupt. Using previously
untapped personal papers of Long and his son Russell, other
primary sources, recent scholarship, and his experience as a
lawyer, Patterson provides a necessary corrective as he analyzes
the contours of Long’s career, deconstructs the elements of his
success, undercuts several myths related to his time in office,
and explains the circumstances that led to his ultimate
downfall. The result is the most comprehensive, balanced, and
analytical study of the Kingfish to date." Thomas Patterson
founded the Patterson Law Firm in Chicago, which
focuses on helping businesses manages crises. 

1. Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy.
   The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it
   as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in
   print for the first time in 221 years. Order your copy today!
   
   
   


2. This week in the Louisiana Anthology. Infelicia
   by Adah Isaacs Menken. Menken left New Orleans to travel the
   world as an actress.
   
   "I will revel in my passion.
   
   At midnight I will feast on it in the darkness.
   
   For it was that which thrilled its crimson tides of reckless
   passion through the blue veins of my life, and made them leap
   up in the wild sweetness of Love and agony of Revenge!
   
   I am starving for this feast.
   
   Oh forget not that I am Judith!
   
   And I know where sleeps Holofernes."
   
   


3. This week in Louisiana history. June 21, 1863. The Civil War
   Battle of Lafourche Railroad Crossing south of Thibodaux.
   
   


4. This week in New Orleans history. Gerald Stith was the 18th
   mayor of New Orleans, serving from June 21, 1858 until June
   18, 1860.
   
   


5. This week in Louisiana.
   
   Tower Trax ATV Park
   
   10247 LA-10
   
   Fluker, LA 70436
   
   Trails length:40+ mi/64.3+ km
   
   Terrain:2600 ac/10522 km²
   
   Consistence: Mostly mud
   
   One of the sports that is extremely popular in Hammond and
   attracts a lot of dirt lovers is quad biking. The best place
   to ride in the mud near Hammond is Tower Trax ATV Park. It is
   a 2600 ac/10522 km² area, offering more than 40 mi/64.3 km of
   trails, mud bogs, open meadows and deep creek crossings. Loose
   dirt, sand, a few steep hills, many water crossings, small
   jumps, berms, sand/gravel pits, a few roads, and some
   intersections are some of the amazing characteristics that you
   will come across in this awesome park. You might meet some
   rider traffic, so be prepared. The area is mostly suitable for
   amateurs, some novices and a little experts, containing
   hazards that are marked.
   
   


6. Postcards from Louisiana. Ludwig. "Thank God and Huey
   Long."  

Listen on Apple Podcasts.


Listen on audible.


Listen on Spotify.


Listen on TuneIn.


Listen on iHeartRadio.


The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.


Like us on Facebook.