June 18 - Meltdown: The Startling Tale of a Louisiana Governor's Institutionalization
Looking Beyond the Facade
This is the day Louisiana Governor Earl K. Long was committed to a state mental hospital in 1959.
In today's lesson, we will delve into the complexities of the human experience, exploring how even those in positions of power and influence can face profound personal struggles.
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
This Date in History
In the weeks leading up to June 18, 1959, Louisiana Governor Earl K. Long's behavior had become increasingly erratic and concerning to those around him. Long, known for his flamboyant personality and heavy drinking, had begun to display signs of mental instability that went beyond his usual eccentricities.
Witnesses reported that Long had been making incoherent and paranoid statements, accusing people of plotting against him and claiming that he was being followed by the FBI. He had also become physically aggressive, throwing objects and threatening staff members.
Long's wife, Blanche Long, had recently filed for divorce, and the governor was facing political challenges from his opponents. These personal and professional stresses likely exacerbated his mental health issues.
As his behavior continued to deteriorate, Long's family and close advisors became increasingly worried about his well-being and his ability to govern effectively. They decided to take action and sought the help of medical professionals to evaluate Long's mental state.
On June 18, 1959, a team of doctors, including Dr. Charles Belcher, the director of the Southeast Louisiana Hospital in Mandeville, arrived at the governor's mansion to assess Long. After a thorough examination, they determined that Long was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia and deemed him mentally unfit to continue serving as governor.
Despite Long's status as the sitting governor, the doctors and Long's family were able to have him legally committed to the mental hospital under the provisions of Louisiana's mental health laws. The commitment process was carried out with the cooperation of state officials and law enforcement.
Upon being admitted to the hospital, Long was placed under the care of Dr. Belcher. However, Long refused to accept his confinement and took matters into his own hands. Using his authority as governor, Long had Dr. Belcher fired and replaced him with a political ally, Dr. Titus Harris.
Dr. Harris, who was not a psychiatrist but rather a general practitioner, quickly proclaimed Long to be perfectly sane and released him from the hospital after just a few days. The move was seen as a blatant abuse of power and raised questions about the integrity of the mental health system in Louisiana.
Long's commitment to the mental hospital and his subsequent release became a national news story, with many questioning the legitimacy of his mental health evaluation and the political machinations behind it. The incident shed light on the complex intersection of politics and mental health, and the potential for abuse of power in such situations.
Despite the controversy, Long remained in office as governor until his term ended later that year. He continued to be a colorful and polarizing figure in Louisiana politics until his death in 1960.
The Earl K. Long incident remains a bizarre and troubling chapter in Louisiana's political history, highlighting the challenges of addressing mental health issues in positions of power and the potential for corruption and manipulation within the system.
Historical Context
In the 1950s, mental health treatment in the United States was still in its early stages, with limited understanding and resources compared to modern times. The commitment of individuals to mental institutions was often a controversial and politically charged issue, especially when it involved high-profile figures like Governor Earl K. Long of Louisiana.
Long, a member of the influential Long political dynasty, had a reputation for his colorful personality, populist policies, and heavy drinking. He had previously served as governor from 1939 to 1940 and again from 1948 to 1952. In 1959, he was serving his third term as governor, but his behavior had become increasingly erratic and concerning.
Louisiana, like many other states at the time, had laws that allowed for the involuntary commitment of individuals deemed mentally unfit. These laws, however, were often vague and open to interpretation, leading to potential abuse and political manipulation.
The commitment of Governor Long to the Southeast Louisiana Hospital in Mandeville highlighted the tensions between mental health treatment, personal liberties, and political power. It raised questions about the extent to which elected officials could be removed from office due to mental health concerns and the proper procedures for doing so.
Long's ability to have the hospital director fired and replaced with a political ally who subsequently declared him sane further complicated the situation. It demonstrated the potential for abuse of power and the blurring of lines between political influence and medical decision-making.
The incident also shed light on the broader issues surrounding mental health treatment in the United States at the time. Mental hospitals were often underfunded, understaffed, and lacking in proper oversight. Patients' rights were not always protected, and the stigma surrounding mental illness was pervasive.
The Earl K. Long case became a national story, sparking discussions about the need for improved mental health services, clearer commitment procedures, and greater accountability in the treatment of individuals with mental illnesses, particularly those in positions of power.
In the following decades, significant advancements were made in mental health treatment, including the deinstitutionalization movement, increased funding for community-based care, and greater legal protections for individuals with mental illnesses. However, the Earl K. Long incident remains a reminder of the complex challenges at the intersection of politics, power, and mental health.
Did You Know?
Governor Earl Long's brother was the infamous Huey Long, who had previously served as the governor of Louisiana from 1928 to 1932 and as a U.S. Senator from 1932 until his assassination in 1935. Earl Long had a tumultuous relationship with his brother Huey, and their political careers were often intertwined.
Learn More
Earl K. Long: The Saga of Uncle Earl and Louisiana Politics - Michael L. Kurtz and Morgan D. Peoples
The Longs of Louisiana - Stan Opotowsky
Kingfish: The Reign of Huey P. Long - Richard D. White Jr.
The Earl of Louisiana - A. J. Liebling
Today’s Reflection
The story of Louisiana Governor Earl K. Long's commitment to a mental hospital in 1959 is a stark reminder that appearances can be deceiving, especially when it comes to mental health. To the outside world, Governor Long seemed to be a successful, powerful man. Yet, beneath the surface, he was struggling with serious mental health issues long before those closest to him became concerned.
This event highlights a painful reality: those who are hurting the most are often the ones who hide it best. They may put on a brave face, appear to be functioning normally, and even achieve great things in their personal and professional lives. However, inside, they are battling inner demons that few, if any, can see.
As Christians, we are called to look beyond the facades people present and to care for one another with compassion and understanding. In Galatians 6:2, Paul urges us to "carry each other's burdens," reminding us that we have a responsibility to support and uplift those who are struggling, even when their struggles are sometimes not immediately apparent.
This means being attentive to the people in our lives, even those who seem to have it all together. It means creating safe spaces for honest conversations about mental health, free from judgment or stigma. It means being willing to listen, to offer support, and to help bear the weight of others' burdens, just as Christ bears ours.
Furthermore, this lesson challenges us to examine our own lives and to be honest about our own mental health struggles. It is all too easy to fall into the trap of believing that we must present a perfect image to the world, hiding our pain and vulnerabilities behind a mask of success and strength. However, as Christians, we know that our worth lies not in our accomplishments or appearances, but in our identity as beloved children of God.
By being open about our own struggles, we can help to break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues and create a culture of support and understanding within the church. We can model the vulnerability and authenticity that Christ embodied, and we can point others to the hope and healing that can be found in Him.
As we reflect on the story of Governor Long and the words of Galatians 6:2, let us commit to being a people who truly see and care for one another, regardless of outward appearances. Let us be quick to listen, slow to judge, and always ready to extend the love and grace of Christ to those who are hurting. In doing so, we will fulfill the law of Christ and shine His light in a world that desperately needs it.
Practical Application
Take time to check in with loved ones, friends, and fellow church members, even those who seem to have it all together. Create a safe space for open and honest conversations about mental health, and be ready to listen without judgment. If you are struggling with mental health issues, consider sharing your experiences with a trusted friend or counselor, remembering that your worth is not defined by your struggles but by your identity in Christ.
Closing Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, open our eyes to the hidden pain and burdens that others may be carrying. Give us the wisdom to look beyond appearances and the courage to reach out with love and support. For those battling mental health issues, we pray for Your strength, comfort, and healing. May we follow Christ's example, extending grace, compassion, and understanding to all those we encounter. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Supplementary Study
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
This verse reminds us that Jesus is the ultimate source of comfort and rest for those who are struggling with heavy burdens, including mental health issues. It encourages us to turn to Him in times of need and to trust in His promise of peace and renewal.
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
This passage emphasizes the importance of supporting and encouraging one another within the Christian community. It reminds us of our responsibility to uplift and strengthen our brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who may be facing personal struggles or mental health challenges.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."
This scripture highlights the role of God as the ultimate source of comfort and compassion. It also emphasizes our responsibility to extend the same comfort and support we receive from God to others who are going through difficult times, including those struggling with mental health issues.
Final Thoughts
Appearances can be deceiving, and the story of Governor Earl K. Long's commitment to a mental hospital reminds us that even those who seem to have it all together may be struggling beneath the surface. As Christians, we are called to look beyond the facade and extend compassion, support, and understanding to those who are hurting. By creating a culture of openness and empathy within our churches and communities, we can help break the stigma surrounding mental health issues and point others to the hope and healing found in Christ.
Community Engagement
Share your thoughts or use these questions to get the conversation started.
What can we learn from the story of Governor Earl K. Long's commitment to a mental hospital in 1959?
How can we create a safe and supportive environment within our church for those struggling with mental health issues?
In what ways can we be more attentive to the hidden struggles of those around us, even when they seem to have it all together?
How can we balance the need for privacy and confidentiality with the call to carry each other's burdens and support one another in times of need?
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In tomorrow's lesson, we will explore how the triumphs and challenges faced by another famous duo can deepen our understanding of unity and diversity within the body of Christ, offering fresh insights on humility, cooperation, and valuing the unique contributions of each member.
Gee, these days Long would have been elevated to President, since mental acuity apparently is no longer a criteria for leadership!
I wonder how you would relate this event to the story of Nebuchadnezzer in Daniel 4? His was a spiritual problem, but had mental health similarities.