The Dark Side of LBJ: His Unhealthy Habits and Moral Failings

President Lyndon Johnson's legacy is often romanticized, but his personal and political failings provide a more nuanced view of his presidency. Among these failings was his excessive smoking and drinking, which often stemmed from stress and a desire for temporary relief. Johnson once told Walter Cronkite that smoking was better for his heart than being nervous. However, his improprieties and crimes cannot be excused by such claims.

Stress and Addictions

Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency was marked by immense stress, which he often sought to alleviate through smoking and drinking. The psychological toll of his presidency, particularly the controversial Vietnam War and the ethical compromises he made, was immense. Johnson once divulged to Walter Cronkite, a renowned journalist, that he found smoking 'better for his heart than being nervous.' This sentiment underscores the extent to which Johnson turned to these habits as a coping mechanism.

His Improprieties and Crimes

While some may have overlooked or dismissed Johnson's unethical actions by labeling him as an 'ambitious politician,' a closer examination of his conduct reveals a far more troubling portrait. Johnson's tenure was characterized by dubious schemes to divert vast sums of money from the social programs he purportedly supported, often referred to as the "Great Society."

The Great Society and Its Corruptions

Johnson masterminded a number of corrupt practices under the guise of the Great Society initiatives. He maintained the Vietnam War conflict actively, awarding lucrative contracts to friends and business associates. Profits from these contracts were often substantial and tax-free. As a result, Johnson amassed a significant fortune, reportedly worth $98 million by the end of his life. This was achieved through the exploitation of American soldiers and the broader American public.

Not only was Johnson's war on Vietnam a source of immense suffering, but it also contributed to the deaths of thousands of American youths. Johnson is reported to have been involved in at least 60,000 unnecessary deaths, including volunteer female nurses, one Air Force member, and seven Army soldiers. These losses in foreign lands were largely preventable and serve as a poignant reflection of the ethical shortcomings of his leadership.

His Legacy and the Civil Rights Movement

It is often overlooked that Johnson did contribute to the Civil Rights Movement, completing some of John F. Kennedy's landmark programs. However, his efforts in this area were often overshadowed by the darker aspects of his presidency. He was a Southern Democrat who opposed civil rights progress, but the escalating tensions and societal shifts forced him to take action.

Despite the advancements made in the civil rights struggle, Johnson's legacy is marred by his complicity in the escalation of the Vietnam War. His immoral gains, which included substantial wealth derived from corrupt contracts, and his questionable moral standards, highlight a complicated and often conflicted presidency.

Conclusion

Lyndon Johnson's time in power was characterized by a stark contrast between his apparent accomplishments and his numerous ethical failures. His reliance on unhealthy habits, such as smoking and drinking, was a coping mechanism indicative of his deep-seated stress and the moral compromises he made. His actions, including the corrupt schemes and the escalation of the Vietnam War, reinforce the idea that his ambitions came at a significant cost to the American people.