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Larry McdonaldAmerican politician and member of the US House of Representatives
Date of Birth: 01.04.1935
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Larry McDonald: A Conservative Martyr
- Political Career
- Conservatism and Foreign Policy
- Western Goals Foundation
- John Birch Society
- Death
- Legacy
Larry McDonald: A Conservative Martyr
Early Life and CareerLawrence Patton McDonald was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended several private and parochial schools before graduating from Decatur High School in 1951. He briefly attended Davidson College and later enrolled at Emory University School of Medicine at the age of 17, graduating in 1957. He served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1961.
After completing his residency in urology at the University of Michigan, McDonald returned to Atlanta and practiced with his father. He was deeply concerned about communism and joined the John Birch Society in 1966 or 1967. His political activism led to his first unsuccessful run for Congress in 1972.
Political Career
In 1974, McDonald successfully ran for Congress as a Democrat. He was elected to the 94th U.S. Congress, representing Georgia's 7th Congressional District. Despite holding conservative views, McDonald identified as a traditional Democrat in the vein of Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson.
McDonald was known for his staunch opposition to communism. He condemned government welfare programs as "catastrophic" and advocated for a reduction in foreign aid. He also criticized the civil rights movement and opposed the establishment of a national Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
Conservatism and Foreign Policy
McDonald's conservatism extended beyond domestic issues. He admired Joseph McCarthy and served on the Joseph McCarthy Foundation. He hired former staff members of the House Committee on Un-American Activities to work in his congressional office. McDonald was a fervent supporter of Taiwan and a staunch critic of the Soviet Union.
He co-sponsored a resolution expressing the belief that homosexual acts and those advocating for them should not receive special consideration or protected status under the law. McDonald also supported the use of the unapproved drug laetrile for treating cancer patients, leading to a malpractice lawsuit against him.
Western Goals Foundation
In 1979, McDonald co-founded the Western Goals Foundation with John Rees and Major General John K. Singlaub. The foundation aimed to combat communism and terrorist activities.
John Birch Society
In 1983, McDonald became the chairman of the John Birch Society. He received a large collection of files on individuals connected to the U.S. government, which were later destroyed.
Death
On August 31, 1983, McDonald was a passenger on Korean Air Lines Flight 007 when it was shot down by Soviet fighter jets. The incident claimed the lives of all passengers and crew members.
Legacy
McDonald became a martyr for conservatives who believed he was killed in a communist conspiracy. President Ronald Reagan expressed sympathy to McDonald's family but did not take any action against the Soviet Union.
A special election was held to fill McDonald's seat in the House of Representatives. His widow, Kathy McDonald, ran but was defeated by George "Buddy" Darden.
