George McGovern
George McGovern: A Life of Courage and Conviction
Full Name and Common Aliases
George Stanley McGovern was an American politician, historian, and academic who served as a United States Senator from South Dakota from 1963 to 1981. He is commonly known as "Mac" by his friends and colleagues.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on July 19, 1922, in Avon, South Dakota, McGovern passed away on October 21, 2012, at the age of 90.
Nationality and Profession(s)
McGovern was an American citizen with a background in history. He served as a professor, politician, and war hero before entering the U.S. Senate.
Early Life and Background
Growing up during the Great Depression, McGovern's family struggled to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, he excelled academically and enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces in 1942. He flew bombers on 35 missions over Europe during World War II, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery. After the war, McGovern returned to the United States and earned a degree from Dakota Wesleyan University.
Major Accomplishments
McGovern's distinguished career spanned multiple fields, including politics, academia, and public service. Some of his most notable achievements include:
Serving as the Democratic nominee for President in 1972, losing to Richard Nixon but winning 17 states.
Chairing the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 1980 to 1981.
Advocating for human rights and social justice throughout his career.Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his public service, McGovern authored several books on history and politics, including:
The Great Coalfield War (1957) - a historical account of the coal industry's struggles in the late 19th century.
* War Against Japan (1983) - a critical examination of the Pacific Theater during World War II.
Impact and Legacy
McGovern's impact on American politics cannot be overstated. He was a vocal critic of the Vietnam War, which led to his loss in the 1972 presidential election but also earned him recognition as a champion of peace and human rights.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
George McGovern is widely quoted and remembered for his unwavering commitment to justice and compassion. His courageous stands against war and social injustice have inspired generations of leaders and citizens alike. Through his words and actions, McGovern continues to inspire us to strive for a more just and peaceful world.
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
This quote captures the essence of McGovern's life: a testament to his resilience, conviction, and dedication to making the world a better place.
Quotes by George McGovern
George McGovern's insights on:

I always thought of myself as a good old South Dakota boy who grew up here on the prairie.

From secrecy and deception in high places, come home, America. From military spending so wasteful that it weakens our nation, come home, America.

I didn't used to care about living a long time. Not that I wasn't enjoying life, but I never sat around asking how I'd get to be 100, you know. But now I want to live long enough to see every school child in the world getting a good, nutritious lunch every day.

It is simply untrue that all our institutions are evil,... that all politicians are mere opportunists, that all aspects of university life are corrupt. Having discovered an illness, it's not terribly useful to prescribe death as a cure.

We have the resources (to end hunger), we know what has to be done, and it's something that can be achieved at a rather modest cost

We seem bent upon saving the Vietnamese from Ho Chi Minh, even if we have to kill them and demolish their country to do it....I do not intend to remain silent in the face of what I regard as a policy of madness which, sooner or later, will envelop my son and American youth by the millions for years to come.

The nature of freedom of choice is that some people will misuse their responsibility and hurt themselves in the process. We should do our best to educate them, but without diminishing choice for everyone else.


