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'''Ronald John Thompson''', known as '''Ronnie Thompson''' or ''''Machine Gun Ronnie' Thompson''' (born [[July 21]], [[1934]]), is a former [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[politician]] who was the first member of his party to have been elected [[mayor]] of [[Macon, Georgia|Macon]], his state's sixth largest city. Thompson served two controversial terms from [[1967]]-[[1975]]. He is also a former [[gospel]] and [[Country music]] [[singer]] known for his highly [[Conservative (politics)|conservative]] views on issues.

'''Ronald John Thompson''', known as '''Ronnie Thompson''' or ''''Machine Gun Ronnie' Thompson''' (born July 21, 1934), is a former [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[politician]] who was the first member of his party to have been elected [[mayor]] of [[Macon, Georgia|Macon]], his state's sixth largest city. Thompson served two controversial terms from 1967-1975. He is also a former [[gospel]] and [[Country music]] [[singer]] known for his highly [[Conservative (politics)|conservative]] views on issues.

In [[1972]], Thompson was a [[Republican Party (United States)|GOP]] candidate for the [[United States House of Representatives]], but he was defeated by the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] [[incumbent]] [[W.S. Stuckey, Jr.]], [[scion]] of a wealthy Georgia family. In [[1974]], as his party's [[gubernatorial]] nominee, Thompson was trounced by Democrat [[George D. Busbee]]. A [[populist]] in political philosophy, Thompson was often at odds with his state and national moderate Republican leadership. However, during [[Watergate]] he was a staunch defender of embattled [[U.S. President]] [[Richard M. Nixon]], no particular favorite of many conservative Republicans.

In 1972, Thompson was a [[Republican Party (United States)|GOP]] candidate for the [[United States House of Representatives]], but he was defeated by the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] [[incumbent]] [[W.S. Stuckey, Jr.]], [[scion]] of a wealthy Georgia family. In 1974, as his party's [[gubernatorial]] nominee, Thompson was trounced by Democrat [[George D. Busbee]]. A [[populist]] in political philosophy, Thompson was often at odds with his state and national moderate Republican leadership. However, during [[Watergate]] he was a staunch defender of embattled [[U.S. President]] [[Richard M. Nixon]], no particular favorite of many conservative Republicans.

Buddy Kelly Moore ([[1951]]-[[1998]])<ref name=ssdi>http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi</ref>, who completed a [[master of arts]] [[thesis]] on Thompson's career in [[1976]] at [[Georgia College & State University]] in [[Milledgeville, Georgia|Milledgeville]], determined that the Maconite "shocked and fascinated observers with hard-line approaches to law-and-order, [[municipal]] [[organized labor|unionism]], and race relations." Moore defined Thompson's career in terms of a "predilection for the flamboyant."<ref>Buddy Kelly Moore, '''Machine Gun Ronnie' Thompson" A Political Biography'', Georgia College at Milledgeville, Master's thesis, August 1976, p. vi</ref>Unconventional [[author]] Will D. Campbell called Thompson "a harbinger of the [[New Right]]", a movement which emerged in the late [[1970s]] to help to elect Republican [[Ronald W. Reagan]] of [[California]] as [[U.S. President]].<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=su2g0MFHfpgC&pg=RA1-PA191&lpg=RA1-PA191&dq=Ronnie+Thompson+(Macon,+Georgia)+&source=web&ots=5ttPFo0eCj&sig=JwKBOrK4ZnE27_NX2uOT9IjfSjw&hl=en#PRA1-PA140,M1</ref>

Buddy Kelly Moore (1951-1998)<ref name=ssdi>http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi</ref>, who completed a [[master of arts]] [[thesis]] on Thompson's career in 1976 at [[Georgia College & State University]] in [[Milledgeville, Georgia|Milledgeville]], determined that the Maconite "shocked and fascinated observers with hard-line approaches to law-and-order, [[municipal]] [[organized labor|unionism]], and race relations." Moore defined Thompson's career in terms of a "predilection for the flamboyant."<ref>Buddy Kelly Moore, '''Machine Gun Ronnie' Thompson" A Political Biography'', Georgia College at Milledgeville, Master's thesis, August 1976, p. vi</ref>Unconventional [[author]] Will D. Campbell called Thompson "a harbinger of the [[New Right]]", a movement which emerged in the late [[1970s]] to help to elect Republican [[Ronald W. Reagan]] of [[California]] as [[U.S. President]].<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=su2g0MFHfpgC&pg=RA1-PA191&lpg=RA1-PA191&dq=Ronnie+Thompson+(Macon,+Georgia)+&source=web&ots=5ttPFo0eCj&sig=JwKBOrK4ZnE27_NX2uOT9IjfSjw&hl=en#PRA1-PA140,M1</ref>

==Early years, family, education, business==

==Early years, family, education, business==

Thompson was born in [[Augusta, Georgia|Augusta]] in eastern Georgia near the [[South Carolina]] state line to Remus Warren Thompson and the former Mattie Lou Watkins ([[1910]]-[[1997]]), a southern working-class couple. The family included two older brothers, Kenneth and William Thompson, and a younger sister, Janice. Remus Thompson worked (1) in a cotton mill, (2) for Friedman's [[Jewelry|Jewelers]] in Augusta, having risen to the rank of [[credit manager]], and (3) as a [[firefighter]] at the Daniel Field air base in Augusta. Mrs. Thompson and Ronnie, while he was still in elementary school, operated a [[restaurant]] near the military base. <ref>Moore, Thesis, pp. 1-2</ref>

Thompson was born in [[Augusta, Georgia|Augusta]] in eastern Georgia near the [[South Carolina]] state line to Remus Warren Thompson and the former Mattie Lou Watkins (1910-1997), a southern working-class couple. The family included two older brothers, Kenneth and William Thompson, and a younger sister, Janice. Remus Thompson worked (1) in a cotton mill, (2) for Friedman's [[Jewelry|Jewelers]] in Augusta, having risen to the rank of [[credit manager]], and (3) as a [[firefighter]] at the Daniel Field air base in Augusta. Mrs. Thompson and Ronnie, while he was still in elementary school, operated a [[restaurant]] near the military base. <ref>Moore, Thesis, pp. 1-2</ref>

Originally a [[segregationist]], Thompson said that he had been reared to "believe in separation of the races."<ref>Roger Williams, "What Makes Ronnie Run", ''Atlanta Magazine'', January 1971, p. 94</ref> He also developed a resentment of the dominant wealth and power [[elite]]. He once said that he could not fully evaluate the overall status of Macon because "I'm from the other side of the [[railroad]] tracks."<ref>Margaret Shannon, "Can a Gospel Singer Find Happiness as the First Republican Mayor of Macon?" ''Atlanta Journal and Constitution Magazine'', May 25, 1969, p. 16</ref>

Originally a [[segregationist]], Thompson said that he had been reared to "believe in separation of the races."<ref>Roger Williams, "What Makes Ronnie Run", ''Atlanta Magazine'', January 1971, p. 94</ref> He also developed a resentment of the dominant wealth and power [[elite]]. He once said that he could not fully evaluate the overall status of Macon because "I'm from the other side of the [[railroad]] tracks."<ref>Margaret Shannon, "Can a Gospel Singer Find Happiness as the First Republican Mayor of Macon?" ''Atlanta Journal and Constitution Magazine'', May 25, 1969, p. 16</ref>

Macon, situated near the geographic center of Georgia, was chartered in [[1823]] and named for the [[North Carolina]] statesman, [[Nathaniel Macon]]. The city contributed volunteers to the [[Texas Revolution]]. It was a temporary [[capital]] of Georgia after the sacking of Milledgeville in [[1864]] by the army of [[General]] [[William Tecumseh Sherman]].<ref>Ida Young, Julius Gholson, and Clara Nell Hargrove, ''History of Macon, Georgia'' (Macon: Lyon, Marshall, & Brooks, 1950), pp. 43, 48, 62, 88, 278</ref>

Macon, situated near the geographic center of Georgia, was chartered in 1823 and named for the [[North Carolina]] statesman, [[Nathaniel Macon]]. The city contributed volunteers to the [[Texas Revolution]]. It was a temporary [[capital]] of Georgia after the sacking of Milledgeville in 1864 by the army of [[General]] [[William Tecumseh Sherman]].<ref>Ida Young, Julius Gholson, and Clara Nell Hargrove, ''History of Macon, Georgia'' (Macon: Lyon, Marshall, & Brooks, 1950), pp. 43, 48, 62, 88, 278</ref>

Friedman's transferred Remus Thompson to Macon in 1945. Ronnie, then eleven years old, went on to complete grammar school and graduated in [[1951]] from Lanier [[High School]]. He then attended [[Baptist]]-affiliated [[Mercer University]] in Macon, the [[University of Georgia]] extension campus at [[Warner Robins]], and the since disbanded Woodrow Wilson Law School in [[Atlanta, Georgia|Atlanta]],<ref>http://www.oglethorpe.edu/administrative/registrar/woodrow_wilson_college_of_law.asp</ref> but only for a quarter in each institution. Instead, he concentrated on his job at Friedman's, and at twenty-three, he became general manager for thirty-three stores in four southeastern states.<ref>Williams, "What Makes Ronnie Run," p. 94</ref>Meanwhile, Thompson in 1952 married a young woman named Nita; they later had a daughter named Ronita and a son named Johnny. The couple separated in 1972, and a [[divorce]] followed in 1974.<ref>Moore Thesis, p. 4</ref>

Friedman's transferred Remus Thompson to Macon in 1945. Ronnie, then eleven years old, went on to complete grammar school and graduated in 1951 from Lanier [[High School]]. He then attended [[Baptist]]-affiliated [[Mercer University]] in Macon, the [[University of Georgia]] extension campus at [[Warner Robins]], and the since disbanded Woodrow Wilson Law School in [[Atlanta, Georgia|Atlanta]],<ref>http://www.oglethorpe.edu/administrative/registrar/woodrow_wilson_college_of_law.asp</ref> but only for a quarter in each institution. Instead, he concentrated on his job at Friedman's, and at twenty-three, he became general manager for thirty-three stores in four southeastern states.<ref>Williams, "What Makes Ronnie Run," p. 94</ref>Meanwhile, Thompson in 1952 married a young woman named Nita; they later had a daughter named Ronita and a son named Johnny. The couple separated in 1972, and a [[divorce]] followed in 1974.<ref>Moore Thesis, p. 4</ref>

==Early political campaigns==

==Early political campaigns==

Thompson's first political venture was an unsuccessful race on [[September 27]], [[1961]], to fill a vacancy on the [[Bibb County, Georgia|Bibb County]] Commission. Earlier, he had left Friedman's and opened his own jewelry business in Macon. Thompson reasoned, correctly as it turned out, that publicity from a campaign would generate new customers to his fledgling business. He finished fourth in a field of six but had been bitten by the political bug. The winner of the race, Andy Watson, polled nearly twice as many votes as Thompson.<ref>Buddy Moore, Thesis, p. 11</ref>

Thompson's first political venture was an unsuccessful race on September 27, 1961, to fill a vacancy on the [[Bibb County, Georgia|Bibb County]] Commission. Earlier, he had left Friedman's and opened his own jewelry business in Macon. Thompson reasoned, correctly as it turned out, that publicity from a campaign would generate new customers to his fledgling business. He finished fourth in a field of six but had been bitten by the political bug. The winner of the race, Andy Watson, polled nearly twice as many votes as Thompson.<ref>Buddy Moore, Thesis, p. 11</ref>

Acting on the advice of his then friend, former Mayor [[B.F. Merritt|Benjamin Franklin Merritt]] ([[1906]]-[[1985]]), a commander of the Georgia [[National Guard]], Thompson in [[1963]] ran for alderman on the then [[nonpartisan]] [[ballot]] and unseated the incumbent Bert Hamilton, a Mercer University professor. Merritt, meanwhile, was elected mayor, having previously served from [[1953]]-[[1959]]. On the council, Thompson took a particular interest in [[aviation]], used his aldermanic pay to finance flying lessons, and soon earned his [[pilot]]'s license.<ref>Buddy Moore, Thesis, pp. 11-12</ref>

Acting on the advice of his then friend, former Mayor [[B.F. Merritt|Benjamin Franklin Merritt]] (1906-1985), a commander of the Georgia [[National Guard]], Thompson in 1963 ran for alderman on the then [[nonpartisan]] [[ballot]] and unseated the incumbent Bert Hamilton, a Mercer University professor. Merritt, meanwhile, was elected mayor, having previously served from 1953-1959. On the council, Thompson took a particular interest in [[aviation]], used his aldermanic pay to finance flying lessons, and soon earned his [[pilot]]'s license.<ref>Buddy Moore, Thesis, pp. 11-12</ref>

On the council, Thompson differed with Mayor Merritt on many issues. The crime rate in Macon soared; municipal finance problems were so severe that the city had to borrow regularly; there were still 150 miles of dirt streets; city services were needed for newly-annexed areas.<ref>''Macon Telegraph'', September 1, 1964, p. A14; February 16, 1966, p. A13; June 29, 1966, p. A1</ref>

On the council, Thompson differed with Mayor Merritt on many issues. The crime rate in Macon soared; municipal finance problems were so severe that the city had to borrow regularly; there were still 150 miles of dirt streets; city services were needed for newly-annexed areas.<ref>''Macon Telegraph'', September 1, 1964, p. A14; February 16, 1966, p. A13; June 29, 1966, p. A1</ref>

Thompson was named one of "Georgia's Five Outstanding Young Men" by the state [[Jaycees]], of which he was an active member. Members of the organization were believed to have played some role in Thompson's initial political success.<ref>http://www.geocities.com/macon_jaycees/history.htm</ref>

Thompson was named one of "Georgia's Five Outstanding Young Men" by the state [[Jaycees]], of which he was an active member. Members of the organization were believed to have played some role in Thompson's initial political success.<ref>http://www.geocities.com/macon_jaycees/history.htm</ref>

Though Thompson had in [[1964]] supported [[Barry M. Goldwater]] for the presidency, he did not declare himself a Republican until he ran in the first ever GOP primary for mayor in 1967. His intraparty opponent, Royce F. Hobbs, was an official at Mercer University and the favorite of the party establishment. Thompson polled more than 7,000 votes, compared to barely 1,300 for Hobbs. Thompson then faced incumbent Mayor Merritt, who had initially encouraged him to run for the city council and with whom he had quarreled as an alderman. Thompson's legitimacy as a candidate was enhanced by open endorsements from former President [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]], [[Senate Minority Leader]] [[Everett M. Dirksen]] of [[Illinois]], and then [[Governor]] [[Claude Kirk|Claude Roy Kirk, Jr.]], of [[Florida]]. Thompson used the slogan "Make a Change for Progress" and called Merritt a "do-nothing mayor" who engaged in "bossism" and "machine politics".<ref>''Macon Telegraph'', October 28, 1967, p. 4A; November 5, 1967, p. A1; Williams, "What Makes Ronnie Run", p. 96</ref>He called Merritt "a desperate man who will do anything to stay in office" and a "flip-flopper like his ideal, [[Lyndon Johnson]]."<ref>''Macon Telegraph'', November 2, 1967, p. A23</ref>When Merritt reminded voters that he had served on Eisenhower's staff during [[World War II]], Thompson replied: "It is true that President Eisenhower doesn't know me. [But] that's the very reason that [he] has publicly endorsed me, because he does know Mayor Merritt."<ref>Moore, Thesis, p. 22</ref>

Though Thompson had in 1964 supported [[Barry M. Goldwater]] for the presidency, he did not declare himself a Republican until he ran in the first ever GOP primary for mayor in 1967. His intraparty opponent, Royce F. Hobbs, was an official at Mercer University and the favorite of the party establishment. Thompson polled more than 7,000 votes, compared to barely 1,300 for Hobbs. Thompson then faced incumbent Mayor Merritt, who had initially encouraged him to run for the city council and with whom he had quarreled as an alderman. Thompson's legitimacy as a candidate was enhanced by open endorsements from former President [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]], [[Senate Minority Leader]] [[Everett M. Dirksen]] of [[Illinois]], and then [[Governor]] [[Claude Kirk|Claude Roy Kirk, Jr.]], of [[Florida]]. Thompson used the slogan "Make a Change for Progress" and called Merritt a "do-nothing mayor" who engaged in "bossism" and "machine politics".<ref>''Macon Telegraph'', October 28, 1967, p. 4A; November 5, 1967, p. A1; Williams, "What Makes Ronnie Run", p. 96</ref>He called Merritt "a desperate man who will do anything to stay in office" and a "flip-flopper like his ideal, [[Lyndon Johnson]]."<ref>''Macon Telegraph'', November 2, 1967, p. A23</ref>When Merritt reminded voters that he had served on Eisenhower's staff during [[World War II]], Thompson replied: "It is true that President Eisenhower doesn't know me. [But] that's the very reason that [he] has publicly endorsed me, because he does know Mayor Merritt."<ref>Moore, Thesis, p. 22</ref>

Thompson unseated Merritt, 14,732 votes (53.1 percent) to 13,002 (46.9 percent). He lost seventeen of thirty-two [[precincts]], including the boxes in the [[African American]] community. However, the black turnout dropped in the [[general election]] compared to the Democratic primary in which Merritt had to go to court to qualify for the ballot. Blacks then constituted some 38 percent of Macon's population. In the [[2000]] [[census]], however, blacks were 63 percent of the municipal population. Thompson's greatest strength was in the [[blue collar]] section of south Macon. The Republican organization came on board in the last two weeks of the campaign and may have spelled the difference between victory and defeat for Thompson. It is also believed that Thompson benefited considerably from the unpopularity of President Johnson in Georgia.<ref>Billy Watson and Eric Welch, "How Did Thompson Topple Merritt?", ''Macon Telegraph and News'', November 2, 1967, p. A8; Shannon, "Can a Gospel Singer?", p. 18</ref>

Thompson unseated Merritt, 14,732 votes (53.1 percent) to 13,002 (46.9 percent). He lost seventeen of thirty-two [[precincts]], including the boxes in the [[African American]] community. However, the black turnout dropped in the [[general election]] compared to the Democratic primary in which Merritt had to go to court to qualify for the ballot. Blacks then constituted some 38 percent of Macon's population. In the 2000 [[census]], however, blacks were 63 percent of the municipal population. Thompson's greatest strength was in the [[blue collar]] section of south Macon. The Republican organization came on board in the last two weeks of the campaign and may have spelled the difference between victory and defeat for Thompson. It is also believed that Thompson benefited considerably from the unpopularity of President Johnson in Georgia.<ref>Billy Watson and Eric Welch, "How Did Thompson Topple Merritt?", ''Macon Telegraph and News'', November 2, 1967, p. A8; Shannon, "Can a Gospel Singer?", p. 18</ref>

The law required Thompson to take office the day after the election. He faced a divided City Hall, as twelve of the fifteen aldermen were Democrats. The Macon power structure considered him an intruder. A number of municipal records were removed from the mayor's office on election night and burned though Merritt denied any collusion in the act. As a result, Macon passed an [[ordinance]] which requires municipal papers to be filed permanently.<ref>Shannon, "Can a Gospel Singer?", p. 19; Eric Welch, "Mayor Says Some City Files Empty," ''Macon Telegraph'', December 6, 1967, p. A1; ''Macon Telegraph'', January 17, 1968, p. 18A</ref>

The law required Thompson to take office the day after the election. He faced a divided City Hall, as twelve of the fifteen aldermen were Democrats. The Macon power structure considered him an intruder. A number of municipal records were removed from the mayor's office on election night and burned though Merritt denied any collusion in the act. As a result, Macon passed an [[ordinance]] which requires municipal papers to be filed permanently.<ref>Shannon, "Can a Gospel Singer?", p. 19; Eric Welch, "Mayor Says Some City Files Empty," ''Macon Telegraph'', December 6, 1967, p. A1; ''Macon Telegraph'', January 17, 1968, p. 18A</ref>

Thompson chaired the Macon City Council [[Library]] Committee, which quietly opened services to [[African Americans]]. "Not a word was said about it. We just did it. No big to-do. No press releases to inflame folks. and we started putting branch libraries in different neighborhoods. Nothing racial about it," Thompson recalled.<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=su2g0MFHfpgC&pg=RA1-PA188&lpg=RA1-PA188&dq=will+d+campbell+ronnie+thompson&source=web&ots=5ttOIp_gzf&sig=eS3tR54AnASFJxQ77eTFE77MsmM&hl=en#PRA1-PA189,M1</ref>

Thompson chaired the Macon City Council [[Library]] Committee, which quietly opened services to [[African Americans]]. "Not a word was said about it. We just did it. No big to-do. No press releases to inflame folks. and we started putting branch libraries in different neighborhoods. Nothing racial about it," Thompson recalled.<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=su2g0MFHfpgC&pg=RA1-PA188&lpg=RA1-PA188&dq=will+d+campbell+ronnie+thompson&source=web&ots=5ttOIp_gzf&sig=eS3tR54AnASFJxQ77eTFE77MsmM&hl=en#PRA1-PA189,M1</ref>

Most African Americans in Macon, however, opposed the Thompson administration. In [[1969]], Thompson blocked the popular [[boxer]], [[Muhammad Ali]], from fighting at the Macon Coliseum, which Thompson had helped to complete, because Thompson objected to Ali's [[Conscientious Objector]] status during the [[Vietnam War]].<ref>http://www.mindspring.com/~teeth/caution/macontg100years.htm</ref>

Most African Americans in Macon, however, opposed the Thompson administration. In 1969, Thompson blocked the popular [[boxer]], [[Muhammad Ali]], from fighting at the Macon Coliseum, which Thompson had helped to complete, because Thompson objected to Ali's [[Conscientious Objector]] status during the [[Vietnam War]].<ref>http://www.mindspring.com/~teeth/caution/macontg100years.htm</ref>

When racial rioting broke out in Macon on [[June 20]], [[1970]], Thompson issued "shoot-to-kill" orders to [[police]] to stop [[looting]]. He drove a [[National Guard]] [[tank]] onto a Macon [[elementary school]] campus to intimidate would-be criminals . He authorized [[billboards]] in Macon warning that [[armed robbery|armed robbers]] would be "shot on sight".<ref>http://laughingwolf.net/archives/2005_08.html</ref>

When racial rioting broke out in Macon on June 20, 1970, Thompson issued "shoot-to-kill" orders to [[police]] to stop [[looting]]. He drove a [[National Guard]] [[tank]] onto a Macon [[elementary school]] campus to intimidate would-be criminals . He authorized [[billboards]] in Macon warning that [[armed robbery|armed robbers]] would be "shot on sight".<ref>http://laughingwolf.net/archives/2005_08.html</ref>

In midsummer of 1971, a racial crisis erupted when a black city employee was shot and killed by a white policeman, who a month later was cleared of [[involuntary manslaughter]].<ref>Robert Friedman, "City Votes to Pay Officer's Defense", ''Macon Telegraph'', June 30, 1971, p. A1; Grant Jackson, "Mayor to Keep Beck on Duty", ''Macon Telegraph'', June 30, 1971,  p. A3; Jackson, "Beck Case Dismissed by Jury", ''Macon Telegraph'', July 16, 1971, p. A1</ref>Mayor Thompson imposed a 36-hour [[curfew]] after several suspected fire bombings. He fired a [[carbine]] in the air, heard over police [[radio]], while he accompanied a police patrol.<ref>http://www.mindspring.com/~teeth/caution/macontg100years.htm</ref> He further angered [[liberal]]s by publicly discussing the "best type of bullet" to use against the criminal element. Critics called him "Machine Gun Ronnie", a [[sobriquet]] to which he did not object though he never handled a [[machine gun]]. In fact, he paid for his campaigns by selling [[memorabilia]] containing the name "Thompson" on model machine guns.<ref>http://www.rru.com/~meo/ga-folk/ga.5.html; http://www.civilrights.uga.edu/bibliographies/macon/mayor_thompson.htm</ref>

In midsummer of 1971, a racial crisis erupted when a black city employee was shot and killed by a white policeman, who a month later was cleared of [[involuntary manslaughter]].<ref>Robert Friedman, "City Votes to Pay Officer's Defense", ''Macon Telegraph'', June 30, 1971, p. A1; Grant Jackson, "Mayor to Keep Beck on Duty", ''Macon Telegraph'', June 30, 1971,  p. A3; Jackson, "Beck Case Dismissed by Jury", ''Macon Telegraph'', July 16, 1971, p. A1</ref>Mayor Thompson imposed a 36-hour [[curfew]] after several suspected fire bombings. He fired a [[carbine]] in the air, heard over police [[radio]], while he accompanied a police patrol.<ref>http://www.mindspring.com/~teeth/caution/macontg100years.htm</ref> He further angered [[liberal]]s by publicly discussing the "best type of bullet" to use against the criminal element. Critics called him "Machine Gun Ronnie", a [[sobriquet]] to which he did not object though he never handled a [[machine gun]]. In fact, he paid for his campaigns by selling [[memorabilia]] containing the name "Thompson" on model machine guns.<ref>http://www.rru.com/~meo/ga-folk/ga.5.html; http://www.civilrights.uga.edu/bibliographies/macon/mayor_thompson.htm</ref>

The Reverend Julius Caesar Hope (born [[1932]]), a Macon black minister and the president of the Georgia [[NAACP]], contended that African Americans in Macon were tired of living with unfulfilled promises for so long.<ref>http://crdl.usg.edu/voci/go/crdl/dvd/viewItemc/wsbn63449-1-broll/flash/6517/2;jsessionid=7157AB6843F3D68E8CA43EC2ED1A0965</ref>Hope viewed Thompson as ambivalent toward blacks: "I think Mayor Thompson was a politician of expediency. I really don't think deep down within Ronnie Thompson was a [[racist]]."<ref>Buddy Moore, Thesis, pp. 34-35</ref> Macon lawyer Virgil Adams, who was a teenager at the time of the Thompson administration, alleged that Thompson "damaged Macon's image. When it got dark, you (blacks) needed to be off the street. Parents wouldn't let us out of the house at night for fear of being locked up, beaten by police, or shot."<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=4qPZiyJZOkYC&pg=PA129&lpg=PA129&dq=Ronnie+Thompson+(Macon,+Georgia)+&source=web&ots=5vhIr1Ngab&sig=MehwVaKHcaJ3LUWqMi9OYP0eVpc&hl=en</ref>

The Reverend Julius Caesar Hope (born 1932), a Macon black minister and the president of the Georgia [[NAACP]], contended that African Americans in Macon were tired of living with unfulfilled promises for so long.<ref>http://crdl.usg.edu/voci/go/crdl/dvd/viewItemc/wsbn63449-1-broll/flash/6517/2;jsessionid=7157AB6843F3D68E8CA43EC2ED1A0965</ref>Hope viewed Thompson as ambivalent toward blacks: "I think Mayor Thompson was a politician of expediency. I really don't think deep down within Ronnie Thompson was a [[racist]]."<ref>Buddy Moore, Thesis, pp. 34-35</ref> Macon lawyer Virgil Adams, who was a teenager at the time of the Thompson administration, alleged that Thompson "damaged Macon's image. When it got dark, you (blacks) needed to be off the street. Parents wouldn't let us out of the house at night for fear of being locked up, beaten by police, or shot."<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=4qPZiyJZOkYC&pg=PA129&lpg=PA129&dq=Ronnie+Thompson+(Macon,+Georgia)+&source=web&ots=5vhIr1Ngab&sig=MehwVaKHcaJ3LUWqMi9OYP0eVpc&hl=en</ref>

Thompson, however, defends his mayoral record on race relations. "Race wasn't an issue until my opponent brought it in. My administration built three new [[hospital]]s. Jet airport, firehouses, integrated the police department, had black personnel in every department. We went eight years without a tax increase or [[bond issue]]. I had a biracial committee<ref>http://crdl.usg.edu/voci/go/crdl/publicSearch/viewVBO/6517/0;jsessionid=8E605E31732715B994440854E6255064</ref> that met every month. Things like doctor's offices. Black patients had to go in a back door. We got it stopped. And the [[newspaper]]s had a different edition for black subscribers. My committee talked to them, and they stopped it."<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=su2g0MFHfpgC&pg=RA1-PA188&lpg=RA1-PA188&dq=will+d+campbell+ronnie+thompson&source=web&ots=5ttOIp_gzf&sig=eS3tR54AnASFJxQ77eTFE77MsmM&hl=en#PRA1-PA189,M1</ref>

Thompson, however, defends his mayoral record on race relations. "Race wasn't an issue until my opponent brought it in. My administration built three new [[hospital]]s. Jet airport, firehouses, integrated the police department, had black personnel in every department. We went eight years without a tax increase or [[bond issue]]. I had a biracial committee<ref>http://crdl.usg.edu/voci/go/crdl/publicSearch/viewVBO/6517/0;jsessionid=8E605E31732715B994440854E6255064</ref> that met every month. Things like doctor's offices. Black patients had to go in a back door. We got it stopped. And the [[newspaper]]s had a different edition for black subscribers. My committee talked to them, and they stopped it."<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=su2g0MFHfpgC&pg=RA1-PA188&lpg=RA1-PA188&dq=will+d+campbell+ronnie+thompson&source=web&ots=5ttOIp_gzf&sig=eS3tR54AnASFJxQ77eTFE77MsmM&hl=en#PRA1-PA189,M1</ref>

==Nerve gas and unionization==

==Nerve gas and unionization==

Thompson was the subject of national attention in [[August]] 1970, when the [[United States Army]] transported [[nerve gas]] from [[Alabama]] and [[Kentucky]] through Macon en route for disposal in the [[Atlantic Ocean]] off the [[North Carolina]] coast. Thompson tried to have the shipment diverted around Macon. Democratic Governor [[Lester G. Maddox]], meanwhile, sided with the Army and vowed that he would be willing to ride with the shipment when it passed through Georgia to demonstrate the safety of the mission. Ultimately, the Army met with Thompson to try to allay his fears, and the gas reached its destination, but there was an unexpected delay in Macon caused by the malfunctioning of an [[air brake]] hose.<ref>http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,909552,00.html; Buddy Moore, Thesis, pp. 29-32</ref>

Thompson was the subject of national attention in August 1970, when the [[United States Army]] transported [[nerve gas]] from [[Alabama]] and [[Kentucky]] through Macon en route for disposal in the [[Atlantic Ocean]] off the [[North Carolina]] coast. Thompson tried to have the shipment diverted around Macon. Democratic Governor [[Lester G. Maddox]], meanwhile, sided with the Army and vowed that he would be willing to ride with the shipment when it passed through Georgia to demonstrate the safety of the mission. Ultimately, the Army met with Thompson to try to allay his fears, and the gas reached its destination, but there was an unexpected delay in Macon caused by the malfunctioning of an [[air brake]] hose.<ref>http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,909552,00.html; Buddy Moore, Thesis, pp. 29-32</ref>

In [[1969]], during Thompson's first term, municipal [[sanitation]] workers asked the city to organize through the [[American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees]] union. Thompson rejected unionization as a concept and declared that the City of Macon was already paying employees all that tight budgets would permit. Workers went on strike, and Thompson dismissed them and used city prisoners to collect the [[garbage]]. After some five weeks, the strike ended, and Thompson rehired many of the workers on his own terms.<ref>Bill Maynard, "108 Public Works People on Strike", ''Macon News'', March 12, 1969, p. A1; Shannon, "Can a Gospel Singer?", p. 19; Ronnie Ellington, "Union Criticizes Prisoner Use for Garbage Collecton", ''Macon Telegraph'', March 14, 1969, p. A1; Ellington, "Boycott Hinted in Strike Here", ''Macon Telegraph'', March 13, 1969, p. A1</ref>

In 1969, during Thompson's first term, municipal [[sanitation]] workers asked the city to organize through the [[American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees]] union. Thompson rejected unionization as a concept and declared that the City of Macon was already paying employees all that tight budgets would permit. Workers went on strike, and Thompson dismissed them and used city prisoners to collect the [[garbage]]. After some five weeks, the strike ended, and Thompson rehired many of the workers on his own terms.<ref>Bill Maynard, "108 Public Works People on Strike", ''Macon News'', March 12, 1969, p. A1; Shannon, "Can a Gospel Singer?", p. 19; Ronnie Ellington, "Union Criticizes Prisoner Use for Garbage Collecton", ''Macon Telegraph'', March 14, 1969, p. A1; Ellington, "Boycott Hinted in Strike Here", ''Macon Telegraph'', March 13, 1969, p. A1</ref>

==School busing==

==School busing==

==Reelection in 1971==

==Reelection in 1971==

In [[1971]], Thompson faced a Democratic opponent who was expected to give him a tough race: Bibb County Commissioner [[Emory Greene|F. Emory Greene]], a former member of the [[Georgia House of Representatives]]. In the primary, Greene defeated Bill Laite, who then sat out the general election campaign. Greene questioned Thompson's militant use of the police, the "shoot-to-kill" order during the 1970 racial unrest, and the nerve-gas matter. He also claimed that Thompson's campaign organization compensated Laithe for the remainder of his debts in return for neutrality in the general election campaigns. Greene said that Thompson must be defeated to avoid four more years of "radicalism, noise, confusion, and [[publicity]]-seeking maneuvers which leave the city standing still." <ref>Buddy Moore, Thesis, pp. 32-33</ref>

In 1971, Thompson faced a Democratic opponent who was expected to give him a tough race: Bibb County Commissioner [[Emory Greene|F. Emory Greene]], a former member of the [[Georgia House of Representatives]]. In the primary, Greene defeated Bill Laite, who then sat out the general election campaign. Greene questioned Thompson's militant use of the police, the "shoot-to-kill" order during the 1970 racial unrest, and the nerve-gas matter. He also claimed that Thompson's campaign organization compensated Laithe for the remainder of his debts in return for neutrality in the general election campaigns. Greene said that Thompson must be defeated to avoid four more years of "radicalism, noise, confusion, and [[publicity]]-seeking maneuvers which leave the city standing still." <ref>Buddy Moore, Thesis, pp. 32-33</ref>

Thompson defeated Greene 19,329 (58.2 percent) to 13,881 (41.8 percent), having received strong support once again from blue collar white voters.<ref>City of Macon, Election Statistics, Bonnie Smith, 1-478-784-9774</ref>Thompson polled a bare majority of affluent whites. Virtually all of the black voters sided with Greene despite what Thompson saw as his considerable assistance to the minority community.<ref>Moore, Thesis, p. 35</ref> Thompson's reelection as mayor came ten months after [[Jimmy Carter]], whom Thompson opposed, became Georgia's new Democratic governor.

Thompson defeated Greene 19,329 (58.2 percent) to 13,881 (41.8 percent), having received strong support once again from blue collar white voters.<ref>City of Macon, Election Statistics, Bonnie Smith, 1-478-784-9774</ref>Thompson polled a bare majority of affluent whites. Virtually all of the black voters sided with Greene despite what Thompson saw as his considerable assistance to the minority community.<ref>Moore, Thesis, p. 35</ref> Thompson's reelection as mayor came ten months after [[Jimmy Carter]], whom Thompson opposed, became Georgia's new Democratic governor.

==Rallying behind the military and the police==

==Rallying behind the military and the police==

Thompson enlisted in the [[United States Air Force]] after his high school graduation. He served in the intelligence unit during the [[Korean War]] until a [[football]] injury resulted in his discharge in [[1952]] and disqualified him from [[pilot]] training.<ref>Buddy Kelly, Thesis, p. 4</ref> Thompson was a strong proponent of the American troops who were assigned to block the expansion of [[communism]] in the [[Vietnam War]]. He traveled to South Vietnam and went into the [[combat]] areas. He returned to Macon with numerous hand-delivered messages from the troops for their families. The sight of the American [[flag]] inspired staunch [[patriotism|patriotic]] feeings in Thompson. "I always get a thrill when I see the flag go by or hear the ''[[Star-Spangled Banner]]'', said Thompson, who contends that his maternal family is descended from [[Francis Scott Key]].<ref>Williams, "What Makes Ronnie Run?", p. 90</ref> Thompson established the label "Flag City U. S. A." for Macon, where on Poplar Street are fifty-four flagpoles which fly the emblems of each state, the U.S. flag, and the standards of the [[District of Columbia]], [[Puerto Rico]], and the [[Virgin Islands]].<ref>''Macon Telegraph'', November 14, 1975, p. A4</ref>

Thompson enlisted in the [[United States Air Force]] after his high school graduation. He served in the intelligence unit during the [[Korean War]] until a [[football]] injury resulted in his discharge in 1952 and disqualified him from [[pilot]] training.<ref>Buddy Kelly, Thesis, p. 4</ref> Thompson was a strong proponent of the American troops who were assigned to block the expansion of [[communism]] in the [[Vietnam War]]. He traveled to South Vietnam and went into the [[combat]] areas. He returned to Macon with numerous hand-delivered messages from the troops for their families. The sight of the American [[flag]] inspired staunch [[patriotism|patriotic]] feeings in Thompson. "I always get a thrill when I see the flag go by or hear the ''[[Star-Spangled Banner]]'', said Thompson, who contends that his maternal family is descended from [[Francis Scott Key]].<ref>Williams, "What Makes Ronnie Run?", p. 90</ref> Thompson established the label "Flag City U. S. A." for Macon, where on Poplar Street are fifty-four flagpoles which fly the emblems of each state, the U.S. flag, and the standards of the [[District of Columbia]], [[Puerto Rico]], and the [[Virgin Islands]].<ref>''Macon Telegraph'', November 14, 1975, p. A4</ref>

Thompson said that he felt compelled to protect the students of Mercer University, which he had briefly attended, from subversive speakers brought to the campus. He once vowed to arrest the antiwar activist and [[actress]] [[Jane Fonda]] were she to speak at Mercer.<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=su2g0MFHfpgC&pg=RA1-PA191&lpg=RA1-PA191&dq=Ronnie+Thompson+(Macon,+Georgia)+&source=web&ots=5ttPFo0eCj&sig=JwKBOrK4ZnE27_NX2uOT9IjfSjw&hl=en#PRA1-PA140,M1</ref>

Thompson said that he felt compelled to protect the students of Mercer University, which he had briefly attended, from subversive speakers brought to the campus. He once vowed to arrest the antiwar activist and [[actress]] [[Jane Fonda]] were she to speak at Mercer.<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=su2g0MFHfpgC&pg=RA1-PA191&lpg=RA1-PA191&dq=Ronnie+Thompson+(Macon,+Georgia)+&source=web&ots=5ttPFo0eCj&sig=JwKBOrK4ZnE27_NX2uOT9IjfSjw&hl=en#PRA1-PA140,M1</ref>

==Thompson's singing career==

==Thompson's singing career==

Thompson's father originally sang in a [[quartet]] in Augusta, and Ronnie developed similar interests at a young age in part to please the senior Thompson. After he had left the Air Force, Thompson himself sang with a [[gospel]] quartet at [[Robins Air Force Base]], and by [[1955]], having created his own quartet, he was heard on local [[radio]] in Macon. In time, he drifted into [[Country music]] and made his first such record in [[1958]].<Don Rountree, "Alderman Finding Success in Popular Song Field," ''Macon Telegraph'', April 19, 1964, p. A6</ref>In [[1960]], Thompson took over several radio and [[television]] programs for Friedman's Jewelers. His television show was broadcast in Macon, Augusta, and [[Asheville, North Carolina]]. An observer said that the telegenic Thompson "projects sincerity, with a seductive overlay of devotion, patriotism, and simple honesty. He is a pleasing public speaker, and he comes across beautifully on television."<ref>Williams, pp. 75, 96</ref>

Thompson's father originally sang in a [[quartet]] in Augusta, and Ronnie developed similar interests at a young age in part to please the senior Thompson. After he had left the Air Force, Thompson himself sang with a [[gospel]] quartet at [[Robins Air Force Base]], and by 1955, having created his own quartet, he was heard on local [[radio]] in Macon. In time, he drifted into [[Country music]] and made his first such record in 1958.<Don Rountree, "Alderman Finding Success in Popular Song Field," ''Macon Telegraph'', April 19, 1964, p. A6</ref>In 1960, Thompson took over several radio and [[television]] programs for Friedman's Jewelers. His television show was broadcast in Macon, Augusta, and [[Asheville, North Carolina]]. An observer said that the telegenic Thompson "projects sincerity, with a seductive overlay of devotion, patriotism, and simple honesty. He is a pleasing public speaker, and he comes across beautifully on television."<ref>Williams, pp. 75, 96</ref>

Thompson's singing style was described as "pleasant Country-Western baritone-bass, with a hard 'r' twang."<ref>Shannon, Gospel Singer, p. 18</ref>Thompson once admitted that he wonders what might have happened had he stuck to music as a potential career and insists that "I would have been successful had I stayed in the music business."<ref>Christopher Bonner, "Thompson: Whatever Else, His Reign Was Never Dull," ''Macon Telegraph and News'', December 7, 1975, p. A8</ref>

Thompson's singing style was described as "pleasant Country-Western baritone-bass, with a hard 'r' twang."<ref>Shannon, Gospel Singer, p. 18</ref>Thompson once admitted that he wonders what might have happened had he stuck to music as a potential career and insists that "I would have been successful had I stayed in the music business."<ref>Christopher Bonner, "Thompson: Whatever Else, His Reign Was Never Dull," ''Macon Telegraph and News'', December 7, 1975, p. A8</ref>

Thompson was in a line of southern politicians who had been musicians: Governor and [[U.S. Senator]] [[Theodore Bilbo]] of [[Mississippi]], Governor [[W. Lee O'Daniel]] of [[Texas]], and Governor [[Jimmie Davis]] of [[Louisiana]]. Davis, immortalized for his song "You Are My Sunshine"<ref>Robert Sherill, ''Gothic Politics in the Deep South'' (New York: Grossman Publishers, 1968), p. 31</ref>once told Thompson, "If you want to have any success in politics, sing softly and carry a big [[guitar]]," a play on an old [[Theodore Roosevelt]] adage.<ref>Eric Welch, "Gospel-singing Jeweler Is 'Country' Candidate", ''Macon Telegraph'', August 26, 1967, p. A1.</ref>

Thompson was in a line of southern politicians who had been musicians: Governor and [[U.S. Senator]] [[Theodore Bilbo]] of [[Mississippi]], Governor [[W. Lee O'Daniel]] of [[Texas]], and Governor [[Jimmie Davis]] of [[Louisiana]]. Davis, immortalized for his song "You Are My Sunshine"<ref>Robert Sherill, ''Gothic Politics in the Deep South'' (New York: Grossman Publishers, 1968), p. 31</ref>once told Thompson, "If you want to have any success in politics, sing softly and carry a big [[guitar]]," a play on an old [[Theodore Roosevelt]] adage.<ref>Eric Welch, "Gospel-singing Jeweler Is 'Country' Candidate", ''Macon Telegraph'', August 26, 1967, p. A1.</ref>

In Thompson's last year in office, he commissioned a portrait of the late African American [[singer]] [[Otis Redding]], best known for ''[[Sitting on the Dock of the Bay]]''. He offered the portrait to Governor Busbee for use in the state [[capitol]], but it remained in Macon until late in [[2007]], when it went missing in the transition between Mayor [[C. Jack Ellis]], Macon's first black chief executive, and current Mayor [[Robert Reichert]], a former Democratic member of the Georgia House. Thompson, through his career in gospel singing, had been personally friendly with Macon's well-known musicians, including Redding, [[James Brown]], [[Little Richard]], [[Wayne Cochran]], and the [[Allman Brothers]].<ref>Williams, What Makes Ronnie Run?, p. 92</ref>

In Thompson's last year in office, he commissioned a portrait of the late African American [[singer]] [[Otis Redding]], best known for "[[Sitting on the Dock of the Bay]]". He offered the portrait to Governor Busbee for use in the state [[capitol]], but it remained in Macon until late in 2007, when it went missing in the transition between Mayor [[C. Jack Ellis]], Macon's first black chief executive, and current Mayor [[Robert Reichert]], a former Democratic member of the Georgia House. Thompson, through his career in gospel singing, had been personally friendly with Macon's well-known musicians, including Redding, [[James Brown]], [[Little Richard]], [[Wayne Cochran]], and the [[Allman Brothers]].<ref>Williams, What Makes Ronnie Run?, p. 92</ref>

==Mental depression==

==Mental depression==

==Gubernatorial primary, 1974==

==Gubernatorial primary, 1974==

In [[1974]], Thompson cross-filed in both the Republican and Democratic parties for governor, a practice then allowed in Georgia but not used by previous candidates during the state's long period of Democratic hegemony. Thompson said that his cross-filing was intended to increase his name identification and propel him to the leading position among four Republican primary candidates. <ref>Buddy Moore, Thesis, p. 116</ref>After the election, the state law permitting cross-filing was repealed in the Busbee administration. California similarly had a cross-filing law in the [[1950s]], used by then Governor [[Earl Warren]]. Thompson had considered running once again for U.S. representative or for [[lieutenant governor]] but instead filed for governor. He expected to face then Lieutenant Governor Lester Maddox of the Atlanta metro area, a former governor known nationally for his past appeals to segregation. Thompson called Maddox "a counterfeit conservative" and challenged the former governor to a head-to-head debate, which Maddox promptly rejected.<ref>Selby McCash and Randall Savage, "'Bring on Maddox,' Mayor Says," ''Macon Telegraph'', August 14, 1974, p. A1</ref>

In 1974, Thompson cross-filed in both the Republican and Democratic parties for governor, a practice then allowed in Georgia but not used by previous candidates during the state's long period of Democratic hegemony. Thompson said that his cross-filing was intended to increase his name identification and propel him to the leading position among four Republican primary candidates. <ref>Buddy Moore, Thesis, p. 116</ref>After the election, the state law permitting cross-filing was repealed in the Busbee administration. California similarly had a cross-filing law in the [[1950s]], used by then Governor [[Earl Warren]]. Thompson had considered running once again for U.S. representative or for [[lieutenant governor]] but instead filed for governor. He expected to face then Lieutenant Governor Lester Maddox of the Atlanta metro area, a former governor known nationally for his past appeals to segregation. Thompson called Maddox "a counterfeit conservative" and challenged the former governor to a head-to-head debate, which Maddox promptly rejected.<ref>Selby McCash and Randall Savage, "'Bring on Maddox,' Mayor Says," ''Macon Telegraph'', August 14, 1974, p. A1</ref>

Thompson also clashed with [[J.B. Stoner]], a self-avowed [[white supremacy|white supremacist]], who ran as a Democrat for lieutenant governor to succeed Maddox. Stoner, the former attorney for [[James Earl Ray]], the convicted [[assassin]] of [[Martin Luther King, Jr.]], placed a controversial advertisement on the side of a bus of the Macon Transit Company. Thompson had the sign removed, and Stoner sued successfully in federal court to have the sign returned though it was seen as hostile to blacks. Stoner even urged blacks to support Thompson for governor, a recommendation he made tongue-in-cheek.<ref>Randall Savage, "Stoner's Signs Removed from Buses," ''Macon Telegraph'', May 23, 1974, p. A3; Richard Harris, "Council Bans Political Ads from Buses," ''Macon Telegraph'', July 18, 1974, p. A3; ''Macon Telegraph'', June 28, 1974, p. A3</ref>Stoner received more votes in his race for lieutenant governor -- 73,449 or 9 percent of the total -- than were cast for all candidates in the Republican gubernatorial primary.<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=FiRbQYoZtv0C&pg=PA156&lpg=PA156&dq=Ronnie+Thompson+(Macon,+Georgia)+&source=web&ots=4hgVyttuXS&sig=9s_rGFItLI_uxkmWIFy6z-uuuQA&hl=en</ref>

Thompson also clashed with [[J.B. Stoner]], a self-avowed [[white supremacy|white supremacist]], who ran as a Democrat for lieutenant governor to succeed Maddox. Stoner, the former attorney for [[James Earl Ray]], the convicted [[assassin]] of [[Martin Luther King, Jr.]], placed a controversial advertisement on the side of a bus of the Macon Transit Company. Thompson had the sign removed, and Stoner sued successfully in federal court to have the sign returned though it was seen as hostile to blacks. Stoner even urged blacks to support Thompson for governor, a recommendation he made tongue-in-cheek.<ref>Randall Savage, "Stoner's Signs Removed from Buses," ''Macon Telegraph'', May 23, 1974, p. A3; Richard Harris, "Council Bans Political Ads from Buses," ''Macon Telegraph'', July 18, 1974, p. A3; ''Macon Telegraph'', June 28, 1974, p. A3</ref>Stoner received more votes in his race for lieutenant governor -- 73,449 or 9 percent of the total -- than were cast for all candidates in the Republican gubernatorial primary.<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=FiRbQYoZtv0C&pg=PA156&lpg=PA156&dq=Ronnie+Thompson+(Macon,+Georgia)+&source=web&ots=4hgVyttuXS&sig=9s_rGFItLI_uxkmWIFy6z-uuuQA&hl=en</ref>

In the gubernatorial primary, Thompson faced four opponents, W.M. Coolidge, Harold Dye, [[Harry Geisinger]], and George Lankford. Dye (born [[1917]]) of [[Atlanta, Georgia|Atlanta]] is a retired [[brigadier general]] who was a former member of the [[United Nations]] Military Armistice Commission and an official in the Georgia Department of Industry and Trade. Coolidge and Lankford were [[county commission]]ers in [[DeKalb County, Georgia|DeKalb]] and [[Cobb County, Georgia|Cobb]] counties, respectively. Geisinger, a native of [[Cincinnati, Ohio|Cincinnati]], years later was elected to the [[Georgia State Legislature|Georgia House of Representatives]] from [[Roswell, Georgia|Roswell]] and served in the House Republican leadership.<ref>http://www.electharry.org/</ref>

In the gubernatorial primary, Thompson faced four opponents, W.M. Coolidge, Harold Dye, [[Harry Geisinger]], and George Lankford. Dye (born 1917) of [[Atlanta, Georgia|Atlanta]] is a retired [[brigadier general]] who was a former member of the [[United Nations]] Military Armistice Commission and an official in the Georgia Department of Industry and Trade. Coolidge and Lankford were [[county commission]]ers in [[DeKalb County, Georgia|DeKalb]] and [[Cobb County, Georgia|Cobb]] counties, respectively. Geisinger, a native of [[Cincinnati, Ohio|Cincinnati]], years later was elected to the [[Georgia State Legislature|Georgia House of Representatives]] from [[Roswell, Georgia|Roswell]] and served in the House Republican leadership.<ref>http://www.electharry.org/</ref>

In the [[August 14]] primary, held five days after the resignation of Richard Nixon as president, Thompson led with 17,830 votes (41 percent); Harold Dye finished second with 9,870 ballots (23 percent). Thompson received 21,848 Democratic votes, presumably at the expense of Lester Maddox, who led his party ballot with 277,921. Busbee finished second with 167,811, barely above the total of [[banker]] [[Bert Lance]], who would in [[1977]] become President Carter's first director of the [[Office of Management and Budget]].<ref>''Congressional Quarterly's Guide to U.S. Elections'', Georgia Gubernatorial Primary Returns, 1974</ref>

In the August 14 primary, held five days after the resignation of Richard Nixon as president, Thompson led with 17,830 votes (41 percent); Harold Dye finished second with 9,870 ballots (23 percent). Thompson received 21,848 Democratic votes, presumably at the expense of Lester Maddox, who led his party ballot with 277,921. Busbee finished second with 167,811, barely above the total of [[banker]] [[Bert Lance]], who would in 1977 become President Carter's first director of the [[Office of Management and Budget]].<ref>''Congressional Quarterly's Guide to U.S. Elections'', Georgia Gubernatorial Primary Returns, 1974</ref>

==Runoff primary, 1974==

==Runoff primary, 1974==

Thompson claimed that the Republican leadership which repudiated him was more concerned with control of the party apparatus than in electing a governor. The GOP hierarchy, while it could not win many elections, could still influence federal grants and appointments. Thompson said that he could "never fit into that organization" and because he was "threatening the power structure", the leadership turned on him.<ref>Moore, Thesis, p. 125</ref> [[Newt Gingrich]], the future [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives]] who made his maiden but unsuccessful congressional race in 1974, supported Thompson and hailed the nominee for refusing to adhere to the wishes of the "big shots" in the party. Still, many observers thought that Thompson's intraparty conflicts made him appear unstable and unwilling to accommodate minor differences.<ref>Selby McCash, "Macon Mayor v. The "Big Shots'," ''Macon Telegraph and News'', October 27, 1974, p. C1</ref>The party schism was discussed in [[Washington, D.C.]] All state gubernatorial nominees except Thompson were invited to the [[White House]] for a meeting with new President [[Gerald R. Ford, Jr.]]<ref>Sam Hopkins, "Thompson Not Invited by Ford", ''Atlanta Constiution'', September 25, 1974, p. A8</ref>

Thompson claimed that the Republican leadership which repudiated him was more concerned with control of the party apparatus than in electing a governor. The GOP hierarchy, while it could not win many elections, could still influence federal grants and appointments. Thompson said that he could "never fit into that organization" and because he was "threatening the power structure", the leadership turned on him.<ref>Moore, Thesis, p. 125</ref> [[Newt Gingrich]], the future [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives]] who made his maiden but unsuccessful congressional race in 1974, supported Thompson and hailed the nominee for refusing to adhere to the wishes of the "big shots" in the party. Still, many observers thought that Thompson's intraparty conflicts made him appear unstable and unwilling to accommodate minor differences.<ref>Selby McCash, "Macon Mayor v. The "Big Shots'," ''Macon Telegraph and News'', October 27, 1974, p. C1</ref>The party schism was discussed in [[Washington, D.C.]] All state gubernatorial nominees except Thompson were invited to the [[White House]] for a meeting with new President [[Gerald R. Ford, Jr.]]<ref>Sam Hopkins, "Thompson Not Invited by Ford", ''Atlanta Constiution'', September 25, 1974, p. A8</ref>

On election night, disgruntled Thompson supporters attacked chairman Shaw at the candidate's state headquarters in Atlanta. Shaw, who denied that he had ever undermined Thompson's candidacy and had indeed voted for him, sustained a deep gash in his forehead. Thompson said that he would "reconstruct" the GOP, vowed to tour the state to revive the party's sagging fortunes, but he never did so. Thompson did work to replace Shaw as chairman with [[Mack Mattingly]], who six years later in [[1980]] would win election to the U.S. Senate from Georgia in the same election in which the state voted once again for Jimmy Carter as president, rather than the national winner, Ronald Reagan.<ref>Selby McCash, "Revamp of Party Vowed by Mayor," ''Macon Telegraph'', November 6, 1974, p. A1; McCash, "Thompson Plans", p. 1; Moore, Thesis, p. 128</ref>

On election night, disgruntled Thompson supporters attacked chairman Shaw at the candidate's state headquarters in Atlanta. Shaw, who denied that he had ever undermined Thompson's candidacy and had indeed voted for him, sustained a deep gash in his forehead. Thompson said that he would "reconstruct" the GOP, vowed to tour the state to revive the party's sagging fortunes, but he never did so. Thompson did work to replace Shaw as chairman with [[Mack Mattingly]], who six years later in 1980 would win election to the U.S. Senate from Georgia in the same election in which the state voted once again for Jimmy Carter as president, rather than the national winner, Ronald Reagan.<ref>Selby McCash, "Revamp of Party Vowed by Mayor," ''Macon Telegraph'', November 6, 1974, p. A1; McCash, "Thompson Plans", p. 1; Moore, Thesis, p. 128</ref>

Thompson's defeat may have contributed to the loss of five Republican seats in the state legislature, as the GOP numbers fell from twenty-nine to twenty-four. In addition, the defeat of conservative Republican U.S. Representative [[Ben Blackburn]] by Democat [[Elliot Levitas]] in the Atlanta suburbs made the Georgia congressional delegate once again all-Democratic, as it had been prior to 1965.<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=FiRbQYoZtv0C&pg=PA156&lpg=PA156&dq=Ronnie+Thompson+(Macon,+Georgia)+&source=web&ots=4hgVyttuXS&sig=9s_rGFItLI_uxkmWIFy6z-uuuQA&hl=en</ref>

Thompson's defeat may have contributed to the loss of five Republican seats in the state legislature, as the GOP numbers fell from twenty-nine to twenty-four. In addition, the defeat of conservative Republican U.S. Representative [[Ben Blackburn]] by Democat [[Elliot Levitas]] in the Atlanta suburbs made the Georgia congressional delegate once again all-Democratic, as it had been prior to 1965.<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=FiRbQYoZtv0C&pg=PA156&lpg=PA156&dq=Ronnie+Thompson+(Macon,+Georgia)+&source=web&ots=4hgVyttuXS&sig=9s_rGFItLI_uxkmWIFy6z-uuuQA&hl=en</ref>

==A Democrat succeeds Thompson==

==A Democrat succeeds Thompson==

Thompson could not seek a third term as mayor. Republicans nominated Sydney Pyles to run in the 1975 general election. Democrats conducted a runoff primary between Buck Melton and the [[minister (Christianity)|minister]], Julius Caesar Hope, the first African American to have sought the  mayoralty in modern times. Melton, an easy winner over the Reverend Hope, then overwhelmed Pyles, 18,778 (68.1 percent) to 8,783 (31.9 percent).<ref>City of Macon, Election Statistics, Bonnie Smith, 1-478-784-9774</ref>A Republican elected to the city council that year, [[George Israel|George M. Israel, III]] (born [[1949]]), would emerge four years later in [[1979]] as the second and thus far last Republican to have served as mayor of Macon. Israel served two terms, with his service concluding in [[1987]].<ref>List of Macon, Georgia, mayors</ref>

Thompson could not seek a third term as mayor. Republicans nominated Sydney Pyles to run in the 1975 general election. Democrats conducted a runoff primary between Buck Melton and the [[minister (Christianity)|minister]], Julius Caesar Hope, the first African American to have sought the  mayoralty in modern times. Melton, an easy winner over the Reverend Hope, then overwhelmed Pyles, 18,778 (68.1 percent) to 8,783 (31.9 percent).<ref>City of Macon, Election Statistics, Bonnie Smith, 1-478-784-9774</ref>A Republican elected to the city council that year, [[George Israel|George M. Israel, III]] (born 1949), would emerge four years later in 1979 as the second and thus far last Republican to have served as mayor of Macon. Israel served two terms, with his service concluding in 1987.<ref>List of Macon, Georgia, mayors</ref>

Nita Thompson had walked out of the marriage during the congressional campaign in 1972. In Thompson's words, "She got tired of the threats of violence, people throwing bricks at the car with her in it, the children not being able to go any place in peace, the police living in our house . . . She wanted me to get out of politics. I told her I would remain in it until I accomplished the things I set out to do. The day that I qualified for Congress, I came home, and she's never been back since."<ref>Buddy Moore, Thesis, pp. 102-103</ref> In 1975, Thompson hastily married then twenty-six-year-old Linda Duffey, but the union lasted only a few months. In [[1976]], he married the former Gloria Milligan.<ref>Randall Savage, "The Last Hours"," ''Macon Telegraph'', December 10, 1975, p. B1</ref>

Nita Thompson had walked out of the marriage during the congressional campaign in 1972. In Thompson's words, "She got tired of the threats of violence, people throwing bricks at the car with her in it, the children not being able to go any place in peace, the police living in our house . . . She wanted me to get out of politics. I told her I would remain in it until I accomplished the things I set out to do. The day that I qualified for Congress, I came home, and she's never been back since."<ref>Buddy Moore, Thesis, pp. 102-103</ref> In 1975, Thompson hastily married then twenty-six-year-old Linda Duffey, but the union lasted only a few months. In 1976, he married the former Gloria Milligan.<ref>Randall Savage, "The Last Hours"," ''Macon Telegraph'', December 10, 1975, p. B1</ref>

==Thompson's accomplishments as mayor==

==Thompson's accomplishments as mayor==

Thompson's mayoral accomplishments abounded despite the political controversies. He promoted industrial expansion, airport improvements, the upgrading of hospitals, and the completion in [[1968]] of the $4.5 million 14,000-set Macon Colisuem. <ref>http://www.mindspring.com/~teeth/caution/macontg100years.htm</ref>Buckner Melton said that Thompson, despite his many critics, "had the vision to support the proper restoration of this great old building."<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=MpmJY-xpSBgC&pg=PA178&lpg=PA178&dq=Ronnie+Thompson+(Macon,+Georgia)+&source=web&ots=T01co3ucRn&sig=2TkAK58Hznjp3gMUswPtMEPTWAc&hl=en</ref> Libraries and city recreational programs were expanded. Seventy-seven miles of streets were paved, and nondiscriminatory hiring practices were instituted by the city. Thompson pushed for upgrading the Macon police and fire departments, with the number of police having increasd from 168 to 242 and firefighters from 181 to 297. Thompson pushed for [[civil defense]] and created "one of the best programs in the state."<ref>Christopher Bonner, "Thompson Abandons Third Term Bid", ''Macon Telegraph'', August 15, 1975, p. A8</ref>His accomplishment were not accompanied by a bond issue or an increase of [[ad valorem]] taxes. Yet, his positive accomplishments were overshadowed by his flamboyance and his hard-line positions on law-and-order and municipal unionism.<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=TH7nmIjcteQC&pg=PA43&lpg=PA43&dq=Ronnie+Thompson+(Macon,+Georgia)+&source=web&ots=KPPbEuQE4r&sig=IlUX9zhB85ZK8CnXkB4WwgTvuD0&hl=en; Moore, Thesis, pp. 136-137</ref>

Thompson's mayoral accomplishments abounded despite the political controversies. He promoted industrial expansion, airport improvements, the upgrading of hospitals, and the completion in 1968 of the $4.5 million 14,000-set Macon Colisuem. <ref>http://www.mindspring.com/~teeth/caution/macontg100years.htm</ref>Buckner Melton said that Thompson, despite his many critics, "had the vision to support the proper restoration of this great old building."<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=MpmJY-xpSBgC&pg=PA178&lpg=PA178&dq=Ronnie+Thompson+(Macon,+Georgia)+&source=web&ots=T01co3ucRn&sig=2TkAK58Hznjp3gMUswPtMEPTWAc&hl=en</ref> Libraries and city recreational programs were expanded. Seventy-seven miles of streets were paved, and nondiscriminatory hiring practices were instituted by the city. Thompson pushed for upgrading the Macon police and fire departments, with the number of police having increasd from 168 to 242 and firefighters from 181 to 297. Thompson pushed for [[civil defense]] and created "one of the best programs in the state."<ref>Christopher Bonner, "Thompson Abandons Third Term Bid", ''Macon Telegraph'', August 15, 1975, p. A8</ref>His accomplishment were not accompanied by a bond issue or an increase of [[ad valorem]] taxes. Yet, his positive accomplishments were overshadowed by his flamboyance and his hard-line positions on law-and-order and municipal unionism.<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=TH7nmIjcteQC&pg=PA43&lpg=PA43&dq=Ronnie+Thompson+(Macon,+Georgia)+&source=web&ots=KPPbEuQE4r&sig=IlUX9zhB85ZK8CnXkB4WwgTvuD0&hl=en; Moore, Thesis, pp. 136-137</ref>

Thompson's last act as mayor was to release all prisoners from city jail. He then wrote a column for the weekly ''Macon Herald'' and hosted a radio talk show before such exchanges were commonplace on the airwaves.<ref>Moore, Thesis, pp. 137-138</ref>Subsequently, he wrote for the ''Macon News'' until [[1983]], when it merged with the ''Macon Telegraph''. In a column about the newspaper consolidation, Thompson said "the most permanent thing known to mankind is change."<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=7q4C6hESNrcC&pg=PA187&lpg=PA187&dq=Ronnie+Thompson+(Macon,+Georgia)+&source=web&ots=3wHxNjuzmD&sig=3zx4MsOqDWNNFCFSz3x8qZVzngc&hl=en</ref>

Thompson's last act as mayor was to release all prisoners from city jail. He then wrote a column for the weekly ''Macon Herald'' and hosted a radio talk show before such exchanges were commonplace on the airwaves.<ref>Moore, Thesis, pp. 137-138</ref>Subsequently, he wrote for the ''Macon News'' until 1983, when it merged with the ''Macon Telegraph''. In a column about the newspaper consolidation, Thompson said "the most permanent thing known to mankind is change."<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=7q4C6hESNrcC&pg=PA187&lpg=PA187&dq=Ronnie+Thompson+(Macon,+Georgia)+&source=web&ots=3wHxNjuzmD&sig=3zx4MsOqDWNNFCFSz3x8qZVzngc&hl=en</ref>

Thompson is a featured artist on the [[CD]] ''America Speaks from the Heart'' by Centurion, a tribute to the victims of [[September 11]], [[2001]], and the American military personnel in the [[terrorism|War on Terror]].<ref>http://cdbaby.com/cd/centurion</ref>

Thompson is a featured artist on the [[CD]] ''America Speaks from the Heart'' by Centurion, a tribute to the victims of the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]], and the American military personnel in the [[terrorism|War on Terror]].<ref>http://cdbaby.com/cd/centurion</ref>

In recent years, Thompson has been a [[counselor]] at the River Edge Behavioral Health Center in Macon.<ref>Confirmed at 478-751-4519</ref>

In recent years, Thompson has been a [[counselor]] at the River Edge Behavioral Health Center in Macon.<ref>Confirmed at 478-751-4519</ref>