A truly good man-- President Carter

When I was around nine years old, the presidential race was marching onward, a race that Jimmy Carter, a "peanut farmer" from Georgia, ultimately won. The first real recollection I have of a presidential inauguration was his; the teacher wheeled a television into our classroom so we could witness history. I was hooked. Ever since that day, I have had a deep interest in politics, both national and global, and I like to work out the connections and see who the players are. It's kind of sickening nowadays, but I'm awfully glad my interest was sparked that day-- at least I am informed, no matter how dismayed it makes me. 

Pres. Carter was kind, soft-spoken, and cared about people-- that was what I took from watching the news that day. And as a child of not yet ten, that was enough to convince me that his way was the better path. And I was incensed at the way that things turned out with the hostage crisis-- fully using human beings as pawns in a dirty, international political game. I cried when he had to leave office, and we ended up with the Great Communicator (y'know, the one who, on a hot mic, derided "commie pinkos")-- Showmanship and a level of toxic masculinity had taken over, and has only gotten more-so.

And here we are. I am deeply grateful as a person and as an American citizen to have followed President Carter's post-presidential contributions to the world. He was quietly instrumental in so many good works, and he will be missed immensely. 

The alternative is about to take office again, and it's shocking and sad. American media has never given quiet, intelligent, industrious, caring politicians their due-- until they die. It's always the loudest, brashest, most brazen ones that get the media's attention. The circus is in town. 

The contrast between a truly good human and the ilk that is swamping our political scene is evident, and I mourn for us all. I mourn for a good man, President Carter. May his memory, and his legacy, be a blessing.

For a complete review of President Carter's life-work, please read Heather Cox Richardson's essay. 

It is truly heartbreaking to see what we have lost, and what we could have done more with, if we'd given ourselves the space and grace.

Have a good day,

C