Today is set aside to celebrate President’s Day and upon learning the news of President Jimmy Carter, now age 98, being moved into Hospice Care lead me to delve into some of President Carter’s accomplishments in his long tenure on this earth. I wanted to learn the less published aspects of the great man and the qualities that summed him up as a human being. What an illuminating exercise, here is what I learned.
Jimmy Carter graduated from the United States Naval Academy and then served this country as a naval officer. After his father’s death, President Carter left the Naval Corps and returned to his family domicile to run and expand the peanut growing business started by his father. During this period, Jimmy became a voice for the opposition of Georgia’s political climate of racial segregation and the civil rights movement. Why? Because it was the right voice to raise. Through that motivation, he served in the Georgia State Senate and went on to become Governor of the state. These political positions lead to him being elected the 39th President of the United States even though he was a dark horse candidate.
In President Carter’s second day in office, he signed an order which pardoned all Vietnam Draft evaders. Why? Because it was the right thing to do. After spending four years as President, Jimmy Carter established a Center to promote and expand human rights throughout the world. He and his wife, Rosalynn, who remarkably have been married for more than 76 (yes, seventy-six) years have traveled extensively in promoting peace negotiations and efforts for the eradication of disease and under-education in developing nations. Why these crusades? Because the under-privileged that we share the earth with are the right beings to fight for; by giving voice to and dedicating oneself in these worthy pursuits a testament is created for us to see and be encouraged by in the practice of great humanity.
Despite his advanced age until about 6 months ago, President Carter continued to be active in American and global affairs. He is credited as a key figure in the charity, Habitat for Humanity. Why? Because it is the right thing to give a hand up to those less fortunate. President Carter has penned more than 30 books on topics ranging from political memoirs to poetry. Where he is known in the political arena for being an ‘average’ president, the accolades and evaluations for his post-presidential work are high in recognition and commendation.
To sum it up, I stand in awe of this great man who seemingly always KNEW the right thing to do. Despite any opposition he met with, he still followed the path for what he believed was right.
As you go along today, try to look at each encounter you come across for the right or wrong within it. Lend your support to the side that shines as ‘right!’ Just that small adjustment will lead us to a greater humanity.
PHOTO CREDIT: 26 January 2009 – New York , NY – Former President Jimmy Carter signs copies of “We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land” Photo Credit: Brian Zak/Sipa Press