I was 25 years old when Jimmy Carter was elected president. To this day, he is the only presidential candidate who moved me enough to attend a campaign rally. After the Nixon and Ford years, Carter was a breath of fresh air on the political scene in the mid-70s. We took him at his word when he told us he would never lie to us.
He never quite lived up to the early expectations for his presidency, partially because he was usually the smartest man in the room and did not suffer fools gladly. This limited his ability to work with Congress on many issues. His presidency is best known as the jumping off point for his later accomplishments.
He established the Carter Center which became famous for its role in election monitoring around the world. Carter was also instrumental in founding Habitat for Humanity. Hundred of thousands of people owe their homes to his initiative. He has had the most consequential post presidency of anyone ever elected to the office. I'm glad he is able to enjoy the praise he deserves before his death. He was and continues to be the very model of the man we would like to follow.
No comments:
Post a Comment