And becdause flags are flown at half-staff for 30 days followijhng the death of a president or former president, the flags will be at half-staff during the alleged "inauguration" of the Chief Traitor, for him to see a memorial to a man who would have scraped the traitor off his shoes.
Sadly, whatever else you want to say about Trump, there will be nothing "alleged" about his inauguration. It is actually going to happen. It will be very real. And unfortunately it will confer a certain amount of legitimacy and credibility on some of the stupidest, most venal, most cruel and most cynical actions ever to be taken by an American president.
I am in a way happy that Pres. Carter was able to die during the Biden administration, so he (and we) will not have to suffer whatever demented humiliation that felon and rapist, Trump, would have cooked up to dishonor, defame, and punish one who was a great human. Trump is not fit to share the label of "human" with a man like Carter.
As I read these comments about the flags in DC, it occurs to me that we are days away from the next great fake controversy after Trump "muses" on his social media site that the flags ought to be fully raised for the new president and ordering same will be the first thing he does after his inauguration. The internet will burst into flames w/ thousands, maybe millions, of people who never thought about it before (and actually still haven't thought about it) taking to twitter with faux outrage in support of the new president. Bannon, Carlson, Hannity and the rest, ever alert for ways to fan the flames and own the libs will jump in with the kind of manufactured self righteousness that only the true blowhard can achieve. The "libs" will take the bait, thundering equally self righteously in the opinion columns about norms and the sanctity of this and respect for that. And the culture wars will win again while we the people sink further into the mire. And Mump (thanks Timothy Snyder) will be laughing as they put their shoes up on the Oval Office furniture, literally or figuratively smoking cigars.
I empathize, Jeff, with your bitter predictions of what will happen about flags etc. after Pres. Carter's death. But I urge you: don't pre-pave for disaster. Maybe the death of a great human being who was President of the United States of America will allow us to re-introduce the ideas of what is right, what is good, what is truly American, what is helpful, what is positive, what is moral, and what is honorable to a national discourse that Trump has suborned into an evil fictional sci-fi instagram reel.
I refer to the upcoming event as an "inaugeration." Definition of inaugeration: the beginning of a period of an intensely painful helical shafting of the entire population
"Few presidents can claim an achievement solidly built on their universally recognized reputation for integrity."
Not a bad summation of the state of the world as of January 2025. Especially if one reads the sentence as I do, including this implicit universality: "Few politicians can claim to be universally recognized for their integrity."
In late 1975 or early 1976, I sat in a "lounge" in the student center (i.e. not an auditorium, not a lecture hall, not even a classroom) with about 30 of my fellow college students who were curious to see this "nobody" who had the audacity to run for President while pledging to "never tell a lie." I actually heard Jimmy Carter say those words. At the time I didn't know what to make of it. Part of me was cynical and disbelieving; part of me ached for it to be true. But either way, I never expected to live long enough to see a major publication (the WaPo) calculate that a sitting president had told over 30,000 lies in 4 years.
I would love to see someone (unfortunately, probably no longer the WaPo) continue the lie-counter starting Nov. 5, 2025. Remember those pictures of thermometers during United Way fund drives, where the red mercury kept rising as money was donated? Or the stock tickers running around the buildings in Times Square? "How many lies did Trump tell today?" Cumulatively adding up over the years to come. We have some to tabulate so far, I think.
President Carter was one of 3 real Christians I've known in my life. The rest of the "Christians" I know/known can't come close to him. There is little mention of how Regan orchestrated the delay of the release of the Iranian hostages until the day he was sworn in. The "cloud" on Carter regarding the hostages needs to be corrected.
Yes it does. I would not know for many years what Reagan did and I remember wondering with my parents why it seemed nothing could move the Iranians to release the hostages. It was Reagan promising Iran in what was really a quid pro quo to keep those hostages detained until he took office.
Thank you, Robert, for devoting your column to Jimmy Carter and mentioning Steven Beschloss, who I also follow on Substack. Carter was always a hero to me and yes, he got a bum rap from the Repubs and the press. He and Rosalyn had a strong partnership that brought them to give of themselves to Habit for Humanity. They were not the founders of the organization but they felt it was a positive way to lend a hand and give back to the community. Both of the Carters spent 36 years building homes and relationships. My best friend of 48 years died 3 years ago but she and I always agreed that Carter will always be remembered as one of the kindest and most effective presidents our country has ever known. It is my opinion that Jimmy decided to “check out” because he didn’t want to stay around for the onslaught of yet another horrid time with an incompetent buffoon who is a criminal.
He didn't decide to go, God brought him home! On the last Sunday in 2024! I believe, so he wouldn't have to be part of the failing state of this country he loved so much. You are a great man Jimmy Carter. You will be richly rewarded in heaven. RIP.
So I will admit this sounds snarky but I'm gonna say it anyway; when you mentioned "Jimmy Carter's final gift to America," I thought you meant that with his passing, for the next 30 days since flags will be flown at half-staff everywhere in the nation, this would also be an appropriate and timely sign of mourning the loss of normality, decency, intelligence and courage with the inauguration of convicted felon <pejoratives unlisted> subhuman tffg for a gobsmacking and undeserved second term as POTUS.
But I also knew that wouldn't be the tone that you would take in this newsletter, because you are too much of a gentleman to take the low road. I am relieved however that President Biden will still be in office to ensure that Jimmy Carter will have the dignified and honorable memorial service and state funeral that he deserves.
From the Dept. of Veteran Affairs: "An easy way to remember when to fly the United States flag at half-staff is to consider when the whole nation is in mourning. [...] The flag should fly at half-staff for 30 days at all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and its territories and possessions after the death of the president or a former president."
I too felt a sense of justice that President Carter died under a president who will honor him properly, rather than one who consistently dishonors the office and would dishonor the man.
Thanks for the link, JR. Also, it never occurred to me how important it is that his passing be in safe hands with President Biden. It's a sorry state of affairs that we are faced with this truth.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. (Matthew 5, KJV). President Carter was a true Christian who walked the talk of the Scriptures. May he inspire others by way of example.
Jimmy Carter was my favorite public servant in my lifetime. My biggest regret was that I never voted for him. I was 19 in 1980 and poised to vote in my first election. Already a political junkie, I was excited. I was also a Republican, having grown up in a politically conservative family. I worked on the Bush campaign that spring and summer and was beginning to loathe Ronald Reagan. When Bush accepted the VP slot, I voted for John Anderson. I didn't know Jimmy Carter outside my father’s assertion that he had wrecked the economy. That’s how I missed my one opportunity to vote for the most worthy man ever to seek my vote.
By 1982, I was a Democrat and a political science major, starting college late. One of my professors had worked on Carter’s gubernatorial staff in Georgia. The stories he told spurred a lifelong interest in the man. I saw Carter and Gerald Ford speak together twice in the mid-eighties, and I read every book he wrote. I may have been late to the party, but I eventually got there. This past year, my wife and I finally took the opportunity to visit the Carter Center and Museum, and, being President Carter’s birthday week, we signed his 100th birthday book. Farewell, sir; we will never see the likes of you again.
I was fortunate to work in an academic capacity for a while with The Carter Center and President Carter concerning his work on human rights and TCC’s work in Liberia. President Carter was extremely clever, forthright and principled. His Human Rights program brought human rights defenders from around the world to share experiences and get moral and other support. It was incredible to participate. The Carter Center’s work in Liberia after the civil war there and the election of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was in my experience, unique in its respect for what Liberians have to contribute and to supporting their efforts rather than coming in like a colonial occupying force as so many other aid agencies did.
President Carter named Israel’s policies as apartheid and he suffered for being brave. Members of his board resigned and he was ostracized by some leaders in the US and the West. I fear the current leadership has been far quieter on this issue given the genocide in Gaza….
He also stood up for women’s rights at home and abroad. (You can see him discussing this in our free Coursera course Understanding Violence).
In short, President Carter was a model human being and leader. The world and especially American politics is all the worse for his passing. RIP.
President Carter was either mistaken or was exaggerating when he called Israel’s policies « apartheid ». It was an unfortunate departure from his almost always thoughtful demeanor.
Thank you for engaging. I profoundly disagree however. President was as thoughtful and prescient about Israel as he was about solar power and human rights.
December 1980, post election, Reagan won. I was playing the Ghost of Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol at Ford's Theater. It was a great gig, didn't think it could get better. Then the cast was summoned to the White House. Some singer who was supposed to perform at the last party of the Carter administration had cancelled. We were called in last minute to entertain. Ye gods, that place was gorgeous, and the coolest part was being parked in the basement where tourists don't go, so we saw parts of the building most people don't see.
So we did a scene or two from the play in the East Room. The whole administration was there. At the end, we sang Silent Night. Everyone was in tears, finally letting some emotion out after the election loss. Walter Mondale was practically sobbing. The cast took a bow. Jimmy jumped up on stage, put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Good ghost." All I could think about was that my costume was reeking! We normally had the costumes laundered on Sunday night, but we had to perform in them after a having done eight shows, and my dress stunk. I was being complimented by the leader of the free world and all I'm thinking is can he smell me. Anyway, we had our picture taken. I still have the photo.
Then it was off to the lobby (?) or wherever they keep the tree. So pretty! I spoke to Rosalynn, so nice. Then the Marine Corps band played and we danced. Zbignew Brezinski asked me to waltz, and fortunately, I knew how. If he smelled my costume, he didn't seem to mind. The room was gorgeous, and it was the first time I ate a pastry with a slice of kiwi on top. (Our producer fed us those damn pastries for the rest of the following week.)
It was a fantastic evening, even if Jimmy did look sad and tired as hell. Now Jimmy's the good ghost. Rest in peace, Mr. and Mrs. Carter.
Ann, Thank you for sharing your beautiful human touching experience. Oh how I would love to see your photo. Mr. and Mrs. Carter were saints among us...so grateful for that gift.
What a lovely story, Good Ghost Ann Anderson. You've put a big smile on my face, and undoubtedly the faces of others who have read your comment. May the warmth of those smiles come back to you, and may Jimmy Carter keep smiling down upon you from above.
A man who put solar panels on the White House and donned sweaters to save energy...And for those who hearken back to a "decent" GOP of Reagan, don't forget that those cheaters prevented our hostages from returning just to win the election.The GOP has been doing dirty tricks for decades. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/18/us/politics/jimmy-carter-october-surprise-iran-hostages.html
It seems like democrats will never learn that lesson that republicans are capable of such criminality. From their obsessive fealty to "working across the aisle" when in power to their circular firing squad behavior in defeat, they continue to act as if the other side is somehow equal. As Robert said a while back, it's a failure of imagination.
I hear, quite often, "democrats will never learn...that republicans are capable of such criminality."
My response, question...dilemma?...is do those who say this suggest that we become what we oppose? We know they (most) are capable of despicable actions...but if we don't work "across the aisle" we might as well just not show up. Preventing a government shutdown, for instance, was important for the middle and lower income folks.
Honestly, and with much respect, I don't have the answers. I hope Joyce Vance, Robert Hubbell, Jay Kuo and many other like-minded folks will help us figure it out.
Ellie, I don't think people are suggesting Democrats not work across the aisle. But that goes both ways. The only person in the GOP that seems willing to work across the aisle these days is that SPINO Mike Johnson, and he's motivated by a desperate expediency to keep his job. Meanwhile, Democrats "working across the aisle" seem to be caving in on principle (Fetterman??) and not gaining anything for the people both sides serve, by this willingness to abandon all ideals to (a) get some ineffective legislation passed or (b) get re-elected or (c) make some millionaire donor happy.
I agree, BarryT. We have to stop bending over backwards to be fair, stop watering down what we believe in so as not to offend Republicans. We need to give people an alternative, not just try to blend in with the right wing. We need to state and elevate and use a megaphone on all the ideals Jimmy Carter stood for. Give our young people and decent Americans something to rally around. As Bob Reich recently pointed out in a column, there is no "center." We Democrats are left of center which does not have to mean crazy extremist left. No. Left of center and progressive, standing for health care, honest government, people's rights, etc. What have we got to lose by stating clearly and firmly what we stand for?
This morning an Italian newspaper had a front page article spreading into two full pages infold for this remarkable "President of Peace". Damn these onions.
It also has a cartoon, "Biden's year of miracle. Resurrection of .. " and the Orange thug in mummified form coming out of a coffin.
Let's just say it like it is- Jimmy Carter was the MOST decent , humane and honorable president we have had in our lifetime- and now we have sunk to the horrific 4 years that is our current future-SAD
We already knew it costs about a billion dollars to be elected president of the United States. We have now learned that it takes only $250 Million to purchase the presidency. That's a lot of money for the average or even above-average American, but it is an absurdly small sum for those who can take advantage of the opportunity. This is a sickness that goes far beyond any policy, action or open welcome for Nazis.
I also recommend Heather Cox Richardson's tribute. It's accurate and covers just how significant his presidency was.
His extraordinary post-presidency achievements are eclipsing the extraordinary record of achievements he managed to produce during his presidency. I hope history accurately reflects what he faced as president.
I also was deeply impressed by Professor Richardson’s recounting of President Carter’s achievements. It seems to me that, for some reasons, his record didn’t burnish his reputation during his Presidency.
My guess is that President Carter may have thought his actions would « speak for themselves ». That was a mistake - Carter, as President, needed to be a *thought leader*, as was FDR, in addition to being a person who racked up accomplishments. He might be regarded as more successful if he had, by words as well as deeds, demonstrated his political and administrative values.
German media are paying homage to President Carter this morning. At the same time they are still reporting about the efforts of Elon Musk to openly push a neo-Nazi party in the upcoming German elections.
Yes, neo-Nazi party, not just a party with "alleged ties to neo-Nazi groups." One of their former leaders tried to play down Hitler and the Holocaust as just "a bird's shit" in the 1000 years of German history and just last year the Public Prosecutor's Office in Frankfurt determined to not proceed against demonstrators who had called a rising star in the party
a Nazi. Their reasoning: the statement "Björn Höcke is a Nazi" is not an insult, but "a value judgment based on the facts" that is covered by freedom of expression.
This applies all the more as "the person concerned belongs to the far right of his party, according to the last few years, has expressed himself in a clearly ethno-nationalist manner with racist echos and highlighting a natural claim of leadership of the Germans, and has repeatedly used formulations that belonged to the standard vocabulary of the representatives of National Socialism before May 1945," the public prosecutor's office continued.
All this seems to be endearing to the future shadow president of the US. Lightyears away from the values and spirit embodied by the President we are mourning today.
And becdause flags are flown at half-staff for 30 days followijhng the death of a president or former president, the flags will be at half-staff during the alleged "inauguration" of the Chief Traitor, for him to see a memorial to a man who would have scraped the traitor off his shoes.
Sadly, whatever else you want to say about Trump, there will be nothing "alleged" about his inauguration. It is actually going to happen. It will be very real. And unfortunately it will confer a certain amount of legitimacy and credibility on some of the stupidest, most venal, most cruel and most cynical actions ever to be taken by an American president.
I still wonder if 45 actually won.
I am looking forward to the photos of the Capitol during the Inauguration with the flags at half staff. And the flags at the White House too.
Is this a law or a tradition? Can Trump ordered them raised as soon as he us inaugurated?
It's a tradition. He will find a way around it.
He has felt no compunction about breaking any and all traditions. All of us can name several off the top of his or her head.
I am in a way happy that Pres. Carter was able to die during the Biden administration, so he (and we) will not have to suffer whatever demented humiliation that felon and rapist, Trump, would have cooked up to dishonor, defame, and punish one who was a great human. Trump is not fit to share the label of "human" with a man like Carter.
Thank you, Christina. I couldn’t agree more.
As I read these comments about the flags in DC, it occurs to me that we are days away from the next great fake controversy after Trump "muses" on his social media site that the flags ought to be fully raised for the new president and ordering same will be the first thing he does after his inauguration. The internet will burst into flames w/ thousands, maybe millions, of people who never thought about it before (and actually still haven't thought about it) taking to twitter with faux outrage in support of the new president. Bannon, Carlson, Hannity and the rest, ever alert for ways to fan the flames and own the libs will jump in with the kind of manufactured self righteousness that only the true blowhard can achieve. The "libs" will take the bait, thundering equally self righteously in the opinion columns about norms and the sanctity of this and respect for that. And the culture wars will win again while we the people sink further into the mire. And Mump (thanks Timothy Snyder) will be laughing as they put their shoes up on the Oval Office furniture, literally or figuratively smoking cigars.
I empathize, Jeff, with your bitter predictions of what will happen about flags etc. after Pres. Carter's death. But I urge you: don't pre-pave for disaster. Maybe the death of a great human being who was President of the United States of America will allow us to re-introduce the ideas of what is right, what is good, what is truly American, what is helpful, what is positive, what is moral, and what is honorable to a national discourse that Trump has suborned into an evil fictional sci-fi instagram reel.
I refer to the upcoming event as an "inaugeration." Definition of inaugeration: the beginning of a period of an intensely painful helical shafting of the entire population
We can still stop Trump
https://thehill.com/opinion/congress-blog/5055171-constitution-insurrection-trump-disqualification/
The Unsupreme Court shot it down in t he Colorado case.
Damn them!
"Few presidents can claim an achievement solidly built on their universally recognized reputation for integrity."
Not a bad summation of the state of the world as of January 2025. Especially if one reads the sentence as I do, including this implicit universality: "Few politicians can claim to be universally recognized for their integrity."
In late 1975 or early 1976, I sat in a "lounge" in the student center (i.e. not an auditorium, not a lecture hall, not even a classroom) with about 30 of my fellow college students who were curious to see this "nobody" who had the audacity to run for President while pledging to "never tell a lie." I actually heard Jimmy Carter say those words. At the time I didn't know what to make of it. Part of me was cynical and disbelieving; part of me ached for it to be true. But either way, I never expected to live long enough to see a major publication (the WaPo) calculate that a sitting president had told over 30,000 lies in 4 years.
I would love to see someone (unfortunately, probably no longer the WaPo) continue the lie-counter starting Nov. 5, 2025. Remember those pictures of thermometers during United Way fund drives, where the red mercury kept rising as money was donated? Or the stock tickers running around the buildings in Times Square? "How many lies did Trump tell today?" Cumulatively adding up over the years to come. We have some to tabulate so far, I think.
2024
President Carter was one of 3 real Christians I've known in my life. The rest of the "Christians" I know/known can't come close to him. There is little mention of how Regan orchestrated the delay of the release of the Iranian hostages until the day he was sworn in. The "cloud" on Carter regarding the hostages needs to be corrected.
Yes it does. I would not know for many years what Reagan did and I remember wondering with my parents why it seemed nothing could move the Iranians to release the hostages. It was Reagan promising Iran in what was really a quid pro quo to keep those hostages detained until he took office.
Thank you, Robert, for devoting your column to Jimmy Carter and mentioning Steven Beschloss, who I also follow on Substack. Carter was always a hero to me and yes, he got a bum rap from the Repubs and the press. He and Rosalyn had a strong partnership that brought them to give of themselves to Habit for Humanity. They were not the founders of the organization but they felt it was a positive way to lend a hand and give back to the community. Both of the Carters spent 36 years building homes and relationships. My best friend of 48 years died 3 years ago but she and I always agreed that Carter will always be remembered as one of the kindest and most effective presidents our country has ever known. It is my opinion that Jimmy decided to “check out” because he didn’t want to stay around for the onslaught of yet another horrid time with an incompetent buffoon who is a criminal.
He didn't decide to go, God brought him home! On the last Sunday in 2024! I believe, so he wouldn't have to be part of the failing state of this country he loved so much. You are a great man Jimmy Carter. You will be richly rewarded in heaven. RIP.
So I will admit this sounds snarky but I'm gonna say it anyway; when you mentioned "Jimmy Carter's final gift to America," I thought you meant that with his passing, for the next 30 days since flags will be flown at half-staff everywhere in the nation, this would also be an appropriate and timely sign of mourning the loss of normality, decency, intelligence and courage with the inauguration of convicted felon <pejoratives unlisted> subhuman tffg for a gobsmacking and undeserved second term as POTUS.
But I also knew that wouldn't be the tone that you would take in this newsletter, because you are too much of a gentleman to take the low road. I am relieved however that President Biden will still be in office to ensure that Jimmy Carter will have the dignified and honorable memorial service and state funeral that he deserves.
From the Dept. of Veteran Affairs: "An easy way to remember when to fly the United States flag at half-staff is to consider when the whole nation is in mourning. [...] The flag should fly at half-staff for 30 days at all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and its territories and possessions after the death of the president or a former president."
https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate/halfstaff.pdf
I too felt a sense of justice that President Carter died under a president who will honor him properly, rather than one who consistently dishonors the office and would dishonor the man.
Thanks for the link, JR. Also, it never occurred to me how important it is that his passing be in safe hands with President Biden. It's a sorry state of affairs that we are faced with this truth.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. (Matthew 5, KJV). President Carter was a true Christian who walked the talk of the Scriptures. May he inspire others by way of example.
Jimmy Carter was my favorite public servant in my lifetime. My biggest regret was that I never voted for him. I was 19 in 1980 and poised to vote in my first election. Already a political junkie, I was excited. I was also a Republican, having grown up in a politically conservative family. I worked on the Bush campaign that spring and summer and was beginning to loathe Ronald Reagan. When Bush accepted the VP slot, I voted for John Anderson. I didn't know Jimmy Carter outside my father’s assertion that he had wrecked the economy. That’s how I missed my one opportunity to vote for the most worthy man ever to seek my vote.
By 1982, I was a Democrat and a political science major, starting college late. One of my professors had worked on Carter’s gubernatorial staff in Georgia. The stories he told spurred a lifelong interest in the man. I saw Carter and Gerald Ford speak together twice in the mid-eighties, and I read every book he wrote. I may have been late to the party, but I eventually got there. This past year, my wife and I finally took the opportunity to visit the Carter Center and Museum, and, being President Carter’s birthday week, we signed his 100th birthday book. Farewell, sir; we will never see the likes of you again.
Don't say never.
I was fortunate to work in an academic capacity for a while with The Carter Center and President Carter concerning his work on human rights and TCC’s work in Liberia. President Carter was extremely clever, forthright and principled. His Human Rights program brought human rights defenders from around the world to share experiences and get moral and other support. It was incredible to participate. The Carter Center’s work in Liberia after the civil war there and the election of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was in my experience, unique in its respect for what Liberians have to contribute and to supporting their efforts rather than coming in like a colonial occupying force as so many other aid agencies did.
President Carter named Israel’s policies as apartheid and he suffered for being brave. Members of his board resigned and he was ostracized by some leaders in the US and the West. I fear the current leadership has been far quieter on this issue given the genocide in Gaza….
He also stood up for women’s rights at home and abroad. (You can see him discussing this in our free Coursera course Understanding Violence).
In short, President Carter was a model human being and leader. The world and especially American politics is all the worse for his passing. RIP.
President Carter was either mistaken or was exaggerating when he called Israel’s policies « apartheid ». It was an unfortunate departure from his almost always thoughtful demeanor.
Thank you for engaging. I profoundly disagree however. President was as thoughtful and prescient about Israel as he was about solar power and human rights.
My Jimmy Carter story:
December 1980, post election, Reagan won. I was playing the Ghost of Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol at Ford's Theater. It was a great gig, didn't think it could get better. Then the cast was summoned to the White House. Some singer who was supposed to perform at the last party of the Carter administration had cancelled. We were called in last minute to entertain. Ye gods, that place was gorgeous, and the coolest part was being parked in the basement where tourists don't go, so we saw parts of the building most people don't see.
So we did a scene or two from the play in the East Room. The whole administration was there. At the end, we sang Silent Night. Everyone was in tears, finally letting some emotion out after the election loss. Walter Mondale was practically sobbing. The cast took a bow. Jimmy jumped up on stage, put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Good ghost." All I could think about was that my costume was reeking! We normally had the costumes laundered on Sunday night, but we had to perform in them after a having done eight shows, and my dress stunk. I was being complimented by the leader of the free world and all I'm thinking is can he smell me. Anyway, we had our picture taken. I still have the photo.
Then it was off to the lobby (?) or wherever they keep the tree. So pretty! I spoke to Rosalynn, so nice. Then the Marine Corps band played and we danced. Zbignew Brezinski asked me to waltz, and fortunately, I knew how. If he smelled my costume, he didn't seem to mind. The room was gorgeous, and it was the first time I ate a pastry with a slice of kiwi on top. (Our producer fed us those damn pastries for the rest of the following week.)
It was a fantastic evening, even if Jimmy did look sad and tired as hell. Now Jimmy's the good ghost. Rest in peace, Mr. and Mrs. Carter.
Ann, Thank you for sharing your beautiful human touching experience. Oh how I would love to see your photo. Mr. and Mrs. Carter were saints among us...so grateful for that gift.
Wish I could post it here, but no can do on Substack comments.
What a lovely story, Good Ghost Ann Anderson. You've put a big smile on my face, and undoubtedly the faces of others who have read your comment. May the warmth of those smiles come back to you, and may Jimmy Carter keep smiling down upon you from above.
Thank you for sharing an amazing experience.
A man who put solar panels on the White House and donned sweaters to save energy...And for those who hearken back to a "decent" GOP of Reagan, don't forget that those cheaters prevented our hostages from returning just to win the election.The GOP has been doing dirty tricks for decades. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/18/us/politics/jimmy-carter-october-surprise-iran-hostages.html
It seems like democrats will never learn that lesson that republicans are capable of such criminality. From their obsessive fealty to "working across the aisle" when in power to their circular firing squad behavior in defeat, they continue to act as if the other side is somehow equal. As Robert said a while back, it's a failure of imagination.
I hear, quite often, "democrats will never learn...that republicans are capable of such criminality."
My response, question...dilemma?...is do those who say this suggest that we become what we oppose? We know they (most) are capable of despicable actions...but if we don't work "across the aisle" we might as well just not show up. Preventing a government shutdown, for instance, was important for the middle and lower income folks.
Honestly, and with much respect, I don't have the answers. I hope Joyce Vance, Robert Hubbell, Jay Kuo and many other like-minded folks will help us figure it out.
Ellie, I don't think people are suggesting Democrats not work across the aisle. But that goes both ways. The only person in the GOP that seems willing to work across the aisle these days is that SPINO Mike Johnson, and he's motivated by a desperate expediency to keep his job. Meanwhile, Democrats "working across the aisle" seem to be caving in on principle (Fetterman??) and not gaining anything for the people both sides serve, by this willingness to abandon all ideals to (a) get some ineffective legislation passed or (b) get re-elected or (c) make some millionaire donor happy.
« You can’t shake hands with a clenched fist. » –
– Indira Gandhi
I agree, BarryT. We have to stop bending over backwards to be fair, stop watering down what we believe in so as not to offend Republicans. We need to give people an alternative, not just try to blend in with the right wing. We need to state and elevate and use a megaphone on all the ideals Jimmy Carter stood for. Give our young people and decent Americans something to rally around. As Bob Reich recently pointed out in a column, there is no "center." We Democrats are left of center which does not have to mean crazy extremist left. No. Left of center and progressive, standing for health care, honest government, people's rights, etc. What have we got to lose by stating clearly and firmly what we stand for?
This morning an Italian newspaper had a front page article spreading into two full pages infold for this remarkable "President of Peace". Damn these onions.
It also has a cartoon, "Biden's year of miracle. Resurrection of .. " and the Orange thug in mummified form coming out of a coffin.
Let's just say it like it is- Jimmy Carter was the MOST decent , humane and honorable president we have had in our lifetime- and now we have sunk to the horrific 4 years that is our current future-SAD
We already knew it costs about a billion dollars to be elected president of the United States. We have now learned that it takes only $250 Million to purchase the presidency. That's a lot of money for the average or even above-average American, but it is an absurdly small sum for those who can take advantage of the opportunity. This is a sickness that goes far beyond any policy, action or open welcome for Nazis.
Heather Cox Richardson has written a wonderfully historic tribute to President Jimmy Carter:
https://open.substack.com/pub/heathercoxrichardson/p/december-29-2024?r=1sr6sb&utm_medium=ios
Thank you, Robert, for always giving us reasons to hope and strive.
I also recommend Heather Cox Richardson's tribute. It's accurate and covers just how significant his presidency was.
His extraordinary post-presidency achievements are eclipsing the extraordinary record of achievements he managed to produce during his presidency. I hope history accurately reflects what he faced as president.
I also was deeply impressed by Professor Richardson’s recounting of President Carter’s achievements. It seems to me that, for some reasons, his record didn’t burnish his reputation during his Presidency.
My guess is that President Carter may have thought his actions would « speak for themselves ». That was a mistake - Carter, as President, needed to be a *thought leader*, as was FDR, in addition to being a person who racked up accomplishments. He might be regarded as more successful if he had, by words as well as deeds, demonstrated his political and administrative values.
German media are paying homage to President Carter this morning. At the same time they are still reporting about the efforts of Elon Musk to openly push a neo-Nazi party in the upcoming German elections.
Yes, neo-Nazi party, not just a party with "alleged ties to neo-Nazi groups." One of their former leaders tried to play down Hitler and the Holocaust as just "a bird's shit" in the 1000 years of German history and just last year the Public Prosecutor's Office in Frankfurt determined to not proceed against demonstrators who had called a rising star in the party
a Nazi. Their reasoning: the statement "Björn Höcke is a Nazi" is not an insult, but "a value judgment based on the facts" that is covered by freedom of expression.
This applies all the more as "the person concerned belongs to the far right of his party, according to the last few years, has expressed himself in a clearly ethno-nationalist manner with racist echos and highlighting a natural claim of leadership of the Germans, and has repeatedly used formulations that belonged to the standard vocabulary of the representatives of National Socialism before May 1945," the public prosecutor's office continued.
All this seems to be endearing to the future shadow president of the US. Lightyears away from the values and spirit embodied by the President we are mourning today.
Thank you, Robert. As you have alluded to, I look forward to reading more about Jimmy Carter in the coming weeks.