Thanks, Jimmy

It’s been refreshing these last few weeks to be reviewing the life of Jimmy Carter, the 39^th president of the United States. Carter passed away Dec. 29, 2024, at the age of 100.

As we steel ourselves for the return of Donald Trump as president of the U.S., an even more erratic version of himself, it was comforting to revisit Carter’s life and remember a president who was dedicated to the process of the federal government carrying out its functions as effectively as possible.

Carter also acted as a man of faith, treating people with kindness and dignity.

As a candidate for president, Carter said he wouldn’t lie to people.

I remember his famous speech well when he told the American people that they needed to be realistic and realize the limits of energy and consumerism.

His honesty couldn’t stand up in 1980 to Ronald Reagan speaking about his “sunny” view of the country and prosperity, and how trickledown economics – cutting taxes for the rich and regulations for corporations – would fix stagflation, which is high inflation, stagnant economic growth, and elevated unemployment.  

Reagan’s slogan? “Make America great again.” Sound familiar?

Little did we know that Reagan, bringing in a new conservatism, would teach Americans to hate government. Then, Newt Gingrich was successful in getting Republicans elected to Congress. His “Contract for America” should have been called “Contract on America” because it was based on cutting programs people needed.

It was Gingrich’s idea for the Republicans to obstruct in the governmental process and not work with Democrats on anything. So divided government in Congress began and it continues.

So, thank you Jimmy Carter for the positive work you were able to do for the American people. And for the many years of important work you accomplished following your presidency including building homes with Habitat for Humanity.

I appreciate this National Day of Mourning to remember President Jimmy Carter.

Update: When I was writing this article, I was also watching “Rolling Thunder Revue,” a 2019 movie about Bob Dylan’s 1975 tour, on Netflix. It showed Jimmy Carter twice quoting Dylan. Carter and Dylan had a friendship that lasted many decades. Also a poet, Carter published a book of poems in 1995.