Presidents Aren’t Necessarily Terrible People
There is still living proof that old, white ex-presidents can be extremely fine human beings; sadly, that’s not going to remain the case forever.
Larger version below.
There is still living proof that old, white ex-presidents can be extremely fine human beings; sadly, that’s not going to remain the case forever.
Larger version below.
Craig,
It’s nice to see the 39th President’s term in office and enormous contribution to public life beginning to be received more positively.
James Earl Carter Jr, is certainly no Saint, but he’s certainly a gentleman.
His term in office was turbulent and extremely difficult. he did his best within the strictures and the mood of the times.
Perhaps his epitaph should read, “he always meant well”.
Largely remembered outside of leftist circles a weak and ineffective President, his critics underestimate the important balance his valuable contribution to public life and public discourse brought during the depths of US public social and economic decay and diminished status in the lat 1970’s.
Overshadowed by the towering figure of Ronald Reagan, Carter’s achievements have been overlooked or forgotten by historians and commentators.
When in 1981 UK PM Marget Thatcher derided Jimmy Carter’s naivety and ineffectiveness, President Reagan rebuked her saying, “Jimmy was a good man in a job where being a good man isn’t allays a priority and often a handicap”, then after a pause he added with a sad smile, ” So what does that say about us?”.