RAW DEAL: The Jimmy Carter Story ...
A few reflections on the Life and Times of former American Statesman James Earl Carter, Jr.
IN MY HUMBLE COTTON PICKIN’ OPINON Jimmy Carter got a RAW DEAL when it came to his time in American History, but that’s just my humble opinion.
On our late summer trip, last year, down to Plains, GA. USA from Dallas, TX. USA. I talked with one of the sweetest of elder ladies working in the general store on the town's square there of that very sentiment. And while she didn’t necessarily agree or disagree with my words about the now late former President she did nonetheless take what I had to say too heart, and, I’m quite certain as the Memorial Service went along for the former President she thought about what I had to say, but I don’t say so in the way that many here, who’ll no doubt read, think that I truly mean.
So, and with your indulgences for just a bit longer, I’ll explain myself when I say that Jimmy Carter got a RAW DEAL, and here's WHY ...
The Man from Plains was NO STRANGER to hard work, sweat equity and an otherwise hard way of life, so when I say that he got a RAW DEAL or was handed a RAW DEAL way back when its not because that was the case, though it was, he just inherited a God-awful mess and plowed right through it swimmingly! Think about it for a second. He had the Nixon and the Watergate Scandal fallout to contend with, then-President Gerald Ford's, his predecessor, Pardon of then-former President Richard Nixon for Watergate, the Energy Crisis of the 1970s as well as the Iran Hostage Crisis.
But through it all he maintained his trademark smile and eternal optimism that America’s best days were still ahead of her, and not behind like so many of us have now come to so commonly think.
The idea, the notion that despite it all, despite all of the obstacles and setbacks we’re collectively and individually going to plow ahead, push through and push aside these troubling times that we all still find ourselves in, and with the loving help of an Almighty and Fearless God there’s nothing as a Nation and as a People that we cannot endure and be all the more victorious and better-served for having gone through it in the first place. A kind of Trial by Fire, if you will.
That, I think, is WHY Jimmy Carter got a RAW DEAL but pushed through and pushed aside and away the troubles, the haters, the doubters and the fearmongers of the day, and showed us all, even post his presidency, how we can lead America and the still Free World into much, much better days ahead than behind. And we can do it with a trademark Jimmy Carter Smile and Eternal Optimism. At least we should anyways.
IF you wish to help support the life’s work of James and Rosalynn Carter you may do so by visiting the Carter Center online here or by donating to the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Mental Health and Caregivers. I KNOW FOR A FACT that all proceeds donated will go directly toward the continuation of that trademark smile and optimism towards much, much better and brighter days ahead for all. Thanks very much for your love and support in this work!
DEO VINDICE ET SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS!!!
Dear David,
Jimmy Carter was a good man…undeniable. Presidency….???? ….Debatable.
He served as the 39th President of the United States from January 20, 1977, to January 20, 1981.
First and foremost, Jimmy Carter did not “Inherit” the Iranian Hostage crisis. This crisis took place over two years into his presidency.
Fact:
Fifty-three United States diplomats and citizens were held hostage in Iran from November 4, 1979, to their release on January 20, 1981, the very day that Ronald Reagan took office.
There was no “Raw Deal” concerning the hostage situation. He owned it and failed.
Tim