Jimmy Carter
I watched the two-part series of Jimmy Carter’s life on PBS. I know there are those that look upon his time in the White House with contempt, but I always thought he did well considering the tumultuous times that he served as president. Perhaps historians will see the larger picture of his term and put it in a proper context.
No matter what one thinks of his presidency, there can be no questioning the work he has done following his exit from the White House. Since his presidency, he and Rosalynn have traveled to more than 120 countries, participated with Habitat for Humanity in building homes for people from New York City to South Africa, has been an observer in numerous elections to ensure the democratic process was followed, assisted in teaching farming skills to the poor, has helped implement peaceful resolutions for nations in conflict, and has ensured that the Carter Center will continue such work for many years to come.
In a time where it is fashionable for polititicians to retire to a life of privilege with book-tours, countless speaking engagements, and lofty positions within political action groups and corporations, I find it refreshing that a former president continues to do so very much for those less fortunate than himself. Certainly his actions speak volumes about the quality of his character. Perhaps Carter’s greatest long-term accomplishments are those that he achieved after leaving the White House. I wonder how many former presidents that can be said about.