What a beautiful tribute to such a fascinating man. We were incredibly lucky to have him, even if his presidency was maligned by circumstances both within and outside his control. Thank you for this piece, Sharon.
Reading about Carter's rise from humble peanut farmer to president makes me wonder whether that kind of candidacy is even possible anymore. Before voters ever get to weigh in during primaries, candidates must first survive what's called the "wealth primary" — the invisible election where you prove you can raise enough money to be taken seriously. Carter was a relatively unknown Georgia governor who connected with everyday Americans and built momentum through retail politics. Today, that path is completely closed off. The money required to run a competitive campaign has exploded, and the donor class effectively serves as gatekeepers deciding which candidates are viable before the rest of us even see their names on a ballot.
Here are my longer-form thoughts on effectively overturning Citizens United (and the other relevant Supreme Court decisions) through constitutional amendment, so that we can have more Carters and fewer Trumps in our future... https://anewbillofrights.substack.com/p/the-right-to-be-heard-22
Jimmy Carter remains one of my greatest heroes. About a decade ago, I wrote the only “fan mail” I’ve ever crafted in my life - to Jimmy (the greatest former president in history) and Rosalind (a tireless advocate for mental health, which is my profession). I miss the dignity, intelligence, compassion and decency both of them brought to our nation, and can’t help but wonder if we will ever find value in these attributes again. How far we have fallen.
As an ordained minister, I was also in awe of their faith that was never flashy or arrogant and always believed in translating faith into meaningful action. I think of the ways in which Christianity has felt thoroughly corrupted by this regime and so many of its followers, and I feel profoundly sad. Faith - whatever the belief system - should make our world better, not exploit it.
Thank you for such a thoughtful and moving tribute!
I never realized his commitment to gender equality, or his Biblical interpretation that grounded his beliefs in that regard. This gave me energy. Thanks for re-sharing; I missed it originally as I didn't subscribe until March of this year.
This is a great piece and a wonderful example of a True American! This morning and at the approach of the new year,I fear two words complacency and compliant. This country is forever falling right back into them both! What can I do about it. My Vote won't make any difference! Want to write a story later about an organization I once served in called ABATE. Maybe that can bring another word to mind for us, participate.
What a beautiful tribute to such a fascinating man. We were incredibly lucky to have him, even if his presidency was maligned by circumstances both within and outside his control. Thank you for this piece, Sharon.
Reading about Carter's rise from humble peanut farmer to president makes me wonder whether that kind of candidacy is even possible anymore. Before voters ever get to weigh in during primaries, candidates must first survive what's called the "wealth primary" — the invisible election where you prove you can raise enough money to be taken seriously. Carter was a relatively unknown Georgia governor who connected with everyday Americans and built momentum through retail politics. Today, that path is completely closed off. The money required to run a competitive campaign has exploded, and the donor class effectively serves as gatekeepers deciding which candidates are viable before the rest of us even see their names on a ballot.
Here are my longer-form thoughts on effectively overturning Citizens United (and the other relevant Supreme Court decisions) through constitutional amendment, so that we can have more Carters and fewer Trumps in our future... https://anewbillofrights.substack.com/p/the-right-to-be-heard-22
What an incredible example of a leader, in and out of the White House.
Jimmy Carter remains one of my greatest heroes. About a decade ago, I wrote the only “fan mail” I’ve ever crafted in my life - to Jimmy (the greatest former president in history) and Rosalind (a tireless advocate for mental health, which is my profession). I miss the dignity, intelligence, compassion and decency both of them brought to our nation, and can’t help but wonder if we will ever find value in these attributes again. How far we have fallen.
As an ordained minister, I was also in awe of their faith that was never flashy or arrogant and always believed in translating faith into meaningful action. I think of the ways in which Christianity has felt thoroughly corrupted by this regime and so many of its followers, and I feel profoundly sad. Faith - whatever the belief system - should make our world better, not exploit it.
Thank you for such a thoughtful and moving tribute!
I never realized his commitment to gender equality, or his Biblical interpretation that grounded his beliefs in that regard. This gave me energy. Thanks for re-sharing; I missed it originally as I didn't subscribe until March of this year.
If only we all would choose to live as he did… choose a belief system that believes in equality and get out there and do the work.
This is a great piece and a wonderful example of a True American! This morning and at the approach of the new year,I fear two words complacency and compliant. This country is forever falling right back into them both! What can I do about it. My Vote won't make any difference! Want to write a story later about an organization I once served in called ABATE. Maybe that can bring another word to mind for us, participate.