Clallam County Democrats join the nation and the world in mourning the loss of President Jimmy Carter.
President Carter provided a steady and consistent leadership during his presidency. In addition to brokering the Camp David Peace Accords (for which he won a Nobel Peace Prize), he normalized relationships and diplomatic recognition with China, oversaw the smooth handover of the Panama Canal to the nation of Panama, and advanced foundational elements of a progressive foreign policy agenda. He promoted energy independence and embraced conservation, including installing solar panels on the White House.
Though vilified by his political opponent Ronald Reagan for being weak, President Carter negotiated for the release of the hostages taken during the Iranian Revolution. Iranian leaders refused to release the hostages until 30 minutes after Reagan took office, but it was President Carter’s negotiations that led to the safe return of all 66 hostages.
President Carter’s post presidency is unique. Rather than pursuing lucrative opportunities, he travelled the world to eradicate disease, set up the Carter Center to help resolve conflicts, advance democracy and human rights, prevent disease, and improve mental health care. Alongside Habitat for Humanity he actively advocated for affordable housing. The Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project eventually built or renovated 4,400 homes in 14 countries.
President Carter exemplified leadership that we sorely need today. He has lived his life in accordance with his values and faith rather than narrow self interest.
The world will be a poorer place without him. We encourage our current politicians and office holders to pause and pay tribute to a man who showed that slow and steady commitment to bringing tenderness to the world is a far more powerful way to lead than chest-thumping and manipulating with fear to gain power.
“We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace. We can make these changes — and we must.” — Jimmy Carter, Nobel Lecture
Karen Hogan
Sequim
