Jimmy Carter's Final Days

 Although many deride Jimmy Carter as one of our worst Presidents, few would disagree that he was an incredible human being. He is one of very few Christians who actually was a Christian.  The New York Times has published an op-ed about Carter now that he's in his final days. Although the praise of his failed presidency is a bit tough to swallow, no one can deny that he "was probably the most intelligent, hard-working and decent man to have occupied the Oval Office in the 20th century."  Here's what Steve Thode, a Republican, has to say:

The op-ed clearly pitches to the Times' largely leftist readership while completely neglecting many of Mr. Carter's character traits that many of us on the right respected and admired.

Jimmy Carter graduated from the Naval Academy and served with distinction in the Navy. No Democrat president since Carter even gave a thought to serving in the military. And, the Democrats haven't nominated a candidate for president who served in the military since 2004.

Carter was an evangelical Christian in the best sense of the word. He was kind and generous. And also humble. He didn't use the presidency as a launching pad for the accumulation of massive wealth. He and Rosalyn returned to the same house in Plains when he left office, and his personal life was never the subject of any form of scandal. He was the Harry Truman of his generation.

In other words, I would have loved to have Jimmy Carter as a neighbor.

Politically, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the op-ed neglects completely the economic disaster that was 1980. Those of us who lived through those days remember 15% mortgage interest rates; 18% auto loan interest rates; and, 13% inflation. The author also glosses over the Iranian hostage crisis. I believe the combination of an economy in shambles and the hostage crisis were what ended Carter's re-election hopes.

Bill Clinton, however, had what most people would view as a successful two terms as president. But, his personal life? Gimme a break!  And, his lust for wealth and power post-presidency combined with his already well-known personal dalliances are certainly not the qualities I would want in a neighbor.

Jimmy Carter, I believe, will be remembered as a less-than-successful president, but a model ex-president. Other past, present and future presidents should celebrate the standard Jimmy Carter set for former presidents.  Sadly, I doubt most will.