In honor of our former President Jimmy Carter - who just moved me to choke up

[Mira]

Jimmy Carter is a treasure. Brilliant, courageous, honest, outspoken, knowledgeable, self-assured and for an old man incredibly with-it. He minces no words.

He was on with David Letterman to discuss his new book which calls us to action in areas that are usually not talked about. He was on top of all the percentages about female genital mutilation worldwide, he spoke about female human trafficking and females forced into prostitution in this very country in a new form of slavery.
He told about Atlanta being the Hub of this activity, because it's such a large airport and connected to the Southern hemisphere.
He was very clear in expressing the need for us to step in and create awareness and change. David Letterman in essence was reduced to tread gently with eyes like saucers unable at the end to say little other than "I wish you had been able to be more funny".

In the world of the Fox news robots the word is that Jimmy Carter was our worst president ever.
I am so sad that I cannot alter those closed minds.
And I am horribly sad that he is quite old now and we will lose him. Yet I also chose to be Joyous he is still with us today lucid and brilliant, unabashedly pinpointing where the world is failing women and disrespecting them.

When it comes to Jimmy Carter, this is a country for listening to selected wise old men.

[VanillaRhapsody]

1. Regardless of what the hater's think...he was one of the best men to hold the office...

[MindMover]

4. +1

[DonViejo]

27. It drives me absolutely crazy when the fundies scream, whine and

moan "we need a 'Christian President'!" Idiots! We had one but you wanted someone that could act the part, not live the role.

[think4yourself]

60. Brilliantly stated.

Carter is a world treasure and continues to give. I hold the utmost respect for him and never hesitate to defend him whenever someone speaks ill of him in my presence.

[yeoman6987]

30. He was probably the most honest President we have had

That is not desired in a President for the United States. He lost reelection huge because the voters could not comprehend having an honest man in office. Voters tend to like being told what they want to hear, not the honest truth. The old saying, "Truth hurts" was not feel good enough for the voters. Frustrating. I am not sure where his ranking will end up but who cares really. We all know that he tried very hard to be a good president. He is still among only 44 people out of a few billion to have been President. That in itself is an accomplishment.

[VanillaRhapsody]

54. ^^^this.....and those people are why "progress" is not going to happen quickly....

no matter what certain DU'ers think....the wheels of progress turn slowly...

[lsewpershad]

53. That's right

After him we Reagan....."nough said.

[greyl]

2. He's great to have around.

We should thank him while we can. Note, Letterman did not say he wished Jimmy was able to be more funny, he said "I thought you were going to be more funny" (or very close to that), then they both shared a great extended laugh.

Slight yet significant difference, so I feel it's worth pointing out.

Mr. Carter's new book:

Jimmy Carter - A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power

President Carter was encouraged to write this book by a wide coalition of leaders of all faiths. His urgent report covers a system of discrimination that extends to every nation. Women are deprived of equal opportunity in wealthier nations and “owned” by men in others, forced to suffer servitude, child marriage, and genital cutting. The most vulnerable, along with their children, are trapped in war and violence.

A Call to Action addresses the suffering inflicted upon women by a false interpretation of carefully selected religious texts and a growing tolerance of violence and warfare. Key verses are often omitted or quoted out of context by male religious leaders to exalt the status of men and exclude women. And in nations that accept or even glorify violence, this perceived inequality becomes the basis for abuse. President Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, have visited 145 countries, and The Carter Center has had active projects in more than half of them. Around the world, they have seen inequality rising rapidly with each passing decade. This is true in both rich and poor countries, and among the citizens within them.

Carter draws upon his own experiences and the testimony of courageous women from all regions and all major religions to demonstrate that women around the world, more than half of all human beings, are being denied equal rights. This is an informed and passionate charge about a devastating effect on economic prosperity and unconscionable human suffering. It affects us all.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1476773955/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1476773955&linkCode=as2&tag=zindu-20

[Mira]

5. Great addition and

Yes, your correction of my remembered Letterman comment makes a difference.
It's a book I will read ASAP

[BlancheSplanchnik]

46. where are our MRA dudes, to bash PJC? and other DU luminaries,

Intrepid voices for the downtrodden, but who need reminding that women exist and are under attack??

Thank you for the excerpt. I think I must read this book.

[LoveMyCali]

3. Damn it!

I read somewhere last week he was going to be on Letterman and I meant to set my DVR (I'm at work now) and I totally forgot.

I LOVE Jimmy Carter, if we had listened to him way back instead of mocking his sweaters and cars we wouldn't be in as much of a mess as we are now.

[Mira]

6. For sure. He was our chance to slow the dumbing down of America. N/t

[Tx4obama]

19. VIDEO of the full interview - below

[BlancheSplanchnik]

42. thank you!!

[LiberalLovinLug]

62. yeah Thanks!

One of the best Presidents in US History. I remember it as the first time the GOP began to perfect the smear.

The Republican voter always said they wanted a white, Southern, Christian male with military experience....but instead they voted in a Hollywood actor. go figure.

[LoveMyCali]

68. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was hoping I'd be able to find this somewhere. You saved me from actually doing the work.

[Ilsa]

21. You can probably watch the whole show online. nt

[yeoman6987]

31. You have other ways to watch

CBS.com will have it available. You will have to sit through commercials but it will be worth it. The President was on for most of the show until about the last 15 minutes when Josh Charles from The Good Wife was on to explain the shocking story line from Sunday Night. The ratings will be huge but not sure if it is because of the President or Josh Charles....lol.

[UtahLib]

7. He is a great humanitarian and one of my favorite people. nt

[DeSwiss]

8. K&R

[Control-Z]

9. I honestly know far more about him now

than I ever did while he was in office. I was pretty young. Did he promote women's rights while he was in office?

President Obama is the only president that I know of who has. I didn't expect that from him. It was the biggest reason I supported Hillary in the primaries.

[reddread]

29. of course he did, and it used to be the biggest of issues

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=31062

[BlancheSplanchnik]

47. I'll never forget that PBO's FIRST action in office was to end the Global Gag Rule.

Women count, and he takes action on our behalf, tepeatedly. Not just one public gesture.

I dont remember any other leader walking the talk for women's lives and economic equality.

I was too young to pay attention when Jimmy Carter was president.

[PBass]

10. I thought he did a great job as president,

but he was stabbed in the back by Bush and Reagan re: the hostage crisis. As well as the oil companies. I agree he seems like an incredibly decent human being, and his charitable work is impressive.

[llmart]

40. Absolutely true.

Reagan/Bush were behind the hostage crisis debacle, wanting to make sure they got credit for "rescuing" the hostages.

I voted for President Carter especially for his stance on environmental issues, but even back then the general public weren't that interested in what "tree huggers" had to say. They were more concerned about double-digit inflation, though by today's standards money still went a lot further back then because middle class salaries and benefits were decent.

[NYC_SKP]

11. Thanks, Mira. Carter is the only extant example of classy behavior on the part of a past President.

Otherwise we have what? We have shit.

Reagan, Bush, Bush, and even Clinton doesn't now and never will rise to the level of humility and purpose that a true progressive would.

Carter's the man.

[Hekate]

12. Jimmy Carter is a good, good man. I wish I could thank him personally. nt

[Hulk]

13. He is my favorite!

It's hard to argue that he was "the greatest President of our time", but he was surely the most decent and genuine man in the White House in centuries. He reigned during a very difficult time in our country and in the world. The Iran hostage ordeal marked him as a failure. The gas lines and high inflation were all pinned on his coat, and the reich wingers will always bring that up first, just like they bring up that the (dixie)crats, or democrats in the 50's and 60's were against civil rights for the African-American population in this country...as though they are directly connected to the progressive movement of today.

It's hard t argue with "stupid". Can't really change their bone-headed minds, and it's not worth the bother. They have fox-nonsense pumping BS between their ears 24/7,and they lap it up "stupidly in glee". Sad for them. But as for President Jimmy Carter, he did more to make this country a land to be proud of than any other President before or after him. That's MY opinion.

[BanzaiBonnie]

14. Because of propaganda fed through the media, I thought he was weak

As I've now come to know, he was the best president ever. He was truly working for the American people.

I hold him in the highest regard.

[markpkessinger]

15. Here's a link to the Letterman segment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=D1aBUtedW8Y

[awoke_in_2003]

16. The best person

to have ever held the office.

[defacto7]

17. A great man.

For the whole world he is a great human being.

[MysticHuman]

18. The most honest President in my lifetime.

For that honesty he was vilified.

Although I do not profess to any religion I truly respect him for being a Christian who didn't use Christianity for his benefit. In other words not saying one thing and doing another as did Reagan and Bush.


He is one of our countries greatest leaders and yet most in the country can't see it.

to Jimmy!

MH

[passiveporcupine]

20. I'd love to hear his opinion on TPP

He was way ahead of his time on renewable energy. I wonder if he thinks TPP is necessary like everyone else in the current administration seems to think.

[Triana]

22. Jimmy Carter is a treasure. Men like him are SO rare...

...and I'm sad too that he is so old and wasn't appreciated at his prime like he should have been. He's often speaking out on behalf of women. Bless him. His grandson is a force to be reckoned with too as I understand it. Like his Grandpa, he's quiet and low-key but at least once has hit 'em where it counts.

[maddiemom]

55. The man is a True Christian and a far cry from the vocal "Christians" who presume to define the term

these days (throughout history as well, but more fervent in the U.S. in recent years). Open minds keep trying to point this out, but with few results as our country slides backwards in terms of accomplishments. A great humanitarian, Carter is probably better off not having served a second term for his own peace of mind. I consider myself an agnostic, but I know a real Christian when I see one.

[adirondacker]

23. Best President in my Lifetime.

I was too young to have voted for him, but thank the many that did.

[kydo]

26. Much agreed

So far he has been the best President in my lifetime, which began in the mid sixties.

Don't get me wrong, LBJ did many awesome things but escalating the war in Vietnam wasn't one of them. Clinton also did awesome things and on most accords showed sound reasoning. He was a very good President, almost great. Our current President is doing a pretty good job, especially considering the circumstances of having to deal an opposition party that is bat shite crazy. But it is too early grade his Presidency.

[Lifelong Protester]

24. The interview was great

and he is great. I was impressed with his "no holds barred" language in being very frank in discussing what is happening to women around the globe.

My spouse was surprised by how short he is. Being the only president with whom I have shaken hands with, I was not surprised, as he must be getting into James Madison territory in height.

[spanone]

25. k&r...

[MissMillie]

28. Jimmy is a treasure

Smart, articulate, honorable.

[Jefferson23]

32. +1 tribute. n/t

[Tommy_Carcetti]

33. When I was growing up, he was one of my father's biggest heroes.

I now know exactly why.

A national treasure indeed. Hence my avatar.

He's still going strong. I wouldn't be surprised if he lives over 100.

[NCTraveler]

34. Love President Carter. Met him not all that long ago.

I have said this here before. My extremely conservative father often says that President Carter has been the only honest president in his lifetime. He also says he couldn't stand his policies, but greatly respects his honesty as a man and as a president.

[Bluenorthwest]

35. Jimmy Carter was my first Presidential vote. The year he lost to the devil himself.

He's a great American, and so is Rosalynn.

[LoveMyCali]

69. Me too

I planned on wasting my vote on John Anderson (I didn't know any better back then) until Jimmy came to speak at my college and my roommate was taking a political science course so she had to go and dragged me along. I've never been so impressed with a human being ever!

My roomie and I both embarked on a mission to get drunk and stay drunk for the next four years when he lost. We didn't do a half bad job of it either.

[handmade34]

36. A big K&R

I voted for him, respect him and consider him a great man!!

...and remember "Jimmy Carter installed 32 solar panels on the White House roof when he was president in the late 1970s" (unfortunately we know what happened to them)


"The environment was also another issue that Carter planned to tackle during his term, which he carried through. His expansion of the national park system was no easy task – it included protection of 103 million acres of Alaskan lands. [2] His acts and policies regarding this issue brought him popularity among environmentalists. Amendments that targeted air and water were added to the Clean Air Act, which was passed in 1977. Along with this, a strip mining bill and a land preservation bill were also given the okay and passed. Moreover, Carter did much to advance education, another sector that he vowed to improve on during his campaign. He created the Department of Education – which supplied aid for low and middle income earners, along with additional money for anti-crime programs. Carter also was able to improve the mass transit system and inject in additional benefits in the social security system, especially those that helped out women. [2] Evidently, Carter took his promises seriously and tried to carry them out to the best of his ability. In fact, including “good faith” attempts, Carter’s domestic campaign pledge rate was an impressive 81.6 percent. [2]

On the issues that Carter was unable to fulfill was largely due to opposition from various interest groups and especially Congress. Carter wholeheartedly set out to do what he promised and intended to do, however some of his proposals were blocked. For example, his proposal for a consumer credit agency was killed in Congress, along with his no-fault auto insurance. [1] Carter received criticism after his term for not passing a health care reform, yet they fail to realize that Carter had been a fervent advocate and had it shot down by Congress"

http://carterthepeanutfarmer.wordpress.com/pro-carter/a-man-of-his-word-jimmy-carter/

[BlancheSplanchnik]

49. more thank-yous.

Thanks for this post. I'm learning

[Smarmie Doofus]

37. He comes to us via public school and pubic housing.

In other words: he's living on the planet EARTH.

A shame we can say the same about so *few* (even) DEM nat'l political leaders.

[joanbarnes]

38. I still remember my immense joy when he was elected, and on the day of his inauguration.

[Samantha]

39. Letterman said he was STUNNED at the information Carter revealed

But here is the good thing to hold onto: Carter's grandson is running for Governor of Georgia. I only regret I don't have a couple of billion to donate to his campaign! Perhaps he is cut from the same cloth and can go on to bigger and better things.

Yes, Jimmy Carter is a treasure, and we were lucky to have him as our President.

Sam

[BlancheSplanchnik]

41. thank you for this, Mira. thank you....

You're getting me all choked up too now.

Hopefully I'll be able to check it online.

[Dalai_1]

43. Kick!

[PowerToThePeople]

44. K&R for Jimmy.

BTW



I love that idea. When did politician's stop being "public servants"? They are VERY well compensated for servants.

[saidsimplesimon]

45. MIra, "Jimmy Carter is a treasure".

His wife, former First Lady, Rosalynn is a remarkable woman. We should also listen to selected wise, mature (hate that "old" tag) women like her.

Let US not forget President Carter earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts. It gives me great comfort that I cast my vote for someone who shared my dreams of renewable energy, peace and justice.

They deserve recognition beyond a lame email or tweet. President Carter still uses snail mail. Time for me to drag out the dusty gift of colonial williamsburg stationary for a special thank you note. If you feel so inclined, please send your best wishes to a remarkable couple.

http://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/

441 Freedom Parkway
Atlanta, Georgia
30307-1498
Tel: [phone]

[polichick]

48. Carter was not corrupt, which is unusual in a politician...

Maybe that's why you don't see him cozying up with other politicians - or them with him.

[Enthusiast]

50. Jimmy Carter seems to be a genuine and good man,

the only good and honest President in my life time.

[trusty elf]

51. K&R

[blondie58]

52. He was one of our best presidents

How different would out country be had not Reagan won?
The election was stolen.

[flamingdem]

56. When jimmy speaks i listen

Those stats on modern slavery were shocking

[DirtyDawg]

57. As much...

...as I've wanted to support Obama across the board, recalling that Jimmy Carter was perhaps the only President we've had that truly followed, and believed, in a compassionate treatment of others - around the world - whereas Obama seems way to willing to compromise his 'values' for almost any kind of expediency.

[sunnystarr]

58. WOW

Maybe half a loaf is better than none. Ask a starving man. Maybe half a glass of water is better than none. Ask a thirsty man. Will either turn them away because both should have been whole and full?

Pragmatism at least gets a foot in the door. Sometimes you just can't get all you want but something is better than nothing and "something" can be expanded to "everything" once the politics make it possible.

Personally, considering the Republican behavior in Congress over the past 6 years I'm surprised that Obama was able to accomplish so much! Therein lies his greatness and the legacy he'll leave.

[thesquanderer]

59. Hoping for a better legacy than that...

...if he can possibly get a democratic congress for his last two years.

[Unrepentant Fenian]

61. I don't know why, but President Carter never gets the respect he so much deserves!

[blackspade]

63. Best president of my lifetime.

Hands down.

[Mira]

64. I feel the same way. And that wraps it up nicely! n/t

[blackspade]

65. Word.

I remember getting beat up in grade school for voting for him in my school election in 1976.
It was the best feeling when he won.

[Mnemosyne]

66. Hear, hear! Thanks Mira. nt

[Liberal In Red State]

67. He was the first Presidential Candidate that I actively worked for . . . I will never regret my . .

Efforts and vote for Jimmy Carter . . . Never ever!

[lunatica]

70. I've always been very proud that I voted for him

[Tsiyu]

71. He knows there is a rape culture in our schools

So any one on DU who denies it, you are arguing with one of the brightest, best minds on the planet.

As he states here about American colleges:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1017183396

I have heard from an employee that the University of the South has so many rapes now, they had to open their own rape test center at the school vs sending them off to Chattanooga. Can't verify, it is hearsay, but I suppose doing the rape tests themselves would save face if anyone in Chattanooga decided to leak the numbers of rapes to the press.

Rape on campus is an insidious evil that continues, while many on DU claim rape culture is just a myth. Jimmy Carter thinks you're full of shit if you say this. And so do I.