John,
Yesterday at the age of 100, President Jimmy Carter died in his lifelong hometown of Plains, Georgia.
While no president (or politician) for that matter is perfect, Carter — despite serving only one term — leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that our leaders should use as a model.
Carter was best known for his emphasis on human rights and social justice in both foreign and domestic policy — a posture considered revolutionary for its time. His support for a Palestinian state alongside Israel went far beyond his successors.
Despite losing the 1980 presidential election to Ronald Reagan, it was Carter’s administration and leadership that played a crucial role in securing the return of the 53 Americans who were held captive during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis.
Domestically, Carter ranks as one of the most consequential presidents for environmentalism and conservation. He installed solar panels on the White House, lobbied Congress to set aside tens of millions of acres in Alaska off limits to development, and signed the bill that created the Department of Energy.
His judicial appointments were the most racially and gender diverse at the time, naming 98 judges to the federal judiciary, including eventual Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
After leaving the White House, Carter and his wife Roslynn began what would be the longest post-presidential career in American history — continuing to focus and prioritize human rights around the world. For these efforts, in 2002 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
The Carters became well known for their involvement with Habitat for Humanity — a nonprofit that builds affordable housing and improves homes for low-income families. Even in their later years, the Carters could be seen with tools in hand alongside other Habitat volunteers.
Today, we’re reflecting on President Carter’s wisdom, forward-thinking, and compassion for the marginalized and maligned. It is our hope that President Carter’s leadership will continue to inspire many for years to come and follow in his footsteps — one of unrelenting commitment to justice and progress.
Thank you for reading, John.
— LeftNet
