Jimmy Carter: A Century That Sampled Everything
More than you might consider of 300 million
by Chris Dungan
I have nothing to add — or take away — from the assorted bipartisan reviews of the lifespan of our last pre-popular Internet president whose century here has been summed up in a few billionths of that time as the life of a good man who never should have been president.
Apart from lessons from his life — and from those who’ve commented publicly on it — I was struck deeply by a comment that could apply to many from different walks of life, to many of different political stripes regardless of their substantive agreement or disagreement with his policies or pragmatic actions. So while I delve into this lode, I hope to offer you little to agree or disagree with; I’m sure any diverse readership could easily satisfy such penchants elsewhere.
One critical comment I read of his leadership focused not on policy per se, but said his failure as a leader occurred because he couldn’t understand and confront evil. Whether you’ve heard this about anyone before or not, please stop and consider the breadth and depth of what this means about anyone this might apply to, including yourself.
If you in any way recognize the juxtaposition of genuine aid of Habitat For Humanity and the reluctance or inability to inspire fear in the holders of hostages in Iran — or any other such examples that resonate with you — you might welcome an honest mixed review of anyone whose had such a public political life (in contrast with ubiquitous demonizing of proponents of unspeakable evil, as their enemies might say).
I don’t say this to hurriedly appease myself (or you) with a happier ending, but in hopes that the greater depth of a mixed legacy might distract you and” me from the temporary but more intense thrill of “red meat” for a moment (or hopefully a lifetime habit’s worth of them). I’m not offering myself as particularly virtuous in this regard; I’m just saying this subject can occupy many solitary or interactive hours considering your own behavior (or others) and its possible causes.
Some religious people will see this a deep question deserving of veneration. If I seem to distance myself from such piety, it’s only to expand my question to a greater audience; wouldn’t Jesus himself do that when feasible?
There’s something for everyone here whether it strikes you as a deeply religious issue, a moral or ethical dilemma, a psychological or pragmatic question, or a pragmatic or Machiavellian or political or diplomatic exercise. I say this not as an apologist for a tangent which might have the potential for anything related to pride — just to say it has the potential of breadth…perhaps as much or more than direct political questions.
After acclimating to the political analogy, you may find it easier to broaden your vision to other parts of life which may be regarded less seriously. Despite all that competes for our attentions that had been growing by the generation (or less) we needn’t cop out on new questions, any more than we’d reject old or new unfamiliar media, foods or activities we’re introduced to.
Have you ever asked the question about anyone you might want to lead a project or cause, help with a family or medical issue, or serve as an employee — whether they could recognize evil?
How much more useful that concept could be as second nature for your consideration — as billboards say at Oscar or Emmy voting time in my part of L.A. — when deciding on questions torn by shopworn habits (perhaps by an addiction to division)?
Not a long reading time, but sometimes less is more.
