Eulogizing Decency: RIP Jimmy Carter — if not a piece of the American soul

As America bids farewell to its 39th president, we should remember that Jimmy Carter’s legacy, shaped by selfless service and a relentless commitment to humanity, is a stark contrast to today

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In reading the outpouring of goodbyes to the oldest living former president, it is easy to forget that for most of his life, America not only despised Jimmy Carter, or at least mocked him, but also the values he openly espoused.

Indeed, the US has been, sadly, also steadily moving away from the values the country now wants to remember him by. Starting with this one. Carter was a one term president, swept into office because Americans were angry. Angry about getting their asses kicked in Vietnam. Angry because of the appalling embarrassment of Watergate. And then swept out, just four years later by equally pissed off Yanks. Pissed off that gas wasn’t cheap anymore, and willing to smear all environmental discussions as “Commie Talk.” Remember the California Prop Tax Revolt too? And “Morning in America?” And removing the solar panels off the roof of the White House?

There are many of us who remember, all too well, how similar the Fall of 1980 feels right now.