ATLANTA, Georgia, Jan 03 (IPS) – A fireplace in the State Dining Room of the White House says, “May none but honest and wise men rule under this roof.” President John Adams wrote that in a letter to his wife Abigail in 1800.
Jimmy Carter was a wise, good, and decent man—a man of deep faith, and he was careful—some might say old-fashioned—about his words.
He was refreshingly blunt with a country boy expression of “I’ll kick his ass!” against the main opponent of the Democratic Alliance, Sen. Edward Kennedy. Many journalists at the time considered it too harsh or almost obscene, so instead, they wrote, “I’m going to spank his ass!”
Carter was honest. When asked by a reporter amid the stories of the Kennedy brothers’ sexual indulgence, if he ever had lust in his heart, he answered bluntly, “Yes.” That is something no other politician would ever do. But it was easy for Carter to agree because he followed the Christian and Calvinist teaching that “We are all sinners.”
Historians consider his administration as a watershed in the struggle for human rights, especially in the South. As president he negotiated the first peace agreement between Israel and the Arabs. In his post-presidential years, he made an impact around the world as a humanitarian.
The public good must be true to the original idea of American nationalism—to love the citizens before the government. Freedom and justice are the guidelines of democracy, not blind obedience to politicians.
George Washington said, “There is an inextricable union between beauty and happiness.” Lincoln counseled “Cruelty to none…help to all…just fortitude.” Carter followed these words at his anointing with the promise of the Bible Prophet Micah: “Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly.”
There are two ways to recognize people as honest and wise—by their words and by their actions. Carter spoke the truth outright—even if it didn’t serve him well or hurt him. His policies were based on fairness, especially in his efforts to overcome the racism that permeated the Old South.
In contrast, President-elect Trump is famous for the lies and criminal slander that always comes from his lips: “If someone hurts you, just go after them as viciously and violently as possible…. If someone screws you over, hit them back in spades.” Trump’s name, he said, means, “Strength is the only true value.”
We teach our children differently. “Be nice,” we always say. Sesame Street TV teachers and First Grade teachers yell at kids for “Lack of Respect.” Why can’t we demand so much from our leaders?
Trump is a symptom of our society’s problems, not the cause. Today, most of us endure curses and obscenities that would have humiliated our grandmothers. Trump is simply riding the tide of disrespect that already exists within the community.
Let’s bring back the beauty of society. Jimmy Carter may be the best example of personal righteousness among American leaders in our lifetime. Let him be your model—not the empty, baggy suit that will be the next White House guy.
James E. Jennings PhD is the President of Conscience International.
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