Patty Mayeux Blog

Regardless of your feelings about Jimmy Carter as president, who passed away December 29 at the age of 100, respect is due for his life-long humanitarianism. His public stance against segregation in 1972 brought him to the forefront of national politics, leading him to become the POTUS in 1976. His popularity plummeted while in office. Reagan soundly defeated him in 1980. Today he stands out as ex-president volunteer extraordinaire; establishing The Carter Center, working alongside Habitat for Humanity and actively advising on international conflicts. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.  

This much-maligned person as politician was inaugurated on this date, 48 years ago. He and his wife, Rosalyn, began the tradition of walking from the Capitol to the White House. He was the first president to be born in a hospital (wow, but it was 1924); his first job as a public servant was at his local library (gotta love a prez who understands the importance of books); he was a peanut farmer, served in the U.S. Navy and was elected state senator then governor of Georgia. He stood by his beliefs, deeply held values and the virtue of doing right by all others. Say what you want about his presidency. I grieve the loss of a leader who does what is right even in the face of losing power or position. Respect.