To the editor: Sometimes, we are lucky to have a leader who we can say that voting for him or her made us proud. Former President Jimmy Carter was one of those men. (“Jimmy Carter, the nation's 39th president who became an influential defender of human rights, dies,” December 29)
He was the first president I voted for. At that time I was hopeful that our national trial over the Watergate scandal would come to an end.
What I did not appreciate during his presidency was that he was a man guided by his love of God and his true devotion and commitment to humanity.
I pray that our nation regains its devotion to making this a better place for all and not just a few. Doing so would be a lasting tribute to a man who did this every day and believed in the better angels of our nature.
Micki Wood, Fullerton
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To the editor: I met Carter when he was the relatively unknown governor of Georgia. The Los Angeles-based company where he worked had acquired an architectural firm in Atlanta. The head of that company suggested that the president of our company and I, the vice president of public relations, meet with the governor of Georgia.
I was immediately struck by Carter's warm personality and the questions he asked, which demonstrated his intelligence. As I left the governor's office, I suggested to his assistant that Carter should run for president. His assistant responded in his Southern accent, “He's thinking about that.”
That Carter would run for the highest office and leave a strong mark as president was always a personal joy to me. And despite everything he accomplished after his presidency, he will be missed by all.
Martin A. Brower, Corona del Mar
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To the editor: How will we remember our 39th president? I hope Americans give this fine man the respect and love he clearly deserves.
According to the most recent polls of historians, Carter ranks in the middle of the 45 people who have been president. Just above Carter is another Southerner, Andrew Jackson.
As I reflect on his legacy, a few questions come to mind: If he had served two full terms as president, would Carter have lived as long? Could he have been able to perform such extraordinary and good works for the people of the world?
And will there ever be another president who genuinely reflects such deep faith in God, humanity, and the goodness of the American people?
John Ashbaugh, San Luis Obispo
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To the editor: I have admired Carter for years, impressed by his tireless energy and dedication to global service. But it is interesting to read about his life and then reflect on the president-elect. Could two men be more different from each other?
A man cared about the people of the world and their well-being and did real work to help improve the lot of many; he actually worked with his mind and his hands to advance his ideals. The other spends his time creating anxiety and fear among a wide range of people around the world.
One was married to the same wife for 77 years. The other has been married three times and is an alleged womanizer.
One of them has received the Nobel Peace Prize because he earned it. The other wants that reward but is not willing to put in the effort to receive it.
Let's be grateful that our children and grandchildren have a role model like Carter and someone who puts the incoming president in perspective: that he is not a normal president.
Linda Taylor, Santa Barbara
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To the editor: Despite the setbacks he faced while in office, such as the Iranian hostage crisis and high inflation, Carter's record of accomplishments included several positives, including overseeing the creation of 10 million new jobs.
But the crown jewel of his four years as president was undoubtedly the Camp David summit with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin. After nearly two weeks of talks, the photo of his three-way handshake at the White House still reminds us that peace between warring nations is possible in the Middle East.
Much has been written about the partnership between Carter and his wife, Rosalynn. What is not well known is that it was the first lady who suggested to the president that he invite Sadat and Begin to Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland. If the former president had listened to his team instead of his wife, I daresay the summit would never have happened.
Mr. President, you showed us that a firm handshake can be as powerful as a bomb. Rest in peace: your work here is done.
Denny Freidenrich, Laguna Beach
