REFLECTIONS

Flashing a wide, toothy grin, the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter was one of my favorite presidents of the U.S. He died last week at age 100.

President Carter, at age 98, chose to the favorable way to fade away into history. He entered hospice.

James Earl Carter Jr. was born October 1, 1924, in Plains, Ga. He and First Lady Rosalyn Carter had four children: John William, James Earl (Chip) III, Donnel Jeffrey, and Amy Lynn.

Carter actually became a more popular president when he stepped out of the presidency. He was regarded as soft by many critics. Carter tried unsuccessfully to rescue more than 50 American hostages held by Iran. Eight U.S. servicemen and one Iranian civilian died in the attempt.

Carter was known as the author of more than 30 books.

I saw President Carter in person one time. That was at former Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey’s funeral. He was on the front steps of the Minnesota State Capitol.

Other presidents I have covered for various newspapers include: Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.

Carter created a national energy policy that included conservation, price control, and new technology. Carter brokered the Camp David Accords, political agreements with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, and the second round of Strategic Arms Limitation Talks.

Carter will go down in history as one of the kindest presidents. Through his faith, he gave his strength. Carter also founded The Carter Center, which is focused on human rights.

He led the country by his work with Habitat for Humanity. He was right in there, pounding nails and putting up walls.

Rosalyn, who preceded him in death, worked at his side on many civil rights projects.

President Jimmy Carter will always be remembered by his announcement: “My name is Jimmy Carter, and I am running for president.”