What would our present imperfect and fragile world look like now if it were not for the legacy of President Jimmy Carter? This humble, quiet man:
• created the Department of Education.
• bolstered the Social Security system.
• appointed record numbers of minorities to government jobs and federal judicial positions.
• choreographed the Camp David Agreement of 1978 that brought about amenity between former enemies Egypt and Israel.
• renegotiated the Panama Canal agreement.
• established full relations with China.
• crafted the Salt II negotiations with the Soviet Union, helping to avert nuclear disaster.
• taught Sunday School into his 90s.
• built homes for Habitat for Humanity, also into his 90s.
These are just a few — a very few — of Carter’s accomplishments both as president and former president, leaving a legacy that few, if any, former presidents will ever be able to match.
What would our world look like today without him? I’ll humbly presume to answer that question for President Carter, who was a man of deep faith: “I was simply an instrument of God’s peace.”
Without Jimmy Carter’s faith in action, this world, admittedly troubled as it is, would be a much darker place than it is today.
Rev. Louis Phillips
Windham
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Join the Conversation
We believe it’s important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It’s a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others. Read more...
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
For those stories that we do enable discussion, our system may hold up comments pending the approval of a moderator for several reasons, including possible violation of our guidelines. As the Maine Trust’s digital team reviews these comments, we ask for patience.
Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday and limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve.
By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is found on our FAQs.
You can modify your screen name here.
Show less
Join the Conversation
Please sign into your Press Herald account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe. Questions? Please see our FAQs.