I’m sitting here watching the motorcade carrying President Carter’s body to the National Cathedral. I am saddened and often brought to tears by the passing of such a great man – very under-rated as a president.

I was in my mid-twenties when I voted for Carter in 1976. I remember thinking at the time that the main reason he probably won the election was because of Nixon and Watergate. I was appalled at the Watergate break-in and the extent the conspiracy encompassed. Now, it seems but a blip in time – hardly worth mention. Trump’s words and actions have so surpassed Nixon’s sins and yet no one approaches him to tell him to knock it off.

When Carter lost re-election in 1980, I thought it was proof positive that the 1976 election was due to Watergate. Carter didn’t get many accolades during his presidency or afterwards. The Iran hostage situation seemed to determine the outcome of the election, allowing Ronald Reagan to ascend the presidency.

Only afterwards did we learn that Reagan and his team had his thumb on the election scale, making a deal with Iran to hold on to the hostages until after the election!

Only after 1980 – way after – did Carter’s “legacy” come into being. His humanity, his integrity, his honor, his patriotism.. . I could go on, but you get the picture.

There were not many men like Jimmy Carter and there still aren’t. He was a shining example of what we should strive for and a reminder of what we’re missing!

Good-bye Mr Carter. Thank you for your service to this country and your fellow man. Rest in peace with your lovely wife Rosalyn! We will miss you!