ATLANTA, GA, Jan 3 (IPS) – An inscription on the fireplace in the State Room of the White House reads: “No one but an honest and wise man shall rule under this roof.” President John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife Abigail in 1800:
Jimmy Carter was by all accounts a wise, just and decent man. He had a deep religious faith and was cautious about his rhetoric. Some might say it’s outdated.
He was refreshingly honest, using the country boy’s words: “I’ll whip that man!” Against his main Democratic opponent, Senator Edward Kennedy. Most reporters of the era thought it was too harsh or obscene, so instead they wrote, “I’ll whip his ass!”
Carter was honest. Amidst the flurry of articles about the Kennedy brothers’ sexual excesses, a reporter asked him if he ever had sexual desires in his heart, to which he answered honestly, “Yes.” This is something no other politician would do. However, it was easy for Carter to admit this because he followed the Christian and Calvinist doctrine that “we are all sinners.”
Historians view his administration as a watershed in the civil rights struggle, especially in the South. As president, he negotiated the first peace agreement between Israel and the Arabs. Since his presidency, he has had a global impact as a humanitarian.
Civic virtue must remain true to the American national concept of prioritizing citizens over government. Freedom and justice are the watchwords of democracy, not blind obedience to politicians.
George Washington said, “There is an inseparable union between virtue and happiness.” Lincoln said, “Keep malice toward no one… Charity for all… “What is right is firm,” he advised. Carter followed these sentiments at his inauguration with a pledge from the Biblical prophet Micah: “Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.”
There are two ways to tell if people are honest and wise. In words and actions. Carter spoke the truth honestly, even when it was uncomfortable or hurtful. His policies were based on simple fairness, especially in efforts to overcome the endemic racism of the South.
On the other hand, President-elect Trump is famous for the constant flow of slander filled with lies and vitriol from his mouth. “If someone hurts you, go after them as viciously and violently as possible… If someone screws you over, push them back in.” He said Trump’s brand means “power is the only true value.”
We teach our children differently. “Be nice,” we always say. Sesame Street TV and first-grade teachers call out kids for “lack of manners.” Why can’t we demand much from our leaders?
Trump is one of the symptoms, not the cause, of our society’s ills. Most of us today tolerate cursing and obscenities that would make our grandmothers resentful. Trump is just riding the crest of a flood of obscenity that already exists among the public.
Let’s regain civic consciousness. Jimmy Carter may be the best example of personal integrity among American leaders in our lifetime. Take him as your model. It’s not the empty, dowdy suit that will soon be the next occupant of the White House.
James E. Jennings PhD is the President of Conscience International.
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