As if I knew the man by name. But having a sense of his humility I think he’d been okay with just being called Jimmy.
President Jimmy Carter as the world knows passed away at the age of 100 just after Christmas. What a life that man built.
I don’t have vivid memories of his presidency. I was 2 when he took office. But, as a young kid in my home he wasn’t popular. Ironically he, like my father was a Submariner. But my Dad I believe felt Carter screwed active duty military (not knowing enough I actually have no opinion there).
My learning about Carter was mostly through a negotiation class I took at New Mexico State, specially his work between Israel and Egypt. Fascinating peace of history.
I’ve read in recent weeks about his treaties involving the Panama Canal. From that the most memorable lesson I gleaned was from a New York Times Article written by Peter Baker and published January 2nd.
Jonathan Alter, author of “His Very Best,” a 2020 biography of Mr. Carter, wrote that Mr. Hayakawa wanted Mr. Carter to commit to meeting every two weeks. “Sam, I couldn’t possibly limit our visits to every two weeks,” Mr. Carter replied cleverly. “I might want to hear your advice more often!” Mr. Hayakawa signed onto the treaty and, as Mr. Alter wrote, “that was the last time S.I. Hayakawa ever spoke to Jimmy Carter.”
Phenomenal handling. There’s that humility on display, but in a crafty way. We should all be so constrained, tactful, and shrewd.
But the thing I love is that he was loved by some of my favorites.
Willie Nelson, the Alman Brothers, Waylon Jennings….I was raised on country music, brother. My grandad was a huge Willie Nelson and my dad loved Waylon. I discovered the Almans a bit later; my Dad wasn’t that cool, I don’t think.
For you Jimmy. RIP. Thanks for a legacy of great lessons to be learned.
https://music.apple.com/us/album/statesboro-blues/1434901922?i=1434902377