James A. Marples: Jimmy Carter’s legacy
Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, stand for the national anthem before a baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and the San Diego Padres, June 10, 2015, in Atlanta. AP FILE PHOTO/JOHN BAZEMORE
| Published: 01-15-2025 9:50 PM |
Having family near Athol, I read the article: “‘A life to celebrate’: Hawley residents hold ceremony to remember late President Jimmy Carter” [Recorder, Jan. 11]. There was great optimism in 1976, our nation’s bicentennial year. But by 1980, inflation and hostages held in Iran were sad points for the Carter administration. At that time, there were only two ex-presidents alive, and that was Nixon and Ford.
I think it is important that all of us remember President Carter’s finer moments. He is often thought of as a peanut farmer, but he was much more than that. He served his state as the 76th governor of Georgia, and served our nation as the 39th president of the United States. His ability to bring leaders from Israel and Egypt to the peace table at Camp David fostered the landmark Camp David Peace Accords.
Carter served in the U.S. Navy and received the World War II victory medal (among others). Carter graduated 60th out of 820 midshipmen in the class of 1946 with a bachelor’s degree in science, so he was above average in aptitude.
In my view, fateful circumstances overshadowed Carter’s time in the White House. More presidents have been named “James” than any other name. Perhaps not a stellar president, but a decent man. Therefore, Jimmy Carter’s accomplishments will be remembered.
James A. Marples
Longview, Texas
