Last Thursday I had the privilege of visiting the Carter Center in Atlanta. From the minute I entered the grounds and building, I felt honored and humbled to be privy to the life and presidency of Jimmy Carter, Georgia’s own.
I was reminded of the moral campaign he ran, of his dedication to human and civil rights. At his inauguration, he honored his predecessor, Gerald Ford, and he and Rosalyn, the new First Lady, walked down Pennsylvania Avenue, rather than separate themselves from the crowds by sitting in a limousine.
He was one among the American people and and was guided by his deep religious faith. His daughter Amy even attended public schools.
He is credited with the successful peace talks between Israel and Egypt. He promoted better health conditions around the world and has always been an advocate for mental health services.
Seeing the majestic yet warm replica of Carter’s Oval Office when he was President made me feel proud, humbled, and calm. I stood there for a long time, recognizing the significance of this room in hosting delegates from all over the world and where high level decisions impacting the nation and world are made.
I left the Carter Center with a sense of pride to be a resident of Georgia, where Jimmy Carter grew up, and returned following his 4 years in Washington, D.C.
I went home and turned on TV news to be shocked by coverage of the Kanye West and President Trump meeting in that same Oval Office.
The contrast of what occurred in that office 40 years ago to what is happening today is almost too much to comprehend. My earlier sense of calm and humility turned to a sense of despair and sadness.
Linda Trott
Peachtree City, Ga.
