Jimmy Carter for Cancer Survivor
These signs are popping up all over President Carter’s hometown of Plains, Georgia. I spent some time in airports terminals yesterday, so I got to see most of President Carter’s news conference concerning his cancer diagnosis. Saying that his life was in God’s hands and that he was “perfectly at ease with whatever comes,” Mr. Carter added, “I’m ready for anything. And I’m looking forward to the adventure.” I can only hope I’d look at things this way in his situation. Then again, it helps that he is 90, and it helps that he has completely and thoroughly used his life in the service of others. If I were President Carter, I would have no fear of death, and I would look forward to giving God a good talking to.
Typically, presidential maladies are for hiding. And among all of us generally, we don’t like to talk about the fact that we are ill. I myself did not like saying I had a heart condition last year, because you can feel, as soon as the words escape your mouth, that you are then diminished in the eyes of everyone, that you are somehow weaker, less than.
I would like to thank President Carter for being so open and honest about his illness, with such ease and courage. May he instill it in all of us. For many years to come.
…and thanks for at least trying to make US foreign policy more humane and an expression of our highest ideals. That the President’s who came after you fucked everything up does not diminish your efforts.
Also, most of all, thank you Mr. President for all the delicious beer!!
As my 89 year old uncle likes to say, “Old age ain’t for sissies.” DD I am happy to hear you are well now. When you have a health scare it is very rational to keep it private. Not so much because your loved ones will think less of you or take advantage, but because your professional colleagues and potential employers will. I guess it is easier to be open when you are retired, or like Carter when you have nothing left to prove.
Carter’s presidency has become a meme for a bad economy, but I dare anyone to go pull any economic stat you want from the Carter presidency and compare it against his immediate successor or predecessor, or any other modern president for that matter. I just dare you.
President Carter said it yesterday, if he had just sent one more helicopter during Operation Desert One, the hostages would have been rescued, and he would have been reelected, and all the memes would be nonexistent. It’s funny how history turns on one decision and event sometimes.
And if Bill Clinton had just kept his zipper shut…
If Gore hadn’t pushed Clinton away.
I wish President Carter a healthy & speedy recovery. The support of friends & family, during this time, is critical for the treatment he is about to embark on. A pray to Saint Peregrine goes out to the President.
@ Delaware Dem
” And among all of us generally, we don’t like to talk about the fact that we are ill.”
Very surprised you made this statement.
@Anonymous…. Why? During the debates about Beau’s health, I did acknowledge that this sentiment was a factor. The COMPLICATING and DECIDING factor for me that DEMANDED that he talk about his condition was the fact that he was an announced candidate for Governor. Why is that so fucking hard for you to understand?
Oh for shit’s sake, can we move on from that…
Agreed. It’s all moot now anyway, tragically.
It is moot now, but everyone should garner the same respect of privacy. Enough said.
We need more moots in today’s society.