The World Will Miss Jimmy Carter.

Former President Jimmy Carter Passes Away At 100 Years Old.

Rest In Peace.

Jimmy Carter’s legacy can hardly be summed up by the word “President.” As the Nobel Peace Prize winner went on to champion a life of human rights activism, advocacy, and is the author of numerous books touching on controversial subjects.

One of those subjects, the Israel-Palestine conflict, became centerfold to who he was post-presidency. Which is sobering, considering the hesitancy in which most politicians approach the topic. Especially in terms of offering any real critique for Israel.

Meanwhile, Carter never hesitated to use the “A word” that was long shunned from our political discourse about the state of Israel, apartheid. As Jimmy’s first hand experience in the region during his presidency gave him an insight to horrendous reality on the ground so many Americans are not aware of. And this surely led the charge for Jimmy to become a lifelong critic of US foreign policy and imperialism.

So I thought in his memory we can run through some of these moments, these quotes, and more importantly these memories of his legacy that should never be forgotten.

An Outspoken Critic.

Jimmy Carter was the best kind of critic. While never divulging into nihilism or just anti-American agendas he also never let human rights violations go unnoticed, even when committed by our government.

And this criticism knew no party. For instance, he was outspoken about Ronald Reagan and his hawkish nature in the middle east, including the part the US played in enabling the Sabra And Shatila Massacre. Also, he did not hesitate to mention how he believed Reagan gave into the demands of terrorists in the region.

His statements against the Bush Administration and their actions following 9/11 along with his strong opposition to the Iraq War were strong catalysts to him winning the Nobel Peace Prize, and rightfully so. But his critique of US actions abroad didn’t stop at the Republican Party.

Despite being an initial supporter of Barack Obama, he eventually became one of the stronger voices of opposition against his foreign policy. Including the aggressiveness in which he would carry out drone strikes. Stating the US was conducting “widespread abuse of Human Rights.”

This kind of commitment to placing human rights above all else, even party, is something long missing from American politics. Something Jimmy Carter embodied more than any president before or after him.

A Champion Of Peace.

In 2015 Jimmy Carter sparked controversy by calling America “the most warlike country” after stating the goal of a superpower should be to achieve global peace. And guess what, he was exactly correct.

He was also exactly correct when he stated we were getting involved in Iraq for no reason.

Jimmy Carter Accepting Nobel Peace Prize.

Jimmy Carter was unique as a president in that he instilled a sense of Human Rights into foreign policy, where the typical stance is domination. Even after office when he could’ve faded into obscurity he never stopped fighting for human rights, for the issues he though mattered.

And this was despite rejecting numerous offers to run for president again, showing it wasn’t just for future political gain.

A Legacy Worth Remembering.

At the end of the day, Jimmy Carter made it to 100. He made it with compromising his values for power, selling out for politics, and staying true to his morals. Even when it would’ve been easier to ride off in the sunset, he placed himself on the front lines.

Whether at sites of Palestinian victims, or speaking out against money in politics, the world needed Jimmy Carter and in his absence we will greatly miss him.