One in a series of Essays to Celebrate the 100th Birthday of America’s greatest living modern President!
Jimmy Carter: A Legacy of Success
Jimmy Carter is not a failed president! Let’s just get that out of the way right now. But, he is also the most accomplished former President in American History. It’s also worth noting that at 100 years old, the former President is actually going to leave this earth a marginal failure.
Now before everyone leaves please understand me, I adore this man; he is my personal and political hero. I have worshipped at the altar of Carter Democratic politics for the entirety of my adult life, and yet after all his efforts, setbacks, and successes; he will end his American journey without achieving his last great task.
The Guinea Worm Challenge
He will not outlive the last guinea worm. What the hell is a guinea worm? Why was that the last and possibly most important personal goal of Carter’s professional career?
Dracunculiasis, also called Guinea-worm disease, is a parasitic infection by the Guinea worm. You get it by drinking infected water. There is currently no medication to treat or prevent dracunculiasis. Experts claim that it has plagued humanity since biblical times and it is particularly ravenous on the poorest and most vulnerable communities of the third world. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, dracunculiasis was widespread across much of Africa and South Asia, affecting as many as 48 million people per year.
Carter Center’s Unprecedented Success
That’s pretty much where it stood, it was just an inevitable fact of life for millions of people. Then came Jimmy Carter and the Carter Center. The eradication of Guinea worm and the elimination of River blindness has been the principal goal of the Carter Center since the 1980s. In virtually every interview the former president has given since the 1990s whenever he is asked “What is there left to accomplish?” he has always answered that he wanted to outlast the guinea worm.
Due to the efforts of the Carter Center global cases of this disease have dropped from 3.5 million in 1986 to 12 last year. 14 nations that were previously impacted by the disease have now successfully eradicated it.
This is an unprecedented success story and it is a public health miracle.
A Humble Hero
So what?! Why is he a marginal failure? I don’t think he is. I will never think he is. But I promise you he will go to his well deserved reunion with Rosalynn thinking that he was a marginal failure because he didn’t outlast the life span of that final freaking worm.
President Carter is all about self improvement, his whole life has been a detailed demonstration of how people can grow, evolve, and improve over time. He has also pushed himself beyond the reasonable limits of human endurance at every stage of his life. It is not remotely unusual for this man to have been in his 90s and still hunger for one last triumphant. To fight against daily physical limitations and cognitive decline; just to finish a 40 year journey to heal one of the poorest portions of the globe.
His last final personal perceived failure towers over other men’s successes. Here we are in 2024, and at 100 we are still learning from this man.
Early Life and Achievements
When he was a boy he mastered all the information he needed to be an indispensable worker on the family farm for his father. When he became obsessed with the idea of going to the naval academy, he threw himself into that in much the same way. Over and Over again; Jimmy Carter has thrown himself into every one of his life’s unique marathons.
Political Career
Snap election in 1962 for the state senate, wins it. Local party bosses try to steal it, he takes them to court, gathers evidence and statements from voters; out runs the stealers!
An unsuccessful run in 1966 for the Governorship of Georgia saw him make a 4 year run in 1970. Campaigning nearly daily in every part of state for several years, giving hundreds of speeches. The same thing took place in 1976, Carter literally created the modern format for winning a Democratic primary for President.
Redefining the Former Presidency
He becomes a one timer and reenergizes the very concept of the former presidency. Even his recent revelation nearly two years ago that he was going into hospice care was another example of Carter changing a long defined narrative.
So many people enter hospice too late, it is commonly believed that it is a process reserved for the last days of a person’s life. My own mother entered hospice the very day before her death. Too few people use it improperly. So here is Carter showing us all the most effective and peaceful way to drift off.
A Message to President Carter
But, sadly that damn worm is going to win this one. That’s okay President Carter. Don’t be too disappointed, don’t be hard on yourself for a second; and don’t feel that you have to hang on to finish this last task.
You have earned your place in history and the love of countless generations of Americans.
It’s okay, we’ll do our best to take it from here…
FAQs About Jimmy Carter’s Recent Health Update
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, has been in the news recently due to his health. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
1. What is the latest health update on Jimmy Carter?
Jimmy Carter recently announced that he has completed his treatment for cancer and is now at the finish line of his life, according to his latest statement.
2. What type of cancer did Jimmy Carter have?
Jimmy Carter has been battling melanoma, a type of skin cancer, which he has been treating since his initial diagnosis in 2015.
3. How has Jimmy Carter’s health been in recent years?
Despite his ongoing health challenges, Jimmy Carter has remained active and engaged in public life. He has continued to work on humanitarian projects and has been involved in various initiatives through the Carter Center.
4. What is the Carter Center?
The Carter Center is a non-profit organization founded by Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter in 1982. It focuses on advancing human rights, alleviating suffering, and promoting peace and democracy.
5. How has Jimmy Carter’s family been involved in his health journey?
Jimmy Carter’s family has been very supportive throughout his health journey. His wife, Rosalynn Carter, has been a constant presence, and their children and grandchildren have also shown their support.
6. What are some of the humanitarian projects Jimmy Carter has been involved in recently?
Jimmy Carter has been involved in various humanitarian projects, including building homes for low-income families through Habitat for Humanity and promoting democracy and human rights globally through the Carter Center.
7. How has the public reacted to Jimmy Carter’s health update?
The public has expressed admiration and respect for Jimmy Carter’s resilience and dedication to his work despite his health challenges. Many have praised his commitment to humanitarian causes and his continued engagement in public life.
8. What is the significance of Jimmy Carter’s announcement about being at the finish line of his life?
Jimmy Carter’s announcement serves as a reminder of the importance of living each day to the fullest and continuing to contribute positively to society until the end. It also highlights his legacy as a dedicated public servant and humanitarian.
9. How can people support Jimmy Carter’s ongoing work through the Carter Center?
People can support Jimmy Carter’s work through the Carter Center by donating to the organization, volunteering for its projects, or spreading awareness about its initiatives. They can also follow the Carter Center on social media to stay updated on its activities.
10. What is the expected impact of Jimmy Carter’s legacy on future generations?
Jimmy Carter’s legacy is expected to continue inspiring future generations through his commitment to human rights, democracy, and humanitarian causes. His dedication to public service and his unwavering spirit will likely serve as a model for many.
