An important message from a past American president appeared in the LA Times today.
This isn't the Real America
IN RECENT YEARS, I have become increasingly concerned by a host of radical government policies that now threaten many basic principles espoused by all previous administrations, Democratic and Republican.
These include the rudimentary American commitment to peace, economic and social justice, civil liberties, our environment and human rights.
Read it and you will be amazed. It is very unusual for past presidents to comment on the policies of current presidents. But we live in unusual times. Do we not?
I had posted this earlier today as a comment in the morning's open thread -- but too late I fear. I think this story is too important for the kos community to miss. So I am posting it as (my first) a diary entry. Let it trickle down and get a bit more opportunities for comment.
The appearance of Carter's piece in the LA Times is an encouraging sign that the paper's editorial page hasn't completely imploded -- following last week's announcements of significant changes in columnists. But that is beside the point.
You may remember that Jimmy Carter sent those sea stallion helicopters on a bold commando mission to rescue Americans held hostage at the American embassy in Iran (Operation Eagle Claw) on April 24, 1980. summary of the Iran Hostage Crisis Much of his last year as president was consumed with the hostage crisis.
After losing his reelection bid to Reagan, Carter has continued his committment to public service, including his devotion to Habitat for Humanity. Today, Jimmy Carter could no longer contain himself and lashed out at the leadership in the current White House. Here are some of his statements:
On the neocon imperialist agenda
These revolutionary policies have been orchestrated by those who believe that our nation's tremendous power and influence should not be internationally constrained.
On torture
It is embarrassing to see the president and vice president insisting that the CIA should be free to perpetrate "cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment" on people in U.S. custody.
On the separation of church and state
I am extremely concerned by a fundamentalist shift in many houses of worship and in government, as church and state have become increasingly intertwined in ways previously thought unimaginable.
It is considered a matter of poor tatse for a former president to criticize the policies of the current president. But, it is apparent that Jimmy Carter sees propriety as subservient to an urgent messsage that must be heard by all Americans.
Please read the whole OpEd piece.
This isn't the Real America
I applaud Mr. Carter for showing restraint and finally courage and goodness when it is needed most.