The revamped Jimmy Carter Library and Museum reopened Oct. 1 — the former president’s 85th birthday — with more space being devoted to Carter’s time after his presidency than any other presidential library. That’s as it should be. Jimmy Carter has had more accomplishments as a former president than he had as president.
In many ways, Jimmy Carter was a failure as president. While he did succeed in brokering at peace pact between Israel and Egypt at Camp David, the U.S. economy was crippled by double-digit inflation during his presidency. Carter’s decision to keep the U.S. out of the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow to protest Russia’s invasion of Afghanistan likely prevented world class athletes like Ashland native and diver Megan Neyer from winning a gold medal. And, of course, employees of the U.S. embassy in Iran were held hostage for more than 440 days, during which time Carter authorized a rescue attempt that failed miserably.
But after being easily defeated by Ronald Reagan during his bid for a second term in 1980, Carter refused to fade quietly into the pages of history. He has remained in the public eye, monitoring elections in other countries, occasionally undertaking diplomatic missions either on his own or with approval of the sitting president, and shining the spotlight on important world health and economic issues. He even has won the Nobel Peace Prize since leaving the White House. In addition, the former president has authored a number of inspiring books in which he has shared his faith, co-authored one about marriage with his wife, Rosalind, and even penned one novel.
We have not always agreed with the former president. Sometimes we think he has meddled where he didn’t belong. But we have never questioned his sincerity or his intentions. In our view, the years after his presidency have been the most productive of his life. The revamped library recognizes that.
