Being the first and only president from Georgia, Jimmy Carter is a well-respected person throughout the state. His recent passing on December 29th, 2024 has affected many Americans, as his presidency and humanitarianism brought community and hope to many. While his time as the leader of the U.S. is important to his legacy, most people respect and uphold him for his tireless and selfless efforts to help those in need by building houses for them and continuing his philanthropy until his death.
Growing up with a humble upbringing, Carter was born in Plains, Georgia. He grew up around lots of poverty; shaping his views for his future. He ran for president in 1976, running against the Republican incumbent Gerald Ford. It was a close race, but Carter won due to his racial views and campaign strategies.
His upbringing showed many Americans that anyone could become president.
“I was very young when he was elected, but I remember being in awe that a ‘regular man’ from Georgia could win the presidency,” said Holly Ingram, the AP Language teacher at Chamblee.
Following up his win, Carter did a lot of things as president that a lot of people appreciated. He created many political and enviornmental policies, and he attempted many things no other president had done before.
Jennifer Tinnell, the US History teacher at Chamblee, talked about some of his achievements.
“One of his greatest legacies was the Camp David Accords, and so him trying to get countries to negotiate that have not gotten along for centuries was amazing. I don’t think that any other president could have done that. I think those other world leaders also respected Carter, so that’s why they agreed to do it,” said Tinnell.
To follow up on that, many like the fact that he was experienced in his field and had the knowledge needed to be head of the executive branch.
“I appreciate the fact that he was he served in World War Two in the Navy. … We have [had] a lot of politicians that are making decisions that have not had boots on the ground. That’d be similar to having a principal that had never been a teacher. You need to walk in their shoes. So I like the fact that he was in the military,” said Tinnell.
Although Carter did not win his second term, many people now realize that he was a one-of-a-kind president.
“Jimmy Carter was a singular president, one very different from every other one in my lifetime,” said James Demer, the American Literature teacher at Chamblee.
Demer further elaborated on this, believing that Carter was looked down upon due to the time period.
“I would argue that his presidency was a success on many levels and that history has proved him right on many of the issues he was derided for in the 1970s. For example, he put solar panels on the roof of the White House, which Reagan then removed. History will look favorably on one of those presidents but not the other,” said Demer.
Some people feel like Carter was ahead of his time, and that many citizens didn’t realize that his actions were for the greater good.
“He told Americans things they did not want to hear, like that they needed to use less energy and stop being obsessed with material goods. So Americans being Americans voted him out,” said Demer.
During his presidency, Carter established many unique policies. Every person has a different opinion on what policies they like.
“He had an administration that focused on energy policies and expansion of human rights and he also expanded national parks, protected millions of acres of Alaskan wilderness, and focused on environmental preservation,” said Ingram, when asked if there were any policies Carter established that she liked.
Throughout his life, Carter had always been a big environmentalist. Even after his presidency, he did a lot of humanitarian work and ran many organizations. He was very involved in Habitat for Humanity, which focused on helping people find homes to live in. Carter also focused on stopping the spread of diseases in many parts of the world, and helping the human race. Overall, Carter had a very impactful and successful life, even after his presidency.
Most people remember him for his hard work and dedication in his later years.
“I think Jimmy Carter was an amazing humanitarian. I think he is an incredible role model for any walk of life, whether it be politics, fundraising efforts to just help society,” said Tinnell.
Many people will forever respect him for his hard work and dedication.
“He was a sterling human, one we should all aspire to be; humble, good father, good husband, good neighbor, and good American. He was a true humanitarian leaving a profound legacy. His character and dedication to service, I believe, earns him one of the most respected and revered figures in modern American history,” said Ingram.
