Posted by
Charles the Hammer on Monday, May 21, 2007 5:46:50 PM
Former President Jimmy Carter is already recanting his vicious remarks about President Bush's administration being the "worst" in history concerning foreign policy. Mr. Carter now states that his statements were "careless" or "misinterpreted". In the same sense that former Clinton administration NSA advisor Sandy Berger was "sloppy" in pilfering sensitive documents from the National Archives, I suppose one might call Mr. Carter's remarks "careless". I think not. He did his damage as he has been keen to do of late. He also took the opportunity in the interview with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette to run down Tony Blair as "subservient". When it comes to the "worst president" label, Mr. Carter has extensive knowledge of the subject. Let's recall his tenure:
1. "Stagflation" ruled the late 70's with high unemployment and 18% mortgage rates, both factors exacerbated by Carter's mammoth payroll tax hike. Remember how he promised it would make Social Security solvent until 2030? Right!
2. He successfully brokered the Camp David accords and the only guy to survive was Arafat.
3. Don't forget the infamous "malaise" speech in his sweater, where Carter blamed our lack of work ethic and motivation for the lackluster state of the economy. "Turn down the thermostat" he said. He subsequently fired his entire cabinet. What a stand up guy. (Note: the speech was the handy work of Chris Mathews, a Carter speechwriter at the time)
4. The original Islamo-fascists seized our Tehran embassy and held the staff hostage for over 400 days. Good thing they weren't emboldened by the impotence of the whole Carter team. We should also remind Mr. Carter of his own problems with difficult military operations such as the disasterous rescue attempt in the Iranian debacle.
5. President Carter arranged to give away American control of the Panama Canal. Today, corporate front groups for the Chinese army control port management at both ends of the canal. Terrific!
6. President Carter lost the election to Ronald Reagan, carrying only 5 states. He had the lowest approval rating in the polls since Warren Harding. He was the first incumbent ousted since 1932. Further, his #2, Walter Mondale, took another drubbing in 1984, winning only his home state of Minnesota in the biggest Republican landslide in U.S. History. Carter's "careless" presidency put the Democrats into the wilderness until Clinton's victory in 1992. Way to go Jimmy!
7. Carter issued an executive order granting blanket amnesty to ALL draft evaders from the Vietnam era, sure proof that he, like all good Democrats, has always "supported" the troops and their mission.
I confess that I actually voted for Carter in the wake of Watergate, etc. What a shame that he has succumbed to the bitter temptation that sprouts from personal failure. Each time he points and shouts "worst", he ought to look into a mirror.