back to article Jimmy Carter set the solar, space, and environmental pace

American flags throughout the United States are flying at half-mast to honor the life of Jimmy Carter, the 39th and longest-lived US president, who died Sunday, December 29, at the age of 100.  Conflicts with Congress and international politics may have set Carter back, but he still managed to change the face of space and …

  1. Groo The Wanderer - A Canuck

    To have lived to see a century; how the world has changed since he was born! Rest in peace, Sir. Although there were likely grumblings and rumblings during your tenure as President, it was but a pale shadow compared to the bile and vitriol that get thrown about nowadays. You were lucky enough to serve before the internet...

    1. Philo T Farnsworth Silver badge

      The evil that men do lives after them;

      The good is oft interred with their bones;1

      Carter made a lot of mistakes, to be sure, including stirring the pot in Afghanistan and seriously misunderstanding Iran, probably mostly due to his listening to Metternich wannabe and Kissinger understudy, Zbigniew Brzezinski.

      I was around and politically well aware during Carter's term in office2 and my take was always that he was, in general, a far too decent of a person to be President of the United States.

      He got laughed at for making (gasp!) human rights a centerpiece of his administration, he was actually serious about the environment and energy, and he was dragged by both sides of the aisle for telling us hard truths about ourselves.

      I heard the so-called malaise speech and, while it was probably a political blunder, I recall it being the unsugarcoated truth.

      As Ronald Reagan unintentionally revealed, "Facts are stupid things — stubborn things, I should say3." We don't like them, especially when they apply to ourselves.

      "Oft interred with their bones" indeed.

      ________________

      1 https://poets.org/poem/julius-caesar-act-iii-scene-ii-friends-romans-countrymen-lend-me-your-ears

      2 Full disclosure, I voted for him twice.

      3 http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1988/081588b.htm

      1. martinusher Silver badge

        Unfortunately the electorate is a sucker for false promises -- to quote Slarty Bardfast (character from "Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Universe") -- "I'd far rather be happy than right".

        1. The Oncoming Scorn Silver badge
          Thumb Up

          You Must Be Happy

          Slartibartfast!

      2. Anonymous Coward
        Anonymous Coward

        "he was actually serious about the environment and energy"

        A real shame that one of his legacies was the ban on reprocessing nuclear fuel.

  2. Boris the Cockroach Silver badge
    Unhappy

    A loss no doubt

    I just about remember the republicons giving Carter grief for cancelling the B1 bomber program

    Then during the 1980 election ol' ronnie raygun giving him grief and promising to bring the B1.

    Then they found out the report that Carter had from the 'have blue' project that said about 30 stealth bombers could do the work of 200 B1s... but of course it was classified and Carter could not say a word about it.

    But carter will be more remembered for not being president than being president, and while everyone shows the departed respect, I seriously doubt the next holder of the office will be shown as much (or indeed any) when he pops his clogs

    1. Fruit and Nutcase Silver badge

      Re: A loss no doubt

      A downvote! Looks like someone didn't like the last part of the final paragraph

    2. bombastic bob Silver badge
      Megaphone

      Re: A loss no doubt

      obituaries always glow over any positives they find, and leave out the negatives, like the overwhelming DYSTOPIA effects from double-digit stag-flation, Iranian hostage crisis, Afghanistan invasion by USSR [which helped spawn Taliban etc.], WEAK foreign policies, 14% real unemployment, gasoline lines and restrictions (a gas line would sometimes wrap around the block by my house), and a general "malaise" that was criticized by the very SAME president whose policies CAUSED it. The resulting LANDSLIDE election of Ronald Reagan led to REVERSALS of these ridiculous policies. which were not tried again until Obaka, then even MORE with BIDAS, the latter of which wins the "worst President" trophy back from Mr. Carter.

      Jimmy Carter was a great FORMER President. FORMER. Terrible in office, though... the road to DYSTOPIA is paved with good intentions and BAD ideas. Except with Bidas (and probably Obaka) they were BAD INTENTIONS, *NOT* GOOD...

      1. This post has been deleted by its author

        1. Anonymous Coward
          Anonymous Coward

          Re: De mortuis nil nisi bonum dicendum est

          Its such a shame that the whole inject bleach thing is entirely made up.

          1. This post has been deleted by its author

          2. This post has been deleted by its author

      2. simonlb Silver badge
        FAIL

        Re: A loss no doubt

        So, after over eight years, has Trump and his team managed to come up with something to replace Obamacare yet?

        1. This post has been deleted by its author

        2. Dan 55 Silver badge

          Re: A loss no doubt

          Here's the plan for next year:

          1. Announce Trumpcare.

          2. Replace the sign outside the Obamacare offices and logo on letterheads.

          3. Bask in the support of the MAGA multitude.

          1. This post has been deleted by its author

          2. heyrick Silver badge

            Re: A loss no doubt

            "Announce Trumpcare"

            Wouldn't that imply the risk of giving something to people who haven't paid for it? Trump is real big on everybody paying up, whether islands wrecked by a hurricane or random other NATO members who've had to go along with the US's stupid military shit for decades. I can't see Trump giving anything for free.

        3. LBJsPNS Bronze badge

          Re: A loss no doubt

          According to Donald the Dull himself at the single debate, "We have a concept of a plan."

          1. Montreal Sean

            Re: A loss no doubt

            And it will be the biggliest healthcare plan ever!

      3. arachnoid2

        Re: A loss no doubt

        How to historical lambast a former president , if only he had precognition like the next president seems to have. I wonder what history will say about the next criminally convicted felon to enter the Whitehouse and carry on grifting from his supporters who are already regretting their choice.

      4. ArrZarr Silver badge

        Re: A loss no doubt

        Ah yes. Carter and Biden, vying for "Worst President" between them. Let's ignore Hoover.

        Although given your apparent preferences, you probably think he did a good job in office. The seventies were just a bad time to be in power. Too many global crises making the government look bad. The same thing happened in the UK a few years later with Thatcher getting into power over the Labour incumbents. Fifty years later and we're in a similar place. Many global crises firing off at the same time. 2024 had a bumper crop of elections and every developed democracy which went to the polls this year had its incumbent lose vote share. This is the first time that's happened since records began in 1905.

        But go off blaming the democratic presidents for being bad, I guess.

        1. Snake Silver badge
          Big Brother

          Re: go off blaming the Dems

          I thought you had learned by now that a Republican can never (ever) do wrong.

          Bad puppy, back off to the 'education center' for you.

      5. Anonymous Coward
        Anonymous Coward

        Re: A loss no doubt

        The economic malady you attribute to Carter were all externally driven and unavoidable regardless of who was in office at the time. The first Oil price shock after the formation of OPEC and the global commodities crisis along with a host of other problems were nothing a US president could control. A similar comparison would be to blame Trump for the catastrophic collapse of the US economy after the start of the pandemic or Biden for the inflation that resulted from the supply shock it causes. That is just nonsense.

        Weak foreign policy was Carter not attacking Iran to bring the hostages home. Attacking Iran would have cost 50 American lives. On the right that would be acceptable because it would show that we are STRONG and POWERFUL. In the end history ABSOLVED Carter because hostages came home alive rather than in Body bags. Everyone around him advised action if for no other reason but to save his Presidency, he chose the only route that would save the hostages lives.

        I will remember Carter as a true statesman. This is absolutely lacking from this lot of politicians particularly on the right. Their only concern is the next election cycle a year or two down the road. Currently we are stuck in a bad reality show. From "Grab a Pussy" as president, to a representative giving a "Hand Job" at a children's play and a nominee for AG that is a pedophile and drug user. You really cant make this thing up. Our true enemies are within.

      6. arachnoid2

        Re: A loss no doubt

        It seems a Republican down voted me because as usual they dont like to face the fact they elected a racist, criminal and fully sexual predator into the Whitehouse. Never mind four more years of grifting by the man will soon show his true colours and those of the radicals behind him.

        1. Anonymous Coward
          Anonymous Coward

          Re: A loss no doubt

          "they elected a racist, criminal and fully sexual predator"

          You talking about Biden?

          1. dangerous race

            Re: A loss no doubt

            I've been absolutely fascinated by Biden's court cases. The sexual assaults, the paying off of a porn star, etc. Biden also called for 4 innocent young black men to be given the death penalty.

            Oh, I'm sorry. I just realised that was the orange idiot not Biden. Are you a troll or a moron? I suppose there's little difference really.

          2. LBJsPNS Bronze badge

            Re: A loss no doubt

            You forgot the "Hurr, durr."

      7. Mike VandeVelde
        Flame

        Re: A loss no doubt

        Afghanistan invasion by USSR [which helped "spawn Taliban etc.],"

        What spawned the Taliban?? It wasn't arming them up with stinger missiles?? I guess I need to do more research.

        1. JulieM Silver badge

          Re: A loss no doubt

          "What spawned the Taliban" was the ill-deserved tolerance shown by the West towards theism.

          We need to recognise that, just as certain disabilities in cases when they are fundamentally incompatible with certain occupations and it is permissible sometimes to discriminate against people with those disabilities, so are some beliefs fundamentally incompatible with positions of power and it is necessary to discriminate against people with those beliefs. In particular, any person who would ever place the whims and caprices of an imaginary being above the needs of a real human being needs to be kept far, far away from positions where they might be given responsibility for anyone's welfare.

      8. Aaa Bee

        Re: A loss no doubt

        Poor Bobby. Still stuck with that broken Caps Lock.

        Didn't Santa stop to drop a new keyboard down the chimney?

        Again?

  3. chivo243 Silver badge
    Thumb Up

    Last President for America

    Thank you Sir!

  4. JugheadJones

    timing was everything

    Timing was unfortunate for Carter during his first term and this is where Ronnie came in at the right time. Thing is, Carter could have got a second term after Ronnie first one, becuase he was suffering from late stage parkinsons, I remember his wife standing on stage as he spoke to tell him what he needed to say. Unbelievelably alot of people knew that and still gave him a second term, I suppose he was the muppet relay for their cabinet and just followed what eevryone told him to do, very much unlike the forthcoming incubent will be doing in 2025.

    1. Anonymous Coward
      Anonymous Coward

      Re: timing was everything

      "suffering from late stage parkinsons"

      Citation needed. He suffered Alzheimer’s later in life.

      Now if you want to talk about voting for someone with obvious cognitive issues.... 2020 anyone? The 'vote blue no matter who' crowd would happily vote for a corpse.

      1. dangerous race

        Re: timing was everything

        Same goes for a lot of Republicans - as can be seen from this latest election.

        It's going to be real funny if Trump can't get certified due him being an insurrectionist as found by 2 Colorado courts - true, look it up. Even SCOTUS didn't say he wasn't when they overturned Colorado's attempt at keeping Trump's name off the ballot papers.

  5. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    This is a present from a small distant world

    Its all clearer now. Trump sucking up to musk in the hope near light speed is coming and he can get the tape swapped on voyager to one with trump boastful drivel lol.

    Other than that Carter is an early casualty of GOP dirty tricks to eject him after one term. Just like this year. Mind you Biden is complicit in genocide so its not much of a loss to the world.

    1. Graham Dawson

      Re: This is a present from a small distant world

      Biden is not complicit in anything. You have to be capable of making decisions and giving consent to be complicit in things.

      1. LBJsPNS Bronze badge

        Re: This is a present from a small distant world

        You mean to make statements like "They're eating the dogs, they're eating the cats, they're eating the pets of the people who live there?"

        1. This post has been deleted by its author

    2. Anonymous Coward
      Anonymous Coward

      Re: This is a present from a small distant world

      "GOP dirty tricks to eject him after one term"

      Biden was unsuitable to be president in 2020 and his downfall after blowing a fuse live on TV at the debate was just glorious as all the media and rabid Biden supporters did a huge flip proving everything that had been said about his mental capabilities since 2020 100% correct.

      I love this comment on CNNs NYE show, 'Kamala was forced on us so hard you'd think she was patented by Pfizer'.

      1. dangerous race
        Happy

        Re: This is a present from a small distant world

        "They're eating the dogs!"

  6. FIA Silver badge

    "We cast this message into the cosmos,"

    "This is a present from a small distant world, a token of our sounds, our science, our images, our music, our thoughts, and our feelings."

    ....now it may have slammed into your planet with something like 1/8th the energy of the Hiroshima nuclear bomb...

    ...yeah... we're really sorry about that....

    ...peace and love... peace and love...

    1. This post has been deleted by its author

      1. ArrZarr Silver badge

        Memories of Mass Effect

        "This, recruits, is a 20 kilo ferous slug. Feel the weight! Every five seconds, the main gun of an Everest-class dreadnought accelerates one, to one-point-three percent of lightspeed. It impacts with the force a 38 kiloton bomb. That is three times the yield of the city buster dropped on Hiroshima back on Earth. That means, Sir Isacc Newton is the deadliest son-of-a-bitch in space! Now! Serviceman Burnside, what is Newton's First Law?

        Sir! An object in motion stays in motion, sir!

        No credit for partial answers maggot!

        Sir! Unless acted on by an outside force, sir!

        Damn straight! I dare to assume you ignorant jackasses know that space is empty. Once you fire this hunk of metal, it keeps going 'til it hits something. That can be a ship, or the planet behind that ship. It might go off into deep space and hit somebody else in 10,000 years! If you pull the trigger on this, you are ruining someones day! Somewhere and sometime! That is why you check your damn targets! That is why you wait 'til the computer gives you a damn firing solution. That is why, Serviceman Chung, we do not 'eyeball it'. This is a weapon of Mass Destruction! You are NOT a cowboy, shooting from the hip!

        Sir, yes sir!"

  7. corestore

    He was one of us

    He had a bloody Xerox Alto in the Oval Office, I just learned today. Legend.

    1. bombastic bob Silver badge
      Stop

      Re: He was one of us

      Carter was definitely intelligent, a nuclear officer in the Navy, etc. However he was also a micro-manager and a globalist/socialist. THIS is what killed his presidency.

      He should have listened to people like JFK, who was a supply-side economist. Instead he went for "big gummint" and rationing. Predictable outcome happened.

      Sometimes "smart people" (especially 'Academics') are REALLY DUMB that way, as evidenced by THE RESULTS of their policies. Many good examples exist, from LBJ's "whiz kids" to Obama's presidency. Like the Argentinian president says, ¡Afuera!

      1. cray74

        Re: He was one of us

        If Carter avoided supply-sided economics then the US dodged a bullet - the 1970s US economy was bad, but embracing voodoo economics would've made it worse.

        Have supply-side economics ever worked?

  8. Crys

    Only decent president in my lifetime RIP Jimmy Carter.

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