The perception of America in some quarters is that it is a spiteful country full of partisan rancor.  It's true the media pushes that image, but for the regular folks, it's character and performance that should matter most when bestowing power.  Not ideology.

 

President Carter tried hard to be an effective leader but simply lacked the experience to run the most powerful country on earth.  He was an honest man who strongly believed in Judeo-Christian tradition.  But that's not enough.  A president must be a tough problem solver in the dangerous world in which we all live.

 

I dealt with Mr. Carter in helping severely wounded veterans.  He wasn't a fan of mine, and that strained our interactions. But in the end, he did the right thing, and with all five presidents supporting the high-tech track wheelchair program, we raised more than $30 million.  Every vet who needed the machine received one.

 

As the nation pays its respect to the man from Plains, it is constructive to understand our patriotic duty; you may not like a specific president, but you should always respect the office of the presidency because it is the most important part of our republic.  All human beings are flawed, but sincere effort counts.