Fair-minded Americans should be happy to hear the positive things said about Jimmy Carter by President Trump. It was certainly a good look from a man who well understands the mistakes President Carter made.
The Georgian deserved his memorial tribute and, I believe, was a sincere person who wanted peace and prosperity. I also think Mr. Trump and perhaps other presidents learned from Carter's mistakes.
The best illustration of that is the seizure of 53 Americans on November 4, 1979, by the fanatical Iranian dictator Ayatollah Khomeini. His thugs stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in violation of international law. The Ayatollah then demanded 8 billion dollars for their release.
President Carter wouldn't pay but did nothing to punish this blatant act of war. The Americans were held for 444 days, only released upon the Inauguration of Ronald Reagan.
Carter should have blockaded Iran's ports on the Persian Gulf. Nothing in, nothing out. If Iran attacked U.S. warships, a devastating bombing campaign would have been set in motion.
Had that happened, it is doubtful Iran would have been able to sponsor terrorism for decades.
But President Carter was not strong enough. And his inaction ruined his presidency. History records this. Donald Trump knows this.
It's a dangerous world. Strong leadership is needed. That is a lesson Jimmy Carter taught us.
Enjoy the weekend. |
