Jim Stark’s Newsletter

The Bloomington Herald-Times reported the passing of former President Jimmy Carter on page one and headlined the article with three words “Just Simple Decency.” Carter was more than that dedicated to humanitarian causes. Carter got a bad rap for inflation during his tenure, which was not his fault, but his achievements in world peace will be remembered for decades. The Camp David Peace Accords, and diplomatic relations with China are just two examples. Following his presidency Carter and his wife Rosalynn dedicated themselves to philanthropic organizations and for years strapped on tool belts and built houses for Habitat for Humanity. Just try to imagine someone like Donald Trump ever doing something like that. Attached is the letter I sent to President Carter in 1995 praising the writing of his wonderful book of poetry titled, “Always a Reckoning.”  I commented that I admired him greatly and felt his impact on the country and the world would be longingly proclaimed. To my great pleasure and surprise, he replied by adding a note to a copy of my letter, saying he hoped to see me in Plains, GA sometime. His wife Rosalynn also added her initial to the letter indicating she had read it as well.   Rest in Peace Loyal and dedicated patriot.