An Open Letter to Jimmy Carter
The following is written less to express any opinion on the merits of the Iraq War, but more as a commentary on the role of past Presidents. As our past Presidents are elected earlier and live longer, it is my opinion that they should confine their activities to philathropic activities and leave the running of the country to the current President. It does this country no good at all to have former Presidents cutting at the knees of a current sitting President, or forming shadow governments going about the world independently proposing foreign policy. Both Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, especially this past week on ABC news, have chosen to take that path. It is damaging to the country. The political process of those currently holding office or currently aspiring to office gives more than sufficient space for important and necessary debate.
Office of Jimmy Carter
The Carter Center
One Copenhill
Atlanta, GA 30307
RE: Comments on ABC News
Dear Mr. Carter:
Your criticisms of the current administration and the Iraq War are disturbing. At the end of the day, the problem here is Iran. Frankly, much of the growth of Islamic Fundamentalism can be laid at your doorstep with your total foreign policy failure vis-à-vis Iran, the fall of the Shah, the invasion of our Embassy (American territory by treaty), and the taking of our hostages. If the United States ever looked like a paper tiger, it was during your administration. The United States being perceived as a paper tiger is what fuels terrorism, as was evidenced by our failure to react to it through successive administrations, most notably yours and Bill Clinton’s. If your administration would have shown some courage and properly reacted to that situation, the world would not find itself in the position it is in now.
It would be helpful to our boys dying in Iraq right now if you would please show some decorum and not help the Vietnamization of this war by undercutting the foreign policy position of the current President. You had your chance and you failed. Why would the enemy ever consider capitulating on the battle field when comments like yours give them hope that they can win the war here at home?
Very truly yours,
Smartmark
The Carter Center
One Copenhill
Atlanta, GA 30307
RE: Comments on ABC News
Dear Mr. Carter:
Your criticisms of the current administration and the Iraq War are disturbing. At the end of the day, the problem here is Iran. Frankly, much of the growth of Islamic Fundamentalism can be laid at your doorstep with your total foreign policy failure vis-à-vis Iran, the fall of the Shah, the invasion of our Embassy (American territory by treaty), and the taking of our hostages. If the United States ever looked like a paper tiger, it was during your administration. The United States being perceived as a paper tiger is what fuels terrorism, as was evidenced by our failure to react to it through successive administrations, most notably yours and Bill Clinton’s. If your administration would have shown some courage and properly reacted to that situation, the world would not find itself in the position it is in now.
It would be helpful to our boys dying in Iraq right now if you would please show some decorum and not help the Vietnamization of this war by undercutting the foreign policy position of the current President. You had your chance and you failed. Why would the enemy ever consider capitulating on the battle field when comments like yours give them hope that they can win the war here at home?
Very truly yours,
Smartmark
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