I only ever remember Jimmy Carter as a former President. But as a former office holder he had more impact on the world than any of his successors. I read about his efforts in disease eradication (die guinea worms, die!), democratic governance and election monitoring, the building of the Habitat for Humanity organization, and as a beacon of what Americans can be and do. As I grew up and recognized that it was not my path I admired his commitments to spiritual practice, and aspire to his humility. And even this last week, as public tributes tell us he was the best person to ever be an American president (and, yes, being a good person AND a good president is a hard challenge) I hear about his literal! hands-on work to save Canada from a nuclear disaster. What couldn’t that man do?

It seems an omen for the country that his passing occurred just as his diametrical opposite is being handed power. Where Carter was brave, another will let the country be ruled by what he fears. Where Carter was wise, another will be confused by hungry opportunists, and squander the resources which could be marshalled towards the common good. Where Carter was honest, even to the point of abnegation, another will lie, cheat and make the people into slaves of his ego and id. To have chosen authoritarians over decency and kindness, the country and its people (especially the most privileged, rich and white) will have the judgements of history and the scars of coming cruelty to amend and repair if we are to be worthy of another like our 39th.

As Capital flags remain (if plans hold) at half-staff in the coming weeks. A part of the country mours what might have been, if the election of 1980 had gone a different way. As that version of ourselves seems farther out of reach, I remember that Jimmy Carter was more helpful, encouraging and empowering after he left DC. That we can all play a role in making the world what we see it has the possibility to be.

Choose your leaders with wisdom and forethought.

To be led by a coward is to be controlled by all that the coward fears.

To be led by a fool is to be led by the opportunists who control the fool.

To be led by a thief is to offer up your most precious treasures to be stolen.

To be led by a liar is to ask to be told lies.

To be led by a tyrant is to sell yourself and those you love into slavery.

— Octavia Butler