Jimmy turns 100
A letter to America's 39th president
Dear President Carter,
I have never written a letter to anyone — let alone a former leader of the free world, on their 100th birthday. So I don’t really know how I should begin. Do I say happy birthday? Congratulations? Thank you for your decades of service to the people of Georgia and our great country?
I myself am just a few weeks shy of my 23rd birthday. So needless to say, I was not around for the majority of your time in public service. But as a lifelong Georgian, I am profoundly aware of the impact you and your lovely wife Rosalynn have had on this beautiful state that I, just like yourself, have called home since birth.
From the humble peanut fields of Plains to the resolute desk at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, your life is one of public service and gratitude that our leaders today could only aspire to match.
It goes without saying that your time in Washington was one of trial and tumult. The economy was on the brink, crises were raging overseas, and the American public was losing trust in their leaders. But through it all, you never lost sight of who you are and where you came from. Even though your presidency ended earlier than you would have liked, I and countless other Americans commend you for your commitment to making the world a better place.
When I was a kid, I took it upon myself to memorize every American president in chronological order. My family took notice of my newfound political obsession and made sure that I visited a new presidential library or museum every summer. I remember my first visit to Plains several years ago and learning about all of the important work the Carter Center has done and continues to do.
I might have been young at the time, but I had no idea that a former president could do so much to change the world. When a president leaves office, they usually start their own foundation, build a presidential library in their home state, and establish a statesman-like role in their party. They also share the most sacred title in this country: citizen.
But you are more than just an everyday citizen. From eradicating diseases, to preserving democracy and building homes on behalf of humanitarian organizations, you have dedicated your life to helping countries and citizens in need.
Some scholars have argued that your post-presidency has been more impactful than your time in office. We can spend hours and even days debating the truthfulness to that, but as you reflect on your century-long journey, only you can accurately measure the legacy you’ve left behind.
Of course, these many triumphs have not come without challenges. We were all saddened several years ago when it was announced that you were undergoing treatment for a rare form of brain cancer. But just as you have done all your life, you defied the odds and underwent a successful treatment.
Rosalynn was right by your side for 77 of your 100 years. She helped redefine what it meant to be a presidential spouse, from sitting in on your cabinet meetings at the White House, to co-founding what is now the Carter Center and helping you with your worldwide humanitarian efforts. I have no doubt that you wish she were here with you as you celebrate this big day.
And of course, we sadly learned last year that you will be spending the remainder of your time with us in hospice care.
But you have overcome these challenges and many others to achieve the century mark. It’s a milestone that very few ordinary citizens, not to mention no other White House occupant can claim. And your life of selflessness and determination is embodied by your only birthday wish: to vote in this year’s election. I hope my fellow Georgians will join me in doing the same.
But on your hundredth birthday, I feel that voting simply isn’t enough to honor you and your important legacy. So I hope you’ll accept the donation I plan on making to the Carter Center this week.
Happy birthday, Mr. President. I only hope our future leaders will live up to your example of what it means to be a true public servant.
Enjoy your special day.
A grateful Georgian,
Niles Francis
Click here if you would like to join me in donating to the Carter Center.
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