Dear Jimmy Carter, Lay off!
As I understand it, Jimmy Carter is a Christian; not the kind of Christian that uses it as a label to gain favor nor the kind of Christian who only visits a church on Christmas and Easter.
No, as I understand it, Jimmy Carter is the kind of Christian who would say he is born again. For the unaware, being born again would indicate that Mr. Carter takes Christianity seriously, believes in Jesus Christ as his Saviour and Lord, and understands the Bible to be the Word of God. Such a belief would affect his attitude and behavior.
Dear Jimmy Carter,
As a Christian, there is something you need to know. George W. Bush is a Christian also, the kind of Christian you would understand. That would make him your brother in Christ.
It is being reported in the press that you have been maligning President Bush. It is unfortunate that you would do so, especially in a public forum. Remember that the Bible says that love covers a multitude of sins. There is also a snippet in there about removing the log from your own eye before trying to remove the speck from your brother’s.
Lest you have forgotten, the log involves your administration as President. Lest you have forgotten, during your administration there were long lines at gas stations waiting for gas. There was gasoline rationing. Gasoline couldn’t be had at any price. Unemployment, sir, was over 10% and interest rates hovered around 20%. You had the Shah of Iran removed by telling his military leaders not to support him. Instead you favored the ayatollah who, upon taking power, murdered all those military leaders. You watched helplessly as the new Iranian leader you favored held Americans hostage for more than 144 days as I recall. Mr. Carter, those are some of the logs that still sit in your eye.
On the other hand President Bush has rallied the nation after the devastating 9/11 attack, turned the economy into a booming enterprise, seen historically low interest rates on his watch, held unemployment at under 6% throughout the period since that hit in New York and Washington D.C. (and let’s not forget the heroics that occurred over Pennsylvania), and liberated countries held captive by madmen bent on harming the U.S. and the rest of the free world. On top of all that, Mr. Bush has exposed the media for their overt bias and propaganda while forcing the political party to which you belong to demonstrate its anti-American, socialist and even pro-terrorist leanings. Contrary to your “malaise” (you do remember saying that America was covered with a malaise, do you not?), Mr. Bush has inspired a nation and given many people in this country hope in the future. He has given the Iraqis hope. He has given the Afghanis hope. He has given many who are oppressed hope. Recently the Kurds have been expressing thanks and appreciation for the sacrifice of President Bush and our soldiers. You should be giving him thanks also.
Mr. Carter, as you move through your sunset years, remember that the Bible tells us it is God who sets rulers and leaders in place and it is God who removes them. The young David knew this lesson well. Perhaps you would be wise to look at your logs. Remember too, that as you malign Mr. Bush, you are in some sense maligning God. As a Christian, Mr. Carter, it would be more productive if you would support and encourage the President in these very unique and difficult moments in history with love and kindness rather than being a mouthpiece for those who would rather destroy our land. Perhaps you could demonstrate the kind of attitude you seem to have towards Fidel Castro or the oppressive dictator from North Korea. Perhaps you could reach out to your brother in Christ with that same love and respect. After all, you owe that to Mr. Bush as your brother.
Mr. Carter, you can do better. In the days you have left, you can do much better.
Respectfully yours,
TOL
***
UPDATE by Eric: Others commenting on Jimmy Carter include: Vinny Fiore, Living in the Past, Random Musings, Jesus Politics, From the Rooftops, PA Pundits, The Blue Voice, Riehl World View, Mark
http://myopiczeal.blogsome.com/2005/11/13/dear-jimmy-carter-lay-off/trackback/
You'll love Woods' Edge at Salt Creek Golf Retreat, Brown County, Indiana.






