JohnnyComeLately's Journal: Carter and Middle East politics

I was doing a little research into Carter, after reading the AP account of his words last night (at the convention). His words about, "leaders being trustworthy" and, "leaders being misled", instantly brought back memories of the Iran hostages, the botched rescue, his cabinet scandals and the double digit inflation.

So I started doing a little digging, and found this timeline. I won't go into a synopsis of what I found (which sticks much to the above recollections), but I wish events of those days had stuck.

Ignoring the SALT II treaty which gave the Soviets a huge tactical advantage with nukes (e.g. we were limited to current stockpiles with 2 or 3 warheads, meanwhile they were allowed to continue with 10 warhead missiles), there were multiple stories from abroad in those days that held promise. Iranian Shaw was at the Whitehouse, and later President Carter spends the New Year in Iran, while toasting the Shaw as, "an island of stability in the troubled region". Egyptian president visits and addresses Israel. America hands off any interest in the Panama Canal. Relations are normalized with China.

The point I'm trying to illuminate is that the world had hopeful events transpiring. It's sad that things have actually regressed from those days. I could easily dismiss it by saying it's terrorists and those who peddle fear, arms, drugs, and the like. However, I am afraid the root cause is really beyond my current comprehension of world events.

Coming around to domestic issues, which I do feel I can lend some level of confidence, the one thing that has not changed is the Democrats doom and gloom message. Taking from notes on Carter's 'Malaise' speech, he basically blamed the American people for the downfalls of his policy decisions. He was quick to find problems and talk about the inequities of life, but short on answers. Hence, it seems a sad irony that he is pointing a jagged finger at the President who has taken the most action in over 10 years. Isolationism consistently proves throughout history to be a failure. Speaking many words, but taking no action, has also proven to be a failure. Carter was eventually handed his ass on a platter by Reagan, who offered hope and optimism. Regardless of your opinion on all his policies, his legacy is accredited with ending the Cold War. He was "just an actor," so how do we know a "Party-Frat" boy from Texas can't do the same??

With that said, I can understand the anti-war movement and some people's disdain for President Bush, but at least be fair and point out he's stuck to his beliefs, been consistent and positive in outlook. Even if it's a bit naive to take Bush's claim, "We're safer now," on face value, I will take that optimistic outlook over the "bitch and moan" mentality that the other side offers. Coming full circle, it just seems ironic that Carter didn't learn this lesson from his own failures.

I read a quote from Norman Schwarzkopf that, "retired generals should never miss an opportunity to remain silent concerning matters for which they are no longer responsible." I'd say I respect former Presidents who refrain from criticizing current leaders. They (former leaders) don't lay awake at night, knowing their decisions still sway world events and the deaths of innocent sons and daughters.