Over the more than four decades that followed his presidency, Jimmy Carter built homes for Habitat for Humanity, traveled the globe as an emissary and oversaw his namesake organization on missions of peace, democracy and global health.
He also found the time to pen dozens of guest essays for The New York Times on topics ranging from U.S. foreign policy to science to political division at home.
The Times is republishing condensed excerpts from some of Mr. Carter’s opinion columns. Here is one from 2022.
Jan. 5, 2022
I Fear for Our Democracy
One year after rioters breached the Capitol in a bid to disrupt the certification of President Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election, Mr. Carter warned that democracy was at stake in the United States and outlined the changes the country must make if it is to endure. Mr. Carter, who spent decades promoting free and fair elections around the world, offered suggestions, including respect for the rule of law, security and accessibility of voting, and pressure on platforms that are used to spread disinformation.
One year ago, a violent mob, guided by unscrupulous politicians, stormed the Capitol and almost succeeded in preventing the democratic transfer of power. All four of us former presidents condemned their actions and affirmed the legitimacy of the 2020 election. There followed a brief hope that the insurrection would shock the nation into addressing the toxic polarization that threatens our democracy.
However, one year on, promoters of the lie that the election was stolen have taken over one political party and stoked distrust in our electoral systems. These forces exert power and influence through relentless disinformation, which continues to turn Americans against Americans.
For American democracy to endure, we must demand that our leaders and candidates uphold the ideals of freedom and adhere to high standards of conduct.
Our great nation now teeters on the brink of a widening abyss. Without immediate action, we are at genuine risk of civil conflict and losing our precious democracy. Americans must set aside differences and work together before it is too late.
The post In His Own Words: Carter Had ‘Fear for Our Democracy’ appeared first on New York Times.
