Setting the Standard: Jimmy Carter’s legacy extends beyond his presidency

Photo contributed by Adele Henley The grandparents of Tropolitan staff writer Adele Henley meet and shake hands with former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn.

As I sit in front of my laptop, I find it difficult to express the type of man Jimmy Carter was.

I can’t say much about his presidency, considering he left office 26 years before I was born. However the general public tends to have mixed feelings. In my opinion, where Carter’s legacy truly shines is in his post-presidential work involving humanitarian aid.

Carter was heavily involved with Habitat for Humanity, but his involvement didn’t stop with donating. He would travel all over the world to help volunteers build and renovate houses, something he did well into his 90s.

Carter dedicated his post-presidency life to helping others without any personal gain. Along with his wife Rosalynn, Carter founded the Carter Center, which devoted time and effort to aiding those in need.

In 2017, Carter nearly eradicated Guinea worm disease after decades of fighting against it by providing clean drinking water and aid to those affected. The disease had 3.5 million cases in the mid-1980s; that number had decreased to 25 in 2017.

Carter did this out of the genuine kindness of his heart and compassion for those around him. He would offer a smile and a handshake to those just passing by.

I mention all of these examples because this kind of humility is rarely seen in former presidents nowadays.

Most presidents stay involved in politics, offering endorsements and donations, but rarely commit this kind of effort and dedication to helping others, and I think that’s a shame.

We, as the voters, should hold our presidents to a standard that goes beyond the White House. No other president has put in nearly the same amount of work as Carter did during his lifetime.

Wouldn’t it be an amazing way to honor Carter’s legacy for our elected officials to dedicate themselves the way he did? Public service shouldn’t stop once their term ends. They have the means necessary, so why don’t we hold them to a similar standard?

Jimmy Carter, known for his kindness and humility, should rest peacefully knowing his efforts and generosity left a lasting legacy on those who lead our country today.