As we reflect on this country's history with the celebration of President's Day we do so in a tumultuous world witnessing vast and rapid transformation on a scale not seen in our lifetimes. Not only is the quest for more open democratic processes sweeping across the Middle East, but in our own country we are witnessing a challenge to unionization, a movement that can rightfully can lay claim to the creation of what we know to be "middle class America" and the accompanying wages and working conditions' protections that helped propel this nation to greatness. It is an exciting and challenging time.
It is a period in history that will surely test the bounds of democracy and freedom. But as we survey our Nation's leaders and devise untold lists of rankings placing those in some order of greatness I would offer that rather than limiting criteria to simply accomplishments in office we ought to consider a broader view of achievements throughout a lifetime. I have had the distinct honor to have served under two Presidents (Carter and Clinton) and regardless of how one gauges their time in office, for surely that pendulum will swing wildly, it must be noted how they have capitalized their unfathomable energies and collective intellectual curiosity for the betterment of mankind.
While Jimmy Carter may have left office in 1980 under the cloud of the Iranian hostage debacle, the lingering effects of an oil crisis, and staggering inflationary pressures, he never left the international stage and in the ensuring three decades has used his personal charm, vast intellect, and the power of his Presidency to achieve what few can begin to imagine. In addition to authoring 23 books, building homes for Habitat for Humanity, and receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, he has worked tirelessly to promote peace throughout the world through monitoring of elections, led the fight to reduce the stigma of mental illness, and spearheaded the campaign to eradicate diseases, such as Guinea worm disease, in Africa. Through the Carter Center in Atlanta he and his wife Roslyn have become Peace and Health ambassadors to the world. The range and extent of their efforts could fill volumes and are far too numerous to recount here.
Bill Clinton, on the other hand, may have left office in 2000 under the cloud of impeachment, yet he too has never left the international arena and quite likely remains the most recognizable and admired political leader in the world today. Through the Clinton Global Initiative he has managed to leverage his charisma, intelligence, and indefatigable energy into a catalyst for improving the human condition that has affected nearly 300 million people in more than 170 countries. By employing commitments from former heads of state, business leaders, Nobel Prize laureates, and other prominent figures he has expanded access to financial services, information technology, educational programs, clean water and energy, and maternal and child health and survival programs worldwide. Again, the scope and breadth of his accomplishments simply cannot be featured in the space allotted here.
In totality, the achievements and accomplishments of these two ex-Presidents, when combined with the policy and programmatic successes of their years in office, surely must rank them in the upper echelon of our greatest humanitarians, a most noble accolade indeed. The vitriol and venom within our political system often hides notable deeds. But if time heals all wounds then eventually these two giants will be recognized and appreciated for the positive contributions they have made to foster a better world.
So during this week in which we celebrate the birthdays of two heavyweights in the pantheon of our elected leaders (Washington and Lincoln), let us not forget the efforts of those who continue to serve the nation and the world once they no longer hold the office. We as a nation should be proud of their tireless efforts to improve the lot of mankind, regardless of our political or ideological convictions. I, for one, celebrate and salute them as American Ambassadors for Peace, and above that there can be no higher accomplishment. Can there be any doubt that they represent the very best of what we as a society should strive to be: namely, enablers for the progressive advancement of people everywhere.
Let us all acknowledge the strength of our democratic experiment, from the land of La Follette to the land of the Pharaohs, and rejoice in lifting the plight of peoples everywhere, for that is what makes us a greater and stronger nation. The works of these two ex-Presidents exemplify what makes us proud to be Americans.