To the Editor:
In the last 24 hours, I have spent more than four hours intently listening to and watching two significant events that could not be any more different than what anyone can imagine.
The first event was yesterday. At 11:10 a.m., when I jumped into my car in Port Elgin. On the radio, the now infamous Donald Trump news conference had just begun. He was pontificating about taking back the Panama Canal and doing whatever is required to make Greenland part of the US, punishing Canada with tariffs for its abuse of the US in trade, and using economic means to make us become part of the US, etc. etc.
I found a nice quiet spot and listened to how the world would change and fall in line with his idea of how we all should exist. The attacks on past US regimes went on for a while with the current president and everything in Washington being condemned and ridiculed. The fresh meat was laid out and a very long Q and A began that saw the press jump on it and get even more vile rhetoric being expounded.
By listening to it “all” I believe that I can draw my own conclusions on how it was presented and what was contained and what was of real substance. The one item that provided the “contrast” was his comments about the Panama Canal and on Jimmy Carter making the worst decision possible in returning its ownership to Panama. But he did add that “Jimmy Carter” was a “good” person. Good move by him, because today he had a front-row seat at the Washington Cathedral funeral for Mr. Carter.
So, today, I decided that I wanted to hear the eulogies for President Carter and set aside two hours from my busy (sic sic) schedule to attend via TV, Hence, the “contrast” could not be more significant when one compares the two events.
The eulogies were about 10 in number and mostly from Carter family members, past Presidents’ family members, President Biden, Vice Presidents’ family members and all were separated by some wonderful singing and prayers.
There is no question that Carter will not make Mount Rushmore along with some of their greatest Presidents BUT his contribution to his country and to the world in the 50 years after his presidency will never be matched. The role that the Carter Foundation has played for millions of underprivileged people living in poverty in the most undeveloped parts of the world has given millions of these folks the “chance” for a better life and for many generations to come.
What a CONTRAST it was for me to watch and listen to these two events within a 24-hour period.
What the future holds for us all is unknown. But one thing I do know, is that there is a lot of “good” around our world, in Canada and in the USA.
May Jimmy Carter Rest In Peace.
G. William Streeter January 9, 2025
