The centerpiece of the Jimmy Carter National Historic site is the former Plains High School — President Carter’s alma mater.
And on Monday, the old auditorium with its folding wooden seats was decked out as it has been for over a decade on Presidents’ Day with flags, red, white, and blue bunting, and memorabilia belonging to historian Laurence Cook laid out for his presentation.
“It’s ironic today that I’m giving this presentation on the lesser-known presidents,” Cook said. “I would say as a historian – I will make this statement – I believe [Jimmy Carter] is the best-known president around the world.”
Cook said Carter loves these talks about the nearly forgotten details of presidential history and is usually here on President’s day. This year, of course, is different, and so Cook said he was tempted to change course.
“But I knew President Carter would want me to stay with the planned program and not make it all about him,” Cook said.
In conversation around Plains, people echo the theme of a selfless Jimmy Carter again and again.
Like Carter, Rebecca Davenport is a fan of these President’s Day talks in Plains. And she has her own piece of memorabilia: A 1977 Carter inaugural pin hanging from her sweater.
“He’s the only president from Georgia, so I thought I would wear it today, right?” she said.
And it’s not a replica, she said. It’s the real deal.
“Isn’t that crazy?” she added. “So I’m celebrating him today.”
So what is she celebrating?
“I think his concern for the underdog,” she said. “As someone who might have had a controversial presidency. But afterward, I think the whole country can confirm we admire him and his spirit.”
Bernadette Backhaus and Spencer Horne were passing through Plains on vacation when they stopped on the main street, across from where out-of-town journalists have gathered. Backhaus said they like to cram as much history as they can into these road trips.
And they came today with knowledge of Carter’s condition.
“Yeah, we were in the hotel room last night in the room just watching TV, and we looked at our phones and were like ‘Oh my God; he went into hospice care,'” Backhaus said. “It’s kind of sad.”
Backhaus said she’s read a few of Carter’s books and wished more people saw him the way she does.
“Well, I mean — how do I say this?” she began. “He was definitely into human rights and the respect of people and all that. It’s just a shame people don’t consider him a good president with what he did do.”
Like Backhaus, Angelique Chemin said she was shocked by the news that Carter is in hospice.
“It’s kind of breaking my heart,” Chemin said. “And I feel sad for his wife and family to have such a gentle sweet soul leave our world.”
For Chemin, it’s Carter’s lived example of the central tenet of his Christian faith that inspires.
“‘As they say in the Bible, it says ‘Love everybody,'” she said. “It doesn’t say ‘Love everybody but…’ It just says, ‘Love everybody.'”
It’s a lesson Chemin said she hopes she remembers even after Carter passes away.
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This article appears on Now Habersham through a news partnership with GPB News
Week Six Under the Gold Dome
The 2023 Georgia Legislative Session has reached the halfway point here in the State Capitol. We had a very busy week under the Gold Dome, passing 17 bills on to the Georgia State House for further consideration. I am proud to report that three pieces of legislation I have authored were included in this group and look forward to seeing them move through the next steps of the legislative process.
On Monday, Senate Bill 60 was passed and adopted by substitute with a vote of 50 to 2. SB 60 would make it illegal to purchase or sell detached catalytic converters, used utility wire, or used copper that originates from an unlicensed business. This legislation also requires an individual or business to be a secondary materials recycler in order to possess a used or detached converter if it is not their own. Too often, criminals are looking to profit from stealing stolen car parts. This legislation would help Georgia crack down on this issue.
In addition, the Senate passed Senate Bill 44 by substitute with a vote of 31 to 22. This measure would establish mandatory minimum sentences for those involved in gang violence, particularly involving minors. This bill is known as the “Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act” and was part of Governor Kemp’s plan to tackle crime in our state. The General Assembly is continuing to fight for the safety of all Georgians and I am proud to support this cause as I represent the 50th district.
Both SB 60 and SB 44 have now moved on to the House, where they were read on the House floor and assigned to the House Committee on Judiciary Non-Civil.
On Wednesday, Senate Bill 59 passed by a vote of 54 to 0. This legislation would establish the Office of the Inspector General under the Executive Branch. This position would be appointed by the Governor and would also be subject to confirmation by the State Senate. SB 59 has also been read on the House floor and assigned to the House Committee on Judiciary. These bills will continue to deliver on the Governor’s promise to make criminal justice reform a priority and restore trust in public safety for all Georgians.
As we look to Legislative Days 21 through 23 of the 2023 Georgia Legislative Session, I assure you that my Senate colleagues and I are keeping the interest of Georgia’s citizens in mind. Please reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns about matters relating to the Georgia Senate.
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Sen. Bo Hatchett serves as a Governor’s Administration Floor Leader. He represents the 50th Senate District which includes Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens and Towns County and portions of Hall, Jackson, and White counties. He can be reached by phone at 404.463.5257 or by email at [email protected].