Local View: Jimmy Carter far different from so many of today's politicians

It was Jimmy — not James or even Jim. He was who he was; he didn’t put on airs. President Jimmy Carter was not like the politicians of today.

He was honest. He didn’t lie, and he wouldn’t fall in with people who lie. He was thoughtful. He was sincere. He was kind.

He was not crass. He didn’t use profanity. He was not bombastic. He chose his words carefully.

He was trained as an engineer and was highly intelligent, but, like most intelligent people, he didn’t feel a need to try to tell people how smart he was.

He didn’t try to duck military service. He served admirably in the U.S. Navy. He knew something about the commitment and sacrifice of soldiers. He respected them.

He was not petty; he was not the sort of person who would lash out at others or who would childishly make up insulting nicknames for people who annoyed him.

He would never have considered using his power or privilege to take advantage of a woman. He showed respect for women and for all people, no matter their race or nationality or social status or net worth.

He was moderately wealthy but never tried to impress others by putting up a gilded facade. He was no huckster. He’d have thought it shameful to try to enrich himself by using the presidency as a merchandise-sales platform.

When he lost his bid for reelection, he didn’t throw up ridiculous claims of the election being rigged or stolen. He didn’t incite a riot to try to stop the transfer of power. He simply handed over the keys to the White House and walked away.

He was a farmer. He knew the value of real work, of working with one’s hands. In later life, he dedicated his skill and labor to building homes —many homes — for people who needed them.

He was never just in it for himself. He cared about others and lived in service to others.

He had many good and faithful friends, people who loved him — not for his money or what he might be able to do for them but for his essential goodness. His marriage to Rosalyn lasted nearly eight decades.

Jimmy Carter was a decent man, an honorable man — unlike most politicians of today.

Charles Hathaway of Grand Marais is a professional engineer retired after a career in civil and environmental consulting. He serves on the Grand Marais Public Utilities Commission, coaches youth sports, teaches swimming, and tutors elementary and high school students.