Jimmy Carter quotes - page 4

It violates the essence of what made America a great country in its political system. Now it's just an oligarchy with unlimited political bribery being the essence of getting the nominations for president or being elected president. And the same thing applies to governors, and U. S. Senators and congress members. So, now we've just seen a subversion of our political system as a payoff to major contributors, who want and expect, and sometimes get, favors for themselves after the election is over. ... At the present time the incumbents, Democrats and Republicans, look upon this unlimited money as a great benefit to themselves. Somebody that is already in Congress has a great deal more to sell, to an avid contributor. (Jimmy Carter)
For instance, I have never believed that Jesus Christ would approve either abortions or the death penalty, but I obeyed such Supreme Court decisions to the best of my ability, at the same time attempting to minimize what I considered to be their adverse impact. View quote
Jimmy Carter
I have become convinced that the most serious and unaddressed worldwide challenge is the deprivation and abuse of women and girls, largely caused by a false interpretation of carefully selected religious texts and a growing tolerance of violence and warfare. View quote
Jimmy Carter
The most serious and universal problem is the growing chasm between the richest and poorest people on earth. Citizens of the ten wealthiest countries are now seventy-five times richer than those who live in the ten poorest ones, and the separation is increasing every year, not only between nations but also within them. View quote
Jimmy Carter
A party with a narrow vision, a party that is afraid of the future, a party whose leaders are inclined to shoot from the hip, a party that has never been willing to put its investment in human beings who are below them in economic and social status. View quote
Jimmy Carter
There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president. View quote
Jimmy Carter
The authenticity and universal applicability of these guarantees were never questioned by a democratic power - until recently, and by America! Instead of honoring the historic restraints, our political leaders decided to violate them, using the excuse that we are at war against terrorism. It is obvious that the Geneva Conventions were designed specifically to protect prisoners of war, not prisoners of peace. View quote
Jimmy Carter
Formerly admired almost universally as the preeminent champion of human rights, the United States now has become one of the foremost targets of respected international organizations concerned about these basic principles of democratic life. Some of our actions are similar to those of abusive regimes that we have historically condemned. View quote
Jimmy Carter
Sometimes we try to justify this unsavory business on the cynical ground that by rationing out the means of violence we can somehow control the world's violence. The fact is that we cannot have it both ways. Can we be both the world's leading champion of peace and the world's leading supplier of the weapons of war? View quote
Jimmy Carter
Penalties against drug use should not be more damaging to an individual than the use of the drug itself. Nowhere is this more clear than in the laws against the possession of marijuana in private for personal use. View quote
Jimmy Carter
I've looked on many women with lust. I've committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something that God recognizes I will do - and I have done it - and God forgives me for it." (Jimmy Carter)
My name is Jimmy Carter, and I'm running for President. It's been a long time since I said those words the first time, and now I've come here after seeing our great country to accept your nomination. View quote
Jimmy Carter
What has happened at Guantanamo Bay... does not represent the will of the American people. I'm embarrassed about it, I think its wrong. I think it does give terrorists an unwarranted excuse to use the despicable means to hurt innocent people. View quote
Jimmy Carter
I think what's going on in Guantanamo Bay and other places is a disgrace to the U.S.A. I wouldn't say it's the cause of terrorism, but it has given impetus and excuses to potential terrorists to lash out at our country and justify their despicable acts. View quote
Jimmy Carter
You can not divorce religious belief and public service. I've never detected any conflict between God's will and my political duty. If you violate one, you violate the other. View quote
Jimmy Carter
I look forward to these confrontations with the press to kind of balance up the nice and pleasant things that come to me as president. View quote
Jimmy Carter
My decision to register women confirms what is already obvious throughout our society-that women are now providing all types of skills in every profession. The military should be no exception. View quote
Jimmy Carter
At the Carter Center we work with victims of oppression, and we give support to human rights heroes. View quote
Jimmy Carter
Sadat was a great and good man, and his most bitter and dangerous enemies were people who were obsessed with hatred for his peaceful goals. View quote
Jimmy Carter
You can do what you have to do, and sometimes you can do it even better than you think you can. View quote
Jimmy Carter
Whatever starts in California unfortunately has an inclination to spread. (Jimmy Carter)
Aggression unopposed becomes a contagious disease. View quote
Jimmy Carter
It's not necessary to fear the prospect of failure but to be determined not to fail. View quote
Jimmy Carter
The best way to enhance freedom in other lands is to demonstrate here that our democratic system is worthy of emulation. View quote
Jimmy Carter
Testing oneself is best when done alone. View quote
Jimmy Carter