"Some historians say that to focus on the personality of a famous figure is to neglect the context in which he/she lived. My argument is that personality provides a way to attract students to history because it allows them to make a personal connection to the past." - Joe Illick
James Earl Carter 1977-1981
A peanut farmer, born again;
D. C. outsider whose White House reign
Was isolated from the Hill
Despite allegiance to the people’s will.
Economy sluggish, he fastened his eyes
On energy plans and sacrifice.
Preached idealism abroad and without cease,
Downplayed the Cold war, and spoke of peace;
Third-World progress; human rights.
Then set his presidential sights
On Israel, Egypt, Iran,
Where Judeo-Christian thought began.
He vainly sought harmony, not there resident,
And became the country’s most praised ex-President.
D. C. outsider whose White House reign
Was isolated from the Hill
Despite allegiance to the people’s will.
Economy sluggish, he fastened his eyes
On energy plans and sacrifice.
Preached idealism abroad and without cease,
Downplayed the Cold war, and spoke of peace;
Third-World progress; human rights.
Then set his presidential sights
On Israel, Egypt, Iran,
Where Judeo-Christian thought began.
He vainly sought harmony, not there resident,
And became the country’s most praised ex-President.