The Post-Journal

Jimmy Carter: A Life Well-Lived

Local Commentaries

Jan 4, 2025

Rolland Kidder 

 

America lost an icon this past week…Jimmy Carter. In many ways, he was an anomaly in our national politics–a peanut farmer who came from nowhere to win the Presidency.

When I say “nowhere,” I do not mean to disrespect the people of Plains, Georgia. But, even people from Plains would never have predicted it. To bring it close to home, it would be like someone from around here predicting that Robert Jackson from Frewsburg, N.Y. would become a U.S. Attorney General, Supreme Court Justice and Chief American Prosecutor at Nuremberg.

These things just don’t happen very often.

What drew me to Carter, I expect, is just that fact–he came from the kind of rural background that I grew up in. He was what, in New York, we would call an “upstate Democrat,” and both he and his wife, Rosalynn, came and campaigned here in Western New York.

In the process, in 1980, I became a Carter delegate to the Democratic National Convention. Though his prospects for re-election didn’t look good at the time, I believed that he personified the kind of human being that we should want to have in the White House. The fact that he lost that election, has never changed my mind as to the genuine humility, kindness and goodness of this man.

A lot of things can cost people elections, but character was not one of them as far as Jimmy Carter was concerned. He was smart, strong, and, sometimes, could be a stubborn man. He was also a person of faith. He not only taught Sunday School, but he believed that the principles he was teaching there should be carried out in real life.

After the Presidency, these attributes magnified themselves. His involvement in the early days of Habitat for Humanity is a case in point. One commentator called it “the theology of the hammer.” It wasn’t good enough just be a Christian in church. You had an obligation to serve others and to work for their benefit in the wider world.

Recent comments on his passing may well remain true–that he may be the only President whose high office was a stepping-stone to something perhaps more significant. Carter could have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize just for his work as President in forging peace in the Middle East between Egypt and Israel. But, the Nobel award was also based on his post-Presidency efforts through the Carter Center in advancing health, peace and democratic initiatives throughout the world.

During the time I was involved in Washington with the World War II Memorial, I became good friends with one of Carter’s former staff leaders in the White House, Frank Moore.

After serving in the White House, Frank and his colleague, Jody Powell, stayed in the Washington area and purchased some property on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake. For 25 or 30 years, the former President would come there late in the fall for duck hunting. Carter, the country boy from Georgia, loved the out-of-doors and was a sportsman at heart. Yet, it was also the camaraderie of the hunt, and the personal friendships that surrounded it that really made it special.

Frank and the former President became good friends during those times. In 2002, Frank and Nancy Moore were invited by the Carter’s to accompany them to Oslo where Carter would receive the Nobel Prize.

Frank told me that in the week or two preceding his death, the former President remained cognizant and responsive. Rosalynn Carter died last year. She and Jimmy had been married for 77 years. As the end drew near, Jimmy Carter told those caring for him that he was ready to die and “wanted to be with Rosalynn.”

His prayer was granted. He is at peace now.

Jimmy Carter…a life well-lived.

                                           The Post-Journal

The House Of Representatives Acts

                                                                    Dec 28, 2024

                                                Rolland Kidder

 It came late in the day. As a matter of fact, it came just a few hours before midnight. But, last week, the House of Representatives acted…avoiding a federal government shutdown.

The last-minute vote wasn’t a total surprise, since tough votes are often not taken until deadlines are nearing. Yet, what made this one especially special is that, as first proposed, it was attacked by incoming President Donald Trump and his new surrogate, Elon Musk.

No one knows what will happen with Speaker Mike Johnson when the new Congress convenes. Because of the messy way in which this needed legislation ultimately passed, he may incur the wrath of Mr. Trump and not be re-elected Speaker of the House.

On the other hand, members of the House might again select him as their leader. The bare Republican majority in the new Congress, makes it even more difficult for the House to operate with just Republican votes. Despite being criticized for it, Speaker Johnson reached across the aisle for Democratic votes when that became necessary to keep the government running.

The big “bugaboo,” of course, in all of this, is the national debt. Congressmen and Presidents love to spend money though they don’t often like to raise the taxes necessary to pay for it. Debt financing is easier. This means that the national debt keeps going up, and that has meant that Congress has to keep raising the debt ceiling.

Mr. Trump has, from reports, suggested doing away with the debt ceiling altogether. That would give him (and any President) carte blanche power to take deficit spending to any level that they would want. Congress, rightly, wants to retain some control over the purse strings, and they should. That role is given to them in the Constitution.

A subplot in all of this is the part that Elon Musk will play in the new administration. He publicly supported Mr. Trump in the election and poured a lot of money into his campaign. At one rally, Mr. Trump, in introducing him said: “A new star is born, Elon Musk!”

Yet, Mr. Trump is also well known for not playing “second fiddle” to anyone. Musk needs to be careful and not overplay his hand.

Also, Musk is not known for listening to others even in his own business dealings. Working with the U.S. Congress is something he has never done. When it comes to politicians on Capitol Hill, he will be dealing with a different breed of cat. Members of Congress have been directly elected by the people. Congress has its own role to play and will not easily be pushed aside.

I have a hunch, but it is just a hunch, that Mike Johnson might actually survive and be re-elected Speaker in the new Congress. He is a likeable guy and seems to have fewer political enemies than many other potential candidates.

A big fight to select a new Speaker would also likely result in a non-functioning House of Representatives, as we saw two years ago when it took weeks to elect a Speaker. The winner of that particular contest, Kevin McCarthy, lasted only a few months before being ousted.

We need the House of Representatives to fulfill its role under the Constitution. There is little to be gained for the country if Congress again falls into chaos over electing a leader.

 

                                                  The Post-Journal

 

   On Being A Lucky Man

                                                                                    Dec 14, 2024

Rolland Kidder

 

I have always thought that one of the great moments in the history of sports was that day in 1939 in Yankee Stadium when Lou Gehrig addressed a crowd who knew that he was retiring because of a fatal disease. He said to them: “I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”

It is hard not to feel that way on Thanksgiving.

I remember how tough it was on all of us during COVID time when we couldn’t get together. We were back to full-normal this year with 22 gathered for the big day. I have been married into this family now for over 50 years and every Thanksgiving, and every year on this day, I remember those words of Gehrig.

Thanksgiving is a national holiday and for good reason. But, for me it has always been the biggest family day of the year. It is bigger than birthdays, anniversaries or virtually anything else.

I savor it, relish it, can’t wait for it to arrive and am sad when it is over. No gift giving, no great expectations, just enjoying and observing the family and finding out what everyone is doing.

We were at our son’s home in Skaneateles, New York this year–and the town always has a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. You can jog or just walk. This year it was snowing…a wet, slushy, yucky kind of snow. But, that didn’t matter. The townspeople gathered as usual along with out-of-towners like us. Somebody passed the hat for the food bank in town, there were drinks and coffee, nobody was in a sour mood. Good feelings all around. Thanksgiving.

Back at home, before we left, there had been wonderful gestures leading up to the big day. The newspaper had reported on some churches and others having organized an effort to provide Thanksgiving dinners to those less fortunate. It is heartening to see all of this happening each year.

At our Thanksgivings, the family sort of has a nonstop spontaneous discussion going on of what the past year has produced…the good and the bad, but mostly about the good. This year, the biggest news was that our oldest granddaughter is pregnant, and people were speculating about how this new addition would be the center of attention next year.

Writers can sometimes be redundant, but when it comes to Thanksgiving–I don’t care. Every year I get carried away and write about it. But, it is worth the write.

Thanksgiving always brings me back to what Lou Gehrig said. He is not alone. I consider myself to be the luckiest man on the face of the earth, and that is the truth.

 

 

           The Post-Journal      

  At Last, The Election Is Over

Local Commentaries

Nov 9, 2024

Rolland Kidder

It seems like eons ago when Joe Biden was still a candidate, and the election seemed over. After the June debate, it was clear that he could no longer articulate and lead a campaign for the Presidency.

Biden eventually stepped aside, and endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris, to be the nominee in his stead. After that, we again had an election going on in the country.

It has been an exhausting one. Just this past week, I read a news article full of advice from a psychiatrist as to how people should deal with election angst. Now, I expect that same person is providing advice as to how supporters of Harris should deal with post-election depression.

Yet, remember, fair and free elections are central to our democracy. The silver lining for every American is that we have just undertaken another one. Some may not like the result, but all should rejoice in the fact that we had an election…and a vigorous one at that.

My own view is that Harris acquitted herself well. In the time that she had, she was able to make a case for why she should be the next President.

There were two major things, out of her control, that I believe contributed to her defeat. First, she didn’t have a lot of time to organize and establish a campaign. President Biden waited too long, until just weeks before the Democratic Convention, before stepping aside.

The second strike against her was inflation. Though the economy is now humming along, people are still upset about inflation…especially the rise in food and housing prices. The party in power always gets blamed for that, as was the case this time around.

We must also not forget that she was also running against an incumbent. Donald Trump is a former President. He has his own way of campaigning and is effective at it.

An old Republican friend contacted me about a week before the election asking who I thought would win the election. Though I sided with Harris, my response to him was: “It is still Trump’s and for him to lose.” I had no scientific basis for making that statement, except for my “gut” reaction and years of experience watching and being involved in elected politics.

Despite my dislike of his divisive approach to politics and the way he demeans his opponents, you have to admit that Donald Trump is skillful in the public arena. As one columnist said: “He bonds with supporters in an intimate, spontaneous, confessional way, unlike typical politicians….”

Now, we must hope for the best. We have seen him in action before. What will now happen with Ukraine and the Middle East? Will he go after his political enemies? Maybe… and we can hope… he will want to leave a legacy of positive accomplishment for his final term as President of the United States. We want our Presidents to succeed, not fail.

The election is over. It was not “stolen” either this time or the last time. Harris has conceded and congratulated Mr. Trump. There will be a peaceful transition of power. The people have spoken. The decision has been made. Democracy has worked its way once again. We move on from here.

 

                                                        The Post-Journal

Being On Trump’s Mailing List

                                                                                        Oct 5, 2024

Rolland Kidder

 I just received my fourth mailing from former President Trump asking for money. This one included a certificate hoping I would join him in a new “Lyin’ Kamala Harris and Crooked Joe Biden Target List.”

This list would be “my badge of courage and honor” which I could frame, if I want to, and hang in a prominent place in my home. Of course, the name “Trump” is at the top of this list since he says that these two Democrats hate him, and “they hate you, too.”

“The Radicals, Socialists, Communists, and Globalists around them–are out to get me because I am fighting for you.” Etc. etc.

He then urged me to send a contribution suggesting nine different amounts ranging from $35 to $3,300, and signs it: “God Bless America, Donald J. Trump, 45th President of the United States.”

A couple of questions may arise in your mind. First, why would such a piece of hate/fear directed mail even be sent to me? The answer to that, I believe, is that I have been known to split my ticket when voting and, on occasion, have contributed to the campaigns of Republicans. Mr. Trump may have misconstrued that into my being a supporter of all Republicans, including him.

Perhaps this mailing list I am now on came from the fact that in the past I had supported our former Congressman, Amo Houghton, a stalwart Republican, who was a good friend and an exceptional Representative for the Southern Tier in the Congress.

If that is the case, I am sure that Amo must be “turning in his grave.” In my last conversation with him before he died, he was outraged that Donald Trump with his divisive rhetoric had taken control of the Republican Party… a political institution which Houghton loved and had been affiliated with for his whole life.

A second question may be: “When did the Democrats become “radicals, socialists and communists?” The answer is that they aren’t and never have been. These are just made-up words to stir up more disunity and fear.

The only other time in our history which compares to ours currently, in my view, was in the 1840’s and ‘50s. The Whig Party was taken over by fear mongers who were warning that immigrants, Catholics, Jews, foreigners, etc. were trying to take over the country. Whigs became known as the “Know Nothing Party,” and eventually disappeared from the face of our political landscape. A new party was born, the Republican Party, opposed to the extension of slavery into the new and expanding territories of the West. This Party, under Lincoln, fought a Civil War over the issue. After that, it developed its traditional conservative, pro-business policies as the nation expanded.

Can that Republican Party again find its roots? Can it again become a party advocating for smaller government, engagement in bi-partisan foreign policy (not isolationism,) and in advancing pro-business policies. Can it move away from demanding allegiance to only one person, and from the politics of vitriol, personal attacks and target lists?

In large measure, that is what this current election is all about.

And, if you are wondering whether or not I sent in any money to be on this special target list…the answer to that is “not one thin dime.”

 

                        The Post-Journal

    The Contest Is Now Joined

                                                                                    Sep 14, 2024

Rolland Kidder

I mentioned several weeks ago that Joe Biden, in the June debate, had shown that he was incapable of running again a national campaign for the Presidency. Mr. Biden eventually came to the same conclusion and removed himself from the race.

This week there was another debate, and it was clear, no matter whom you favored, that we now again have a viable campaign underway for this highest office in our land. The contest is now joined.

To be honest, it would be a stretch to actually call what we saw a “debate.” It was more a verbal boxing match than an in-depth analysis of issues facing the country. The country knew what to expect from former President Trump. What we didn’t know is how Vice President Harris would hold up under the pressure and scrutiny of it.

I think it is safe to say that, in that respect, she did just fine. She went “toe-to-toe” with the former President. She held her own and let him be himself.

Ever since the first televised Presidential debate between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy, it has become evident that these so-called “debates” are really more performance contests than anything else. Though issues were debated more thoughtfully in that first debate, the “winner,” so called, was deemed to be Mr. Kennedy because he looked sharper and more articulate in presenting his views. Mr. Nixon seemed to be tired and not as much at ease as Mr. Kennedy.

In other words, one candidate performed better than the other.

Another performance that I remember was that between President Reagan and former Vice President Mondale. The press and the pundits had been hyping the issue of President Reagan’s age, as compared to the younger Mr. Mondale. President Reagan put that down with one sentence, promising early in the debate that he “would not make Mr. Mondale’s age an issue in this election.” Everyone laughed and after that, Ronald Reagan cruised to re-election.

Nonetheless, what all of this points to is what I think is really an evident weakness in our political system. Every four years, we choose our Presidents from a very narrow field–usually, it comes down to only two people, as to who will lead our executive branch of government.

One advantage I see in other democracies–like most countries in Europe–is that the political leader of the country emerges after many years of serving in a parliament where they can be vetted and evaluated by their peers. In our country, you can come out of nowhere with a slogan and lot of money, with no political experience, and become President of the United States.

Yet, our system is what it is. The Constitution set it up this way, and so every four years we again go through these election campaigns. In order to “protect” the process and secure the support of the smaller states, the Constitutional Convention also set up the mechanism of the Electoral College. Though this seems archaic today and can allow a candidate with fewer popular votes win the Presidency– unless changed by constitutional amendment (which is not easy,) the Electoral College will likely be with us for many years to come.

So–the campaign has now begun with all the hoopla and political advertising that goes with it. Sit back and “enjoy” –or, at least, bear with it. It will be over in less than two months!

 

 

                                                    The Post-Journal

The Shoe Is On The Other Foot

                                                                                    Aug 17, 2024

Rolland Kidder

 This is an old saying that my father taught me. I am not sure there is a way to describe what it means, other than it conveys the idea that “things have changed” or “the situation is now reversed.”

However it is used, it seems to describe what has now happened in our national politics. The Republicans, who seemed to be unbeatable in the Presidential race after the disastrous showing of President Biden in the June debate–now seem to be scrambling to regain their traction after Biden’s announcement that he was dropping out of the race.

“The shoe is on the other foot.” Kamala Harris is now the Democratic nominee for President.

This does not mean that she will carry Chautauqua County. Our default politics around here are Republican. However, in “toss-up” areas of the country, she has brought new energy to the race and the Democrats now seem to have a fighting chance.

One change that I have noticed around here is that some Republicans have expressed worry and are now urging Donald Trump to talk about policy–the inference being that he tends to talk more about himself than about the issues facing the country.

My own view is that the election is still Mr. Trump’s to lose. He had a big “head of steam” going into this election, and the electorate is still concerned about inflation and the economy. That, automatically, puts those governing in potential jeopardy at the polls.

Yet, it is not beyond the realm of possibility, that Harris could pull this off and become the first woman ever elected to be President of the United States. That possibility scares the pants off some but is a point of great anticipation and rejoicing for others.

To be honest, I was hoping that Harris would name Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky as her running mate. Yet, her decision to choose Governor Tim Walz still brings geographic and political balance to the ticket. Walz, aside from being a Governor, also has military experience, was a Congressman for 10 years, and coached high school football–all of which may have “tipped the scales” in his favor.

However the election turns out, it was good for the country that Joe Biden decided not to run for re-election. As I wrote in this column after the disastrous debate–because of obvious age-related issues, it was clear that he was no longer able to carry on an effective national campaign for the Presidency. Except for unanimously electing George Washington, we have always had a vigorous and articulated debate between at least two viable contenders for this highest office in our land.

Recently, friends from Germany were visiting, and it was revealing to get their European “take” on our Presidential elections. Germany, like virtually all countries in Europe, has a parliamentary form of government where the Prime Minister becomes leader only after many years of political experience as a legislator. In contrast, our campaigns for the Presidency seem, to them, more a personality contest than a discussion on matters of government.

However you view it, we are now right in the middle of another Presidential election. The people, through our electoral college system, will, in another three months, decide who will lead our nation over the next four years. That has been the American way for over 200 years.

                                                 The Post-Journal

     Remembering The Nixon-Kennedy                         Debate

JUL 6, 2024

ROLLAND KIDDER 

One advantage of being old is that you have a long memory. I still remember the first televised Presidential debate in 1960 between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy.

There were some policy issues debated like the United States’ reaction to Chinese bombardment of two small islands, Quemoy and Matsu, off the coast of China. Should the United States go to war to protect these islands controlled by the Chinese Nationalist Government on Taiwan? There were also exchanges as to the economy and the general direction of the country at that time.

But, what was concluded from that first TV debate had nothing to do with the substance of the debate–it was that John F. Kennedy had more energy in the debate and Vice President Nixon looked tired and haggard. Commentaries afterward did not focus on the issues debated but on how the candidates looked and spoke. The general consensus was that Senator Kennedy had won that debate.

Fast forward to June 27, 2024, and a similar conclusion was rendered. People will not remember the issues that were discussed in the Presidential debate or of how many lies and distortions were voiced. They will remember that Donald Trump was “on top of his game,” was on the attack–and President Biden spoke softly, often mumbling his responses. It was not a good night for Joe Biden.

The independent voter, generally, after the debate, and wishing for a better result, was probably asking: “Why didn’t the Democrats come up with a younger, more energetic candidate?”

The answer to that, of course, is because of the power of the Presidency. It is almost impossible in our political system for a national political party to oppose its incumbent President. We have also seen how the “power of incumbency” is even hard to battle if the candidate is a once-defeated President. Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis and a host of other Republicans found it impossible to dislodge Donald Trump.

What now can the Democrats do? Unfortunately, because of the political primary election system, the delegates to the Democratic Convention are locked into supporting the candidate they supported in the primary – Joe Biden. The only way that they could really desert him is if he releases them and allows for an “open convention.”

In short, we are captive of a system in choosing our Presidents which puts us in a political straitjacket. The old days of open conventions where candidates were chosen freely by the delegates is no more. Primary elections have displaced the discretion and candidate selection process of the old convention days.

As of this writing, the Republicans, or at least the MAGA Republicans, are having an early victory lap. It is still a long time until November, but Joe Biden and Donald Trump won’t change much over that time. If the election were held today, Donald Trump would likely be elected the next President of the United States.

The best hope for Democrats is that Joe Biden, for the good of the country and for the sake of his party, leaves the race and allows the Democratic Convention nominate a candidate from a younger generation.

(Rolland Kidder is a former New York state Assemblyman and was a Delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1980 and 1992.)

 

                                         The Post-Journal

    Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes?

LOCAL COMMENTARIES

JUN 15, 2024

ROLLAND KIDDER

There is a wonderful country song sung by George Jones which is about great country singers who have now passed or someday will. To give you a taste of it, here are four lines:

“Who’s gonna fill their shoes?

Who’s gonna stand that tall?

Who’s gonna play the Opry

And the Wabash cannonball?

The answer, of course, is that no one can likely fill their shoes. Country singers are one of a kind. However, there is a subtheme, I believe, in the song, and that is that transitions are coming for all of us, either in life or in death. We cannot stop them. The question then is: How do we prepare for them? Who’s gonna fill our shoes?

As to dying, the answer is pretty clear — you should have a will. Even if your estate is small, it is not fair to have your heirs squabble over matters you could have addressed in a will making your intentions known.

Probably, more important, is the making of proper transitions while you are alive. For example, if you are changing jobs — make it easy for yourself, your family, your employer, and fellow employees by planning ahead for it. The same goes for politics. If you hold an elective office, you should let people know in advance if you not going to run again — so that they have an opportunity to choose a successor.

However, I think the most important transition is for those who own businesses, because transitions there can affect the livelihood of many as well as impact family dynamics.

I knew a man who was the owner of a very successful family business employing hundreds of people. Yet, his “Achilles heel” became evident when he tried to pass the business down to his three children – none of whom were either interested in or capable of running the business. It ended up in bankruptcy.

On the other hand, I have another friend who had a family business with three children who wanted to be a part of it. He worked out a transition where all three children eventually had businesses of their own, including keeping the existing family business going. That is what you call good transition planning.

Sometimes there is no family transition possible, so other arrangements need to be made. In that regard, it was good to see in the newspaper recently where two local businesses were sold to employees, financed in part by assistance from our local Industrial Development Agency (IDA.) To me, that is exactly the kind of activity the IDA should be involved with – retaining local jobs by helping with a business transition.

So, the moral of the story is that whether we like it or believe it — transitions in life and death are coming, are inevitable and should be planned for. Enabling someone else to “wear those shoes” is important.

Yet, George Jones has a point — some country singers are so good that I don’t think their “shoes” will ever be filled. Certainly, for sure, there will never be another Johnny Cash… who, on one unforgettable day, before an audience of inmates, sang the “Folsom Prison Blues” at Folsom Prison.

 

 

 

    A Jury Judges A Former President

                                                                                        JUN 8, 2024

ROLLAND KIDDER

For the first time in our history, a 12-person jury of one’s peers unanimously found a former President guilty of a felony after applying the highest level of proof in our judicial system… “guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.”

There are really two stories here — that of our judicial system and that of Donald Trump.

Trump’s story has been quite consistent — he has never done anything wrong, all of the court cases he is now a defendant in are “witch-hunts” perpetrated by Democrats, he is a victim of political intrigue against him, etc., etc.

What he doesn’t say is that all of the civil actions, indictments, and now a felony conviction are related, primarily, to one common thing — his own behavior.

I can think of no other politician in our history, President or former President, who has brought so much litigation upon himself.

These charges and convictions have all come from things that he did or tried to cover-up. Some are civil matters where large money damages were awarded to a woman he assaulted. Other actions deal with criminal charges associated with the way then President Trump treated classified documents, fired up a crowd to attack the Capitol, or in making phone calls to Georgia officials to try to change election results.

In all cases, the cause of his problems has been his own behavior. It wasn’t something foisted upon him, yet, he calls himself the “victim.”

The jury story coming out of last week’s conviction is, for me, a compelling one.

De Tocqueville, when he visited our country in the 1830s, was taken by the fact that in most frontier towns, the first public building constructed was a courthouse. One of the first things that Americans did in moving West, was to put up a building where citizens could litigate their differences and where the rule of law could be applied.

As to the criminal law, it is framed to favor the defendant whose freedom is at stake. In a criminal trial, the burden is upon the government to make its case, a unanimous decision is required for conviction, and the rules of evidence generally favor the defendant.

I remember also, when in law school, studying the manner in which the jury system was developed under British common law. A juror was described as a “man on the Clapham bus,” that is, an ordinary or reasonable person, not a person of power or prestige. It is such common people picked from a random pool of potential jurors who make up a jury. Serving as a juror, to those so chosen, is a civic obligation, and they take it seriously.

Twelve people from the “Clapham bus,” from various occupations, ethnic backgrounds, consisting of 7 men and 5 women found unanimously, beyond a “reasonable doubt,” that Donald Trump was guilty. After listening to 5 weeks of testimony, the verdict was returned within two days on all 34 counts.

That is good enough for me. The jury listened, evaluated and decided. That is the American way. Of course, how it plays out in the election is still an unknown.

Nevertheless, it was good to see that the rule of law applies to everyone in this country, including Presidents. However, it is sad that the country has to go through all of this. It is not an uplifting time in our history.