Carter Should Seek a Cure for Peanut Allergy

I find it amusing that the two most incompetent Presidents of the United States in the last 160 years are vying over just who should take the initiative in trying to seek a peaceful resolution of the eons old conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

Former President Jimmy Carter, who served as our nation’s chief-executive from 1977-81, has launched a one man peace effort, meeting with a number of the parties in the Middle East including the terrorist organization, Hamas, and urging that everyone be included in the discussions that hopefully will lead to peace.

President Bush, who is completing a less than stellar eight year term which will end on January 20, 2009, has enunciated a policy in favor of two independent states in the Holy Land, but has had absolutely no success in implementing the idea.

The difficulty comes from the fact that neither man, Carter nor Bush, has a true understanding of the Middle Eastern mind.  The conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians is one that is as old as the scriptures.  It is predicated upon one of the strongest and most hateful emotions of all…jealousy.  It is further firmed up by the ingredient of religion and the various interpretations (some of which are extremely fanatical) of both Islam and Judaism.

There are many of us who believe that no real resolution of this conflict will occur before the end of time, and, thus far, history has been on our side.

The question that has arisen over the past few days is whether or not former President Carter’s actions, which I might add have been in conflict with the requests of the American government, are appropriate.  The answer is clearly no.  Until January 20, 2009, for better or for worse, George W. Bush is in charge of the foreign policy of the United States.  Anyone, even a former President, who is working against those policies, even for a positive reason, is, in my judgment, out of line.

Jimmy Carter’s presidency is generally recognized as lack-luster.  It is a common characterization that Carter is a better “former” President than he was President.  Over the past 27 years since he left office, the former President has done much good work.  His charitable and social endeavors through the Carter Center have accomplished much.  However, his unilateral diplomacy efforts are inappropriate and should be stopped.

I suggest that President Carter launch out on a new effort to try to find a cure or, better yet, a vaccination for people who suffer from “peanut allergies.”  Such an endeavor would both save lives and be of universal benefit.

It will be interesting to see if George W. Bush spends as much time over the next 27 years to rehabilitate his legacy as Carter has spent on improving his!