Carter's wisdom
Re: "Jimmy Carter: president, global mediator, Nobel laureate", (World, Dec 30).
I was invited to take my wife and daughter, Soparvan and Renee, to spend a weekend with the 39th president of the United States and his family in Plains, Georgia, when President Jimmy Carter was 93 years old.
His warm hospitality touched us deeply.
He received us in his small, simple residence and took us to his church.
While at church, he stood up and spoke without notes for 43 minutes about his astute perception of the state of the world.
He talked about North Korea. He showed a continued deep understanding of the situation in the Middle East, including Iran.
He was concerned about the future of the United States of America.
When he was with us alone, he told us how much he enjoyed his visit to Thailand. He showed us a piece of paper with handwritten Thai words. To us, it appeared like a child's handwriting -- big, uneven alphabets, commonly seen in kindergarten or first grade.
He whispered to me, "This was written for me by a young Thai elephant. I want you to see it, but I am keeping it."
The United States of America and the world have lost a formidable leader just before the commencement of 2025.
Mr Carter was a gentleman with high principles and maximum integrity. He worked tirelessly to improve the lives of less fortunate people and for world peace.
The New York Times was correct to say that "America needs more Jimmy Carters".
