Republican and Democrat political figures alike are paying tribute to former President Jimmy Carter following his death on December 29th.
President Carter had been battling cancer and spent the last months of his life in hospice care.
Carter’s presidency, which followed that of President Gerald Ford and anteceded President Ronald Reagan’s, lasted only one term (1977-1981).
“While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for,” remarked President-elect Donald Trump.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said “as we remember President Carter's extraordinary life, we also honor the countless lives he touched through his vision and generosity.”
In Florida, Senator Rick Scott (R) described how, “through his decades of public service & charitable work, President Carter devoted his entire life to serving others.”
Among Carter’s most memorable achievements are the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt and the creation of the US Departments of Energy and Education.
Carter was also criticized for his management of the Iranian hostage crisis in the late 70s and the relinquishing of control over the Panama canal to Panamanian authorities.
Debate regarding control over the Panama canal has recently increased as President Trump criticized Chinese influence in the canal and suggested he intends to expand US control over it.
“Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal,” said Trump.
Trump’s comments followed earlier statements he made alluding to the US potentially purchasing the Panama canal.
China has been steadily increasing its political, economic, and military presence in the Americas.
In 2017, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) established official relations with Panama in a symbolic victory for the CCP given central American countries have generally supported Taiwan over China.
Since then, China has expanded its ties with Panama and become one of the leaders in conducting trade via the Panama canal.
US Military officials have warned China’s expansion in Panama and the broader Latin-American region threaten US interests.
