Oregon officials react to passing of President Jimmy Carter

Published 10:40 am Monday, December 30, 2024

Oregon elected officials are reacting Monday, Dec. 30, to the passing away of President Jimmy Carter, who was 100 when he died on Sunday.

Gov. Tina Kotek ordered flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff in Carter’s honor, from Dec. 30 until sunset on Tuesday, Jan. 28.

“I deeply admired President Jimmy Carter and followed his work during and after his presidency,” Kotek said in a press release. “He exemplified optimism, an unshakable faith in the human spirit and resolve to end suffering in his country and across the world. President Carter was a champion of common sense for the common good.”

She also quoted from Carter, when he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for “decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” according to the Nobel website. That work included Carter’s leadership on the Camp David Accord, which led to peace between Israel and Egypt.

“The bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices,” Carter said at the time. “God gives us the capacity for choice. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace. We can make these changes — and we must.”

Kotek added, “Oregon sends love to the Carter family, may he rest in peace.”

Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, “President Carter embodied what it means to be a public servant in both elected office and in his personal life by working to make our country and world a more peaceful, humane, and democratic place. May he now rest in peace with our gratitude for his service.”

Sen. Jeff Merkley left his thoughts on Facebook. “A fighter for civil rights, climate champion, protector of public lands and iconic rivers, builder of good family homes, Navy veteran, humanitarian whose tireless efforts have saved millions of lives — the enduring legacy of Jimmy Carter is proof a life of service can be lived to the absolute fullest,” he wrote. “My heart is with his loved ones, family, and all those grieving his loss in America and around the world.”

Other Oregon lawmakers left their remembrances on Bluesky, another social media platform.

“President Jimmy Carter led a life full of service, leaving a lasting legacy through his humanitarian work — touching the lives of countless Americans and people around the world,” wrote Congresswoman Andrea Salinas, Oregon Congressional District 6. “My deepest condolences are with his family during this time.”

Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, CD1, wrote, “President Jimmy Carter lived a long life of exemplary service. Coming from humble beginnings, he served as a farmer, a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, a Governor, and President of the United States.”

And one of Oregon’s incoming members of Congress, Congresswoman-elect Maxine Dexter of CD3, wrote, “President Carter embodied integrity, compassion, and service. His legacy of fighting for peace, human rights, and justice will continue to inspire generations to come.”