(C) Daily Kos This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . Two Extraordinary Post-Presidential Careers [1] ['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.'] Date: 2023-10-01 Former President Jimmy Carter has just observed his ninety-ninth birthday. I have recently been reflecting on his decades of service since leaving office. For many who have been President, that office must represent the apex of power, just as it does for ordinary Americans. But history tells of two presidents who after completing their terms in office went on to have extraordinary careers of service to humanity. Their examples should inspire all of us towards greater commitment to serving the common good, whether we hold (or have held) high elected office or are everyday citizens. Clearly, for each of them, their dedication to ideals of service outweighed the pride that must go along with acquiring political power. In 1982, right after Carter left the White House, he established the Carter Center, which since then has worked on two major priorities: eradicating preventable diseases and supporting democratic and human rights, especially by ensuring free, fair, and open elections. Both activities, as well as his personal diplomatic efforts have a global scope. Carter is also well-known for his hands-on support of Habitat for Humanity’s projects to help needy families build and own their own homes. He received the 2002 Noble Peace Prize for his decades-long efforts to find peaceful solutions to world problems—both during his presidency and afterwards. Only former President John Quincy Adams has a record that approaches Carter’s post-presidential career. John Quincy Adams (1767-1848) had a post-presidential career that was significantly different from Carter’s but every bit as extraordinary. After losing the bitterly contested presidential election of 1828 to Andrew Jackson—at the end of his single term—Adams decided to continue his political career. Contrary to the advice of his wife and son, he ran in the 1830 election and won a seat in the United States House of Representatives where he would represent his home state of Massachusetts though nine terms, until his death in 1848. During that time, he was involved in several notable events. He chaired the House Committee on Commerce and Manufactures which led to his playing a central role in managing the fallout from the Nullification Crisis, which erupted when South Carolina lawmakers voted to “nullify” the Federal Tariff of 1828 (passed during Adams’ presidency), refusing to allow it to be enforced within the state. Adams was disappointed when Congress eventually passed a weaker tariff which mollified the South Carolinians. He felt that this unduly rewarded their rebellious behavior. Adams played a key role in establishing the Smithsonian Institution. He objected to efforts to bring Texas into the United States and the drive towards war with Mexico. He saw both as moves by southern slaveholders to expand slavery’s geographic scope and their political power. John Quincy Adams, circa 1843-1848 Adams’ most noteworthy service in the House of Representatives was his long-running fight in opposition to the “gag rule” which immediately tabled any abolitionist petitions. According to a House rule, put in place in 1836—to some extent provoked by his presentation of petitions advocating for the abolition of slavery in Washington, DC—anything sent to Congress that voiced opposition to slavery was not acknowledged at all, instead it was totally ignored. While opposed to slavery, Adams was not an ardent abolitionist. But he strongly believed in the right of all Americans to petition and remonstrate with their congressional representatives on any topic—no matter how controversial. Many of the abolitionist petitions were signed by women. Although they lacked access to the ballot and other political rights, Adams was convinced that they should not be barred from lobbying Congress on political issues. He used a variety of maneuvers to circumvent the rule and introduce petitions—provoking the ire of southern whites. Finally, in 1844, he succeeded in having the gag rule repealed. Adams’ service was not limited to the halls of Congress. He was also an effective legal advocate. In 1841, he argued before the US Supreme Court on behalf of the Amistad rebels, persuading the High Court that these prisoners had been illegally enslaved, and brought to the US in violation of the ban on the international slave trade, and thus should be released from slavery. Their take-over of the slave ship Amistad should not have been considered an unlawful act, but instead as justified self-liberation by kidnapping victims. The Supreme Court accepted his argument and eventually the people were freed and allowed to return to Africa. Carter and Adams have both had extraordinary careers following their presidential terms. Their service continues to inspire admiration, and hopefully more leaders will emulate their examples. Given the rarity of such individuals, it may be impossible for voters to find candidates who are so dedicated to the ideals of service. But it is certainly worth seeking candidates who are more interested in service rather than personal power. The author, Timothy C. Leech, received his PhD in US History from Ohio State University, after preliminary Graduate studies at Harvard. He is currently based in Ontario, Canada. 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