I just found my letter from Jimmy Carter

[vi5]

In 1977 I was just 7 years old and had only been reading and writing for about a year or two. For one of my first grade assignments which was to write a letter, I wrote a letter to Jimmy Carter telling him how great I thought he was and how proud I was to have him as a president because he was so nice to people. I think it may have even been in crayon. I got the usual form letter back saying "It's great to know that young people like yourself are concerned about the future of America". My mom framed it, and I kept it for the longest time and just now found it in a box of my childhood stuff.

It's really weird to think about this now. My parents were not political in the least bit back then. And even in the ways that they were political I think they were more conservative, especially at the time (My mom voted for Ford). So I don't think it was a liberal or conservative thing for me (obviously, being only 7). But it's funny how even though it's been shaped, sharpened, and hardened, that the same basic core sentiment that made me write what I wrote in that letter to Jimmy Carter, stayed the same some 27 years later.

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

1. He is a very nice man

Very classy.

[nuxvomica]

2. That's what it comes down to doesn't it?

All the wonkish discussions about policy we have and we really want the world to be the just and kind place we thought it should be when we were kids.

[vi5]

3. Exactly...and I just hope that 4 or 5 years from now...

When my daughter is learning to read and write, that she has someone that inspires her to do the same.

[VelmaD]

4. What a wonderful memory

Thanks for sharing it with all of us. :-)

BTW, I'm the same age as you, was born in 1970, and I loved Jimmy Carter when I was little too. I campaigned for him in 1980 in my school's mock election and HE WON - HOORAY! Just like you, I thought he was such a nice person and I give him a significant amount of credit for getting me interested in politics from a very early age.

[MrsMatt]

5. A much nicer memory

than my own - I have to bear the shame of writing a fan letter to Richard Nixon when I was in the 5th grade. Why are the young so BLIND? I was very impressed with the whole China trip. Well, at least I received a nice form letter from Ron Ziegler, along with a booklet on the White House. Confessions from a reformed Republican.