For the first time in the history of our country the majority of our people believe that the next five years will be worse than the past five years.
Interpretation
This quote reflects a growing pessimism about the future compared to the past.
Jimmy Carter expresses a sense of collective concern among the American populace regarding the future. The acknowledgment that for the first time a majority feels that upcoming years may be more challenging than the previous ones indicates a significant shift in public sentiment, highlighting societal anxieties and mounting challenges faced by the country at that time.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about current events or societal challenges.
Acknowledging the physical realities of our planet does not mean a dismal future of endless sacrifice. In fact, acknowledging these realities is the first step in dealing with them. We can meet the resource problems of the world - water, food, minerals, farmlands, forests, overpopulation, pollution - if we tackle them with courage and foresight.
The preeminent obstacle to peace is Israel's colonization of Palestine.
I would say the biggest handicap we have right now is some nutcases in our country that don't believe in global warming. I think they are going to change their position because of pressure from individuals, because the evidence of the ravages of global warming is already there.
If I were president, I'd be very glad to see the Palestinians have a nation recognized by the United Nations. There's no downside to it.
My understanding of racial discrimination as a child was highly distorted because the most prominent man in Archery was an African-American bishop. When he came home from up north, where he was in charge of A.M.E. churches in five states, it was front-page news. He was the most successful man in my life.
Our American values are not luxuries but necessities, not the salt in our bread, but the bread itself. Our common vision of a free and just society is our greatest source of cohesion at home and strength abroad, greater than the bounty of our material blessings.
The battle for women's rights has been largely won.
I had been involved in animal welfare groups, but DDAL presented an opportunity to actually create and pass legislation aimed at issues which really matter to so many people. From local spaying and neutering ordinances, to legislation against puppy mills, to standards to prevent animals from being tested for the sake of a new cosmetic, we could - and did - make a difference.
I believe that the rights of women and girls is the unfinished business of the 21st century.
All of us are driven by a simple belief that the world as it is just won't do - that we have an obligation to fight for the world as it should be.
Growing up in New Orleans, I was always the only black kid, or one of two, on the school soccer team. While I was always conscious of this status, what took precedent was my unfettered love of the game.
Any business today that embraces the status quo as an operating principle is going to be on a death march.
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