Jimmy Carter

One of the other teachers here was able to get a ticket to the Smithsonian Event with past President of the United States, Jimmy Carter.  She was unable to attend so she let me buy her ticket! On Monday I went to the Lincoln Theater and listened to Jimmy Carter talk about his time in the White House and his new book, White House Diaries.  They did not allow cameras so I did not get a picture of Pres. Carter and me :-).  Some high lights of the conversation:

His biggest regret is the hostage situation.  He feels that cost him the reelection.  Three days before he left office, the hostages were released.  This was the best day of his time in office.

He was supportive of President Obama and was very concerned about the hostile environment of the Congress.  He called the Republicans, "completely irresponsible."

He also candidly talked about his separation from the Southern Baptist Church.

Today he is still very involved with disease eradication in third world countries and Habitat for Humanity. When asked what he thought the greatest challenge for our world was, his reply, "the growing chasm between rich and poor."

Next door to the Lincoln Theater is Ben's Chili Bowl.  It is famous in DC for their chili dogs and milkshakes.  President Obama is known to eat there.  I decided that I couldn't live in DC and not try it out so after Jimmy Carter interview I walked to Ben's and ordered the house specialty - chili dog and shake.  Tasted good especially since I hadn't eaten since lunch and it was now after 8 p.m.