A Great Speech by Jimmy Carter

by DFA Staff [courtesy of Blog for America]

One of my favorite authors is Dr. Hunter S. Thompson. In his book The Great Shark Hunt, Dr. Thompson writes about Gov. Jimmy Carter's "Law Day" address at the University of Georgia on May 4, 1974. It is a pretty remarkable address where Gov. Carter talks about the law, compassion, and some of his influences:

My own interest in the criminal justice system is very deep and heartfelt. Not having studied law, I've had to learn the hard way. I read a lot and listen a lot. One of the sources for my understanding about the proper application of criminal justice and the system of equity is from reading Reinhold Niebuhr, one of his books that Bill Gunter gave me quite a number of years ago. The other source of my understanding about what's right and wrong in this society is from a friend of mine, a poet named Bob Dylan. After listening to his records about "The Ballad of Hattie Carol" and "Like a Rolling Stone" and "The Times, They Are a-Changing," I've learned to appreciate the dynamism of change in a modern society.

I grew up as a landowner's son. But I don't think I ever realized the proper interrelationship between the landowner and those who worked on a farm until I heard Dylan's record, "I Ain't Gonna Work on Maggie's Farm No More." So I come here speaking to you today about your subject with a base for my information founded on Reinhold Niebuhr and Bob Dylan.

It is a 9 page speech, but well worth the read.

Thanks.

Danny
Communications Director