David Marshall

(3/2023) The debate over who is considered the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) happens often with sports figures and music personalities. It is widely believed that Michael Jordan is the greatest player in the history of professional basketball. Others will say it is Bill Russell or LeBron James. Michael Jackson, dubbed the "King of Pop" is viewed as the greatest pop star ever. There are those who would disagree because it a matter of personal opinion. I personally like to stay away from such debates concerning sports due to the manner in which the games are played varies throughout the different eras. But when it comes to U.S. presidents, I truly believe that Abraham Lincoln is the GOAT for good reasons. No other president had to deal with an internal battle which saw approximately 620,000 men lose their lives.

The U.S. Civil War had many labels. The description often reflects an individual’s personal and cultural views on why the war was being fought. Northerners referred to it in three ways: as the "War to Preserve the Union," the War of the Rebellion" and the "War to Make Men Free." Southerners held a far different perspective. They called it the "War of Northern Aggression" and the "War Between the States". Regardless of its name, it was a deadly conflict which pitted brother against brother (literally) and countrymen against countrymen. There is no doubt that Lincoln saw it as the "War to Preserve the Union". For long before he was elected 16th President of the United States, Lincoln accepted the basic concept of unity. He totally understood that the nation was one body with many parts, and there should never be division in the body.

Soon after becoming the party’s candidate for the U.S. Senate, Lincoln proved to be a politically courageous man when he addressed the delegates of the Republican State Convention. During the introduction of his speech, he paraphrased a biblical passage when referring to free and slave states with the inevitable conclusion that something must give. He stated, "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Lincoln’s colleagues found his speech to be risky for someone running for political office as he confronted the political establishment. Many elected officials during his time found slavery to be an irritating issue; something they wished would simply go away. When asked to go back and distance himself from parts of the speech, Lincoln simply responded, "I can’t". He was a man driven by his conscience. The subject matter of the speech was one thing.

The fact that he was bold enough to give such a compelling speech reflected his true character as a unifying leader. Lincoln told the delegates what they needed to hear regardless of the political consequences. The "House Divided" speech foreshadowed the coming storm of the Civil War. Years later, his law partner reflected on the speech by saying how it was an awakening experience for many people. Despite losing the Illinois Senate race in 1858, the national attention Lincoln received during his campaign propelled him to the White House two years later. When your steps are ordered by God, a disappointing event which may appear to be a setback could actually be a period of preparation for something far greater. Lincoln proved to be more valuable as an agent of unity in the White House which may not have occurred if he had been elected as a member of the U.S. Senate.

If Lincoln is the Greatest of All Time for U.S. presidents, then Jimmy Carter is the GOAT for ex-presidents. Carter is the oldest living former president; he celebrated his 98th birthday on the first day of October. Many would say his greatest achievements were accomplished after leaving the presidency. The former Democratic president is revered for championing human rights and democracy through The Carter Center, which he founded along with his wife, Rosalynn. The Carter Center has worked to advance democracy by monitoring foreign elections and reducing diseases in developing countries. In 2002, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for pushing for global peace. Even at 95, Carter taught Sunday school and continued his work with Habitat for Humanity as an active, hands-on construction volunteer. Throughout the years, the former president and his wife have worked alongside 104,000 volunteers in 14 countries to build, renovate, and repair 4,390 homes. People would come to Plains, Georgia, from around the world to hear his Sunday school lessons.

Instead of fretting about not being re-elected, he used his influence and prominence from his position in politics to help millions of people. He is a living example of a great leader and humanitarian by demonstrating no matter what career we choose or how old we are, we can always make a meaningful contribution to our community and country. He described his motivations by saying, "I have one life and one chance to make it count for something…My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference." He chose not to have the type of recognition that goes with being a president or former president. Carter is nearing the end of a long life. After a series of brief hospital stays, the former president made the decision to stop medical treatment and spend his remaining time at home in hospice care with his family. While the recognition of his life pours in, he will always be remembered as an authentic man who spoke truth with decency and love. While he may have been ridiculed by agents of division, many of them Christians, Jimmy Carter’s four decades as former president was an example of "love thy neighbor". He will always be the GOAT of former presidents. Well done thou good and faithful servant.

David W. Marshall is author of the book "God Bless Our Divided America" and member of Country First. Country First is focused on recognizing that Republicans, Democrats or Independents don’t have to be enemies just because they have different experiences and perspectives. To learn more about Country First visit www.country1st.com