At the 14th annual Carter Town Hall meeting Sept. 20, Carter discussed one such problem (attempts to bring democracy to Cuba), and he made clear his determination to work with all concerned parties, including Cuban President Fidel Castro, regardless of who might look upon those efforts unfavorably.
"Cuba is the most sensitive political issue in the United States today," Carter said. "Our economic embargo against Cuba doesn't hurt Fidel Castro; it hurts only the poor people in Cuba. The Carter Center has kept open communications between the Castro government and several Cuban-American groups near Havana that want democracy and freedom for Cuba. The Carter Center is taking on that challenge, and we don't know what will happen. We are trying to get a date from Castro to send his delegates to The Carter Center. Step by step, we will be in a listening mode during this process. We will keep Washington informed, but they will not be involved. We want to see the embargo lifted, and to see more openness between the two countries."
Other topics Carter discussed include:
*What are President Bill Clinton's chances for re-election in 1996? When asked about whether Clinton will win in 1996, Carter's reply was a qualified yes, provided that one of the current crop of Republican candidates is ultimately nominated. However, Carter added, if retired Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell is nominated by the Republicans, he will almost certainly defeat Clinton in the general election. "If a Republican is elected," Carter predicted, "Powell likely will be the vice president or secretary of state."
*Does the style of music commonly known as "gangsta rap" promote violence? "I think it does promote violence," Carter said. He said that some music stars, who are seen as heroes by many impressionable adolescents, are sending the message that violent behavior such as rape is acceptable. He said restrictions should be placed on music that glamorizes violent behavior.
*What is the biggest challenge facing the current generation of college students and what should they focus on to meet that challenge? "Your greatest challenge is to see the United States become an unparalleled champion of peace and to share its tremendous wealth with those who are hungry and suffering," Carter said. Calling on the students in the audience to help shape the character of future leaders, Carter reminded them that college is an ideal place and time to become politically active and challenge government policies and actions they disagree with, because they don't yet have family and career responsibilities.
*Who inspired you to become a human rights advocate? Carter said his mother Lillian, who died in 1983, was his primary inspiration. "She was a registered nurse during the Depression," Carter recalled, "and she really was the doctor for the poor people around us. In the midst of a racially segregated society, she treated black people and white people the same." Carter also cited former Atlanta Mayor and United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young, as well as Martin Luther King Sr., whom Carter said "helped me understand what civil rights mean."
--Dan Treadaway