Jimmy Carter: “The act is consistent with the understandings we reached in normalizing relations with the Government of the People's…”

All of us owe them our gratitude and respect.

The aircraft carrying the 52 American hostages had cleared Iranian airspace on the first -- first leg of a journey home. And at every one of the 52 hostages was alive, was well and free.

Our great nation now teeters on the brink of a widening abyss. Without immediate action, we are at genuine risk of civil conflict and losing our precious democracy.

There's only one chance and one life to count for something. And my faith tells me, or my faith demands, that I use whatever I have whenever I can, to make a difference in people's lives.