Jimmy Carter: “The Israeli government has rejected all the key issues that are included in the road map for peace.”

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.

All of us must learn to waste less energy.

I fear for our democracy.