Jimmy Carter: “I think it's obvious that we'll do whatever we can to protect American lives throughout the world.”

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.

Without immediate action, we are at genuine risk of civil conflict and losing our precious democracy.

I fear for our democracy.

All of us must learn to waste less energy.