Jimmy Carter: “I hope that we don't lose our dedication and our high aspirations and goals.”

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.

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.

All of us owe them our gratitude and respect.

We look on human rights as an ability to live in peace. And to believe that your future will be better than your past might be.