Jimmy Carter: “The patience of the American people is wearing thin, and rightly so.”

I fear for our 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.

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 owe them our gratitude and respect.