Jimmy Carter: “The black citizens of the United States have reminded those of us who happen to be white of a need and the opportunities…”

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.

I say to you, quite frankly, that the time for racial discrimination is over.

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.

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