Jimmy Carter: “This is a protected freedom that all citizens enjoy, and it is of vital importance.”

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 fear for our democracy.

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.