Jimmy Carter: “Nobody who's spent as much time on a farm as I have wants the government to manage our farms.”

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.

I fear for our democracy.

There's only one chance and one life to count for something. And my faith tells me, or my faith demands, that I use whatever I have whenever I can, to make a difference in people's lives.