Jimmy Carter: “May the year ahead be better for them and for their families and loved ones.”

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

All of us must learn to waste less energy.