DVD - Jimmy Carter, Man From Plains

I just heard this was a fascinating and surprising movie from friend of mine. I'd seen it at the video store but hadn't felt inclined to rent it. But she said it's really informative about so many topics and primarily illuminates his position and the situation surrounding the Israeli/Palestinian issues. Apparently there is a big split among the powers that be about this, though many keep silent about their views if they do not support those of the hardliners on Israel (like the AIPAC). With the exception of Carter who became vocal about it and suffered the consequences. Anyway, the documentary follows Jimmy around on his book tour and discusses these things.

Thanks for letting us know about it, Dover.

I found this film to be surprisingly moving and so informative. What moved me most was this man's complete dedication to peace come hell or high water, always seeming to maintain a strong quiet center even amidst the storm of angry reaction to his most recent book on the Israeli/Palestinian issue. He stayed focused on his message even as it got mangled and distorted by those who saw it as a threat...and very probably... hadn't even read his book. I've been aware of Carter's work and have admired what he has done since he left office (as well as when he was IN office). But I've never had the opportunity to get this intimate a look into him. What you see is what you get with Carter, whether you see a little or a lot of him up close and in action. He walks his talk, is comfortable in his own skin and expresses who he is from his core with no apologies or compromise.

Regardless of one's views of the issues, one cannot argue his dedication to a process that he feels will eventually bring peace. He is a man on a tireless mission, in that regard, wherever he can be of assistance. And he remains one of the most accessible and beloved presidents this country has known. He is a man at peace within which gives him great stamina and openness. Compare to all the deep insecurities and abusiveness of the current regime.
People like Carter appeal to the best in those they lead or come in contact with and make those without the same qualities VERY uncomfortable.

And what did I learn?

I really had no conception of the enormity and expanse of the wall that completely surrounds and has basically entrapped and cut off an entire group of people in Palestine. It seems so tragically ironic that Israel would be in the business of building walls. It was clear that the extremists on both sides of that wall were permitted to dictate the lives of the many. I was also unaware of just how much (ALL) of the wall was built well inside the Palestinian borders, essentially siezing more of their land.

And I was unaware of just how widespread the suppression of this debate has been in THIS country. What are people afraid of? That once people learn the broader truth of the situation, that our foreign policy toward the Israeli/Palestinian issue will be more openly challenged? In that sense it seems there is an invisible wall around this nation as well, that impedes our ability to know the truth and to form a healthy relationship to other nations. And like all forms of suppression, it cannot be a lasting solution. People will always seek and demand freedom to express themselves, peace, and truth.


I encourage everyone to watch this movie. I wish we all could visit Israel and Palestine to discover for ourselves what is happening there...something Carter recommended to those who truly wanted to learn the truth for themselves.

Yes, the extremists are able to dictate the lives of many. That is the way it is in many areas of the world; it only takes a few "bad apples" to make true, lasting peace extremely difficult to manifest. Hopefully this will change as the energy surrounding humanity changes.