Carter Weighs In

"I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man, that he's African-American.

"I live in the South, and I've seen the South come a long way, and I've seen the rest of the country that shares the South's attitude toward minority groups at that time, particularly African-Americans."

"That racism inclination still exists, and I think it's bubbled up to the surface because of belief among many white people -- not just in the South but around the country -- that African-Americans are not qualified to lead this great country. It's an abominable circumstance, and it grieves me and concerns me very deeply," – Jimmy Carter.

Finally, someone is bold enough to strike back at the hate.

For Republicans crying foul: the facts aren't on your side. Remind me of the last time a member of Congress called the President a liar during a nationally televised address.

Jimmy Carter elucidates what all reasonable people in this country are sensing: that a hateful and disrespectful conservative groundswell is working overtime to further erode political discourse in this country.

"The president is not only the head of government, he is the head of state. And no matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect."

It should come as no surprise that it was a Southern senator breaching American political protocol with a shout of "You lie!" during President Obama's recent address to the nation. South Carolinians have an embarrassing legacy of hatred and cruelty toward African-Americans in the United States.