- Former President Jimmy Carter wrote an op-ed for The New York Times saying that democracy is in danger.
- It was published on the eve of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots.
- "Americans must set aside differences and work together before it is too late," Carter wrote.
Former President Jimmy Carter issued a warning that the spread of misinformation and the deepening political divide jeopardizes US democracy, in an op-ed published in The New York Times on the eve of the anniversary of the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.
The 39th president, who is now 97-years-old, said he'd hoped the riot — in which a Pro-Trump mob attempted to overturn the 2020 election — would enlighten the nation and force it to act against "the toxic polarization that threatens our democracy."
He listed five demands that Americans should demand of political leaders to "uphold the ideals of freedom and adhere to high standards of conduct":
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- Put aside political differences to uphold the constitution and fairness
- Establish better election security and reform
- Create ways to re-unify the political divide
- Eliminate violence from politics by creating or amending existing laws
- Reform social media and encourage the spread of accurate information
The January 6, 2021, riots ended with five people dying and hundreds more injured — including approximately 140 officers.
More than 727 people have been charged so far in relation to the riot. The US House of Representatives has also convened a bipartisan committee that is currently investigating the Capitol insurrection — including subpoenaing lawmakers, media personalities, and former President Donald Trump's confidants.
In closing, Carter said, "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. Americans must set aside differences and work together before it is too late," he added.