A "Washed up Peanut Farmer" ?

I like Michael Enright ... his interviews are always entertaining and informative. In 2001, during the first volleys of the soft wood lumber war between the US and Canada he interviewed former US president Jimmy Carter about an opinion piece Mr Carter had written for the New York Times.

The next day the Globe and Mail reported on the interview and condemned Mr Enright for his rude and inappropriate treatment of Mr Carter ...

During the interview, Mr Enright began getting irritated with Mr Carter and Mr Carter's views on the lumber industry. Mr Enright then asked Mr Carter to speed up his answers ... suddenly Mr Enright said:

"I think the question on everyone's mind is, how did a washed up peanut farmer from Hicksville such as yourself get involved in such a sophisticated bi-lateral trade argument?"

Mr Carter snapped back: "Excuse me? A washed up peanut farmer? You're one to talk sir. Didn't you used to be on the air five times a week?"

Mr Carter eventually called Mr Enright a "rude person" and hung up on him ...

The next morning the Globe and Mail carried a report of the interview on the front page ... a week later, after Mr Enright explained to his listeners that the interview, aired on the morning of Sunday April 1st was a fake, the Globe carried a retraction of sorts ...

It has been five years ... but I still smile when I recall the interview ... I was shocked by Mr Enright, of all people calling former President Jimmy Carter a "washed up peanut farmer" but when I learned for certain it was a joke, the joy of the spoof stayed with me ... So, now with great delight and with the utmost respect, I refer to President Jimmy Carter as a "washed up peanut farmer ..." and I sincerely hope that one day we find more like him to guide our world and inspire us to better things ...

Thanks Michael Enright for reminding us that the world is serious enough ... that once in awhile we need to laugh ...

(a post script - when I find the articles (and I know I still have them) I will post excerpts from them here ...)