TalkoftheTown: A single call from the leader of the world affirmed the power of democracy

The night I talked to Jimmy Carter

It was 1980, and I was a young faculty member at the University of New Mexico, dabbling in politics as much as I could. I’d been involved in presidential politics in Texas, Nebraska, and California — all while studying or teaching in those states.

So, when Gov. Bruce King called and asked if I’d run the Carter reelection campaign in New Mexico, I was enthusiastic. Since my doctorate focused on how political parties functioned, I saw an opportunity to not only help President Carter but also perhaps to help build the Democratic Party in New Mexico.

In August, I took an unpaid leave of absence from UNM and started organizing a campaign with very few resources.

The Carter presidency had not been smooth. International and economic events had taken their toll on the president’s poll numbers. And a fresh face from California, soon-to-be President Ronald Reagan, had won the nomination on the Republican side. It was shaping up to be a tough reelection for a rather soft-spoken peanut farmer from Georgia.

So, the campaign survived on volunteer efforts and long nights and weekends. When the votes were finally counted, it was no surprise — Carter had lost New Mexico and the U.S., with only 49 electoral votes.

Post-election proceeded as usual: shutting down the campaign office and finishing all the paperwork that was required.

On a Sunday in late November, at about 7 p.m., we were finishing dinner cleanup. My wife had put a load of laundry in the nearby washer, and then the telephone rang — a landline, of course. I picked up the phone, and a voice came on the line: “Please hold for President Carter.” Although shocked and surprised, I quickly asked my wife to turn off the clothes and dishwashers. “The president is on the phone!” I yelled.

My wife and daughter quietly picked up an extension but seemed rather puzzled about what was happening. The conversation wasn’t long. President Carter had been making these calls for some time and seemed tired and hoarse. But he graciously thanked me for my efforts, and I apologized for not having had more success. There weren’t any jokes about the situation, but he certainly was polite and appreciative in his thank you.

I’m sure conversations between presidents and ordinary citizens happen all the time, but this was my one and only personal contact with a leader of the world, so it will always be a memory of the inclusive power of democracy and the kindness of Jimmy Carter.

ALAN AND SHARI REED

Albuquerque

The library’s dying learning environment

I grew up in the Del Norte section of the Northeast Heights, attending Governor Bent Elementary, McKinley Middle School, and Del Norte High School. My local library is the Erna Fergusson Public Library, and I studied there many times when I needed scholastic assistance.

The library is located next to Montgomery Park, another peaceful space for the people of Albuquerque. However, I have rarely seen young people or disadvantaged individuals studying there. Currently, the library is frequented by a very different set of people. Moreover, in my view, the atmosphere for studying has been significantly eroded.

Generally, study and focus are the main reasons people use the library. However, in recent months, the atmosphere has changed. No one can take their bags and belongings without receiving outward consternation from staff, mainly a security guard, who constantly harasses people carrying bags or belongings into the library. In essence, the spirit of study and learning has been replaced with suspicion and doubt brought on by this change.

The purpose of this letter is not to criticize, but to raise awareness of the changes being implemented by the city or county.

I propose that, instead of ruining the environment for learning, there should be a clear declaration of what is changing, rather than waiting for people to get upset about the adjustments. As an adult, I believe there should be something to the effect that the library is now a “family zone,” clearly declaring the change to others who are not from this area or familiar with this library. Like me, there are many individuals who are disconcerted by the changes at this location.

For instance, if I have mistakenly used this library for years, bringing in my study materials, and then, when using the restroom or asking for assistance, a security guard confronts me about my materials, the whole purpose of learning at the library is eliminated. It seems that learning is not allowed unless you don’t have any belongings. I understand that mixing age groups in a public venue is difficult, but the staff is not necessarily paid to guard sensitive individuals such as children from harm — this is the responsibility of parents.

There are many signs indicating the different services the county provides, but none declaring any changes that could harm the learning environment. If the county library system wants to preserve the precious learning environment, they need to separate the children’s area from the adult library completely. Then, they can station security personnel in the children’s section instead of persecuting homeless or recently disenfranchised individuals who are seeking a job, food, or other basic needs, which can be found on the web to help people get assistance.

The library provides reference services for these individuals. However, if they cannot simply leave their belongings and go to the restroom, the library ceases to function as a venue for reference, study, or assistance in remedying their circumstances.

LEON SHAY

Albuquerque