47 Years Is Long Enough: Finally — Donald Trump Brings the Carter Era to a Close

I have waited a half century for this.

When I was a teen-ager in the late 1970s and starting to get interested in politics and the world situation (not to mention girls), Khomeini's Iranian Revolution took place, followed by the American Embassy hostage crisis in Tehran and Jimmy Carter's disastrous attempt to free the diplomatic hostages. 

In the aftermath of the Desert One catastrophe, I remember the Soviets (and even the USA's Western European friends) more or less openly mocking Uncle Sam. (Also, not long after, there was a story of a handful of Russian diplomats being also taken hostage by the Iranians, and Moscow either sent a rescue team or simply made strong threats, which lead to their immediate release.) 

After he left the White House, the naïve Carter had the gall to declare that during his four years in the White House, no American soldier's life had been lost in combat. (Well, true enough, the burnt remains of the eight soldiers killed in the Desert One accident were not lost in combat — although they were displayed on TV by an Iranian — the country's PM? — cutting into them with a pocket knife.)

This was not the America I had been taught about by movies, history, and legend. (Mamnun babat Instalink, Sarah.)

I was angry and, frankly, mortified by the humiliation and, as 

Mark Noonan

 put it, I have never forgotten. Never. (Thanks to Ed Driscoll for this Instapundit post, which has much more and which should be read from head to toe.) With 

Randy Barnett

 adding that 

We’re endlessly told to remember and rectify grievances from decades and even centuries in the past. Well all right. 

As I wrote on January 3, 2020, and on January 3 this year (2026) — which happens te be my birthday — I have rarely gotten better birthday gifts throughout my life as I have received from Donald Trump when American missiles smoked Qassim Suleimani on that date in 2020 and when the U.S. armed forces arrested Nicolas Maduro in 2026. 

We’re endlessly told to remember and rectify grievances from
decades and even centuries in the past. Well all right. https://t.co/oREkFfkehx

— Randy Barnett (@RandyEBarnett) February 28, 2026

As usual, Donald Trump made a brilliant speech when he announced the attack, reminding us all of nearly a half century of frustration and aggravation. 

Related: "But Why Did the Iranian Air Defenses Fail to Activate?" 

"Inside Operation Epic Fury — How the U.S. & Israel Struck Iran

Also linked by Ed Driscoll, JENNIFER RUST calls Feb. 28, 2026 The Day Trump Paid the Mullahs Back — while giving Persians a chance.

For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted Death to America and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder, targeting the United States, our troops and the innocent people in many, many countries. Among the regime's very first acts was to back a violent takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, holding dozens of American hostages for 444 days. In 1983, Iran's proxies carried out the marine barracks bombing in Beirut that killed 241 American military personnel.

 … It's been mass terror, and we're not going to put up with it any longer.

From Lebanon to Yemen and Syria to Iraq, the regime has armed, trained and funded terrorist militias that have soaked the earth with blood and guts. 

 … This regime will soon learn that no one should challenge the strength and might of the United States Armed Forces. I built and rebuilt our military in my first administration and there is no military on earth even close to its power, strength or sophistication. 

 … Finally, to the great proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don't leave your home. It's very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.

For many years, you have asked for America's help. But you never got it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want.