Explosives Found Near Carter's Route

Former President Jimmy Carter has criticized Israel's blockade during a trip to Gaza. He encouraged the territory's Hamas rulers to accept international conditions for ending its boycott of the militant Islamic group. During his visit, Hamas security found what appeared to be explosives buried in a sand dune next to Carter's route. No one was hurt, and it was unclear if the former president was being targeted. Carter spoke at a graduation for students from United Nations-run schools in Gaza City. He criticized the Gaza blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt after Hamas took control. Carter's Gaza visit came at the end of a swing though Lebanon, Syria and Israel. He encouraged officials in all countries to move toward a negotiated end to the Middle East conflict.

(Associated Press)

Fmr. Carter A.G. Griffin Bell Dies

Jimmy Carter's attorney general, Griffin B. Bell, has died in Atlanta hospital at 90.

Bell died at 9:40 a.m. Monday, said Les Zucke, a spokesman for Atlanta law firm King & Spalding.

Former U.S. Attorney General Griffin Bell was being treated at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta for complications due to pancreatic cancer.

Former President Jimmy Carter said he was "deeply saddened" by Bell's death and called him a "trusted and enduring public figure."

Katherine Bell McClure said her 90-year-old grandfather had also been experiencing kidney failure and pneumonia. Bell had battled kidney disease for years and was recently diagnosed with cancer. McClure said Bell was admitted to a hospital Monday in his hometown of Americus and by midweek was moved to Piedmont.

Carter's choice of Bell, a longtime friend, as attorney general was considered the most controversial of his Cabinet picks after the 1976 election.

At the time, the NAACP and other civil rights groups complained Bell, as a federal judge, didn't force Southern schools to integrate quickly enough. But Carter called Bell's civil rights record superb, and many black Georgians - including U.N. ambassador designate Andrew Young - came forward to support him.

Bell served just 2 1/2 years at the Justice Department, returning to his Atlanta law firm. But Bell remained a key adviser to Carter.

(AP)

Carter adds name to call for Davis clemency

Emergency stays of execution have been filed on behalf of death row inmate Troy Anthony Davis. And, another name has been added to the list of those calling for a review of the case. The nation’s highest court is scheduled to consider a request to halt Davis’ execution at their first conference on Sept. 29. A similar request for stay has been filed with Georgia’s top court. Davis is scheduled to die by lethal injection this coming Tuesday for the 1989 shooting death of an off-duty Savannah police officer. The state of Georgia had petitioned both courts not to consider the case. The case has attracted international attention. Earlier today former President Jimmy Carter issued a statement urging the Georgia and Pardons and parole board to reverse its decision to deny clemency to Davis. Carter says the case shows deep flaws in the application of the death penalty in this country. Davis’s lawyers have tried to spare his life by arguing Davis needs a new trial because 7 of the 9 witnesses in the original trial have since recanted their testimony.

Chinese religious leaders visit Georgia

Religious leaders from China visit Atlanta this week. The group represents five Chinese government recognized faiths: Catholic and Protestant Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and Taoism.

The leaders of each faith will meet with their American counterparts, as well as President Jimmy Carter and state political leaders.

They will discuss opportunities for dialogues on religious freedom and tolerance in both countries and how religions can promote values and purpose.

Storm downs tree into Carter's Americus home

An oak tree struck the Plains home of former President Jimmy Carter as Tropical Storm Fay moved through southwest Georgia, according to a family member.

Jeff Carter, one of the former president's sons, says the tree struck the house Saturday night just above the living room. He says both his father and his mother, Rosalynn Carter, were at home at the time but neither was hurt.

The former president is scheduled to address the Democratic National Convention in Denver this evening.

Information from: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, http://www.ajc.com

(The Associated Press)

President Carter speaks out for Flint River

More than 100 river enthusiasts wrapped up a trip down the Flint River, vowing to fight any effort to change things downstream.

The Flint River begins as a spring, just under Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. From there the river travels more than 200 miles into South Georgia. There is meets up with the Chatahoochee.

In recent months Congressmen Nathan Deal and Lynn Westmoreland have discussed building new dams on the Flint to feed reservoirs. Westmoreland is asking for 10-million dollars to study the idea. Environmentalists are against it.

Former President, Jimmy Carter fought against building dams on the Flint in the 1970's. He joined paddlers in Oglethorpe as they wrapped up a week long trip on the Flint and warned them about what lies ahead.

"You ought to prepare for a massive fight because the Chambers of Commerce, and the promise of employment and the promise of recreation and in this case the promise of more water somehow getting into Atlanta and taking pressure off Lake Lanier. All of those are going to be put forward and you need to be organized and willing to work on it and prepared."

Officials with the Georgia River Network also announced the formation of the Flint Riverkeeper. This is the 7th protection group in Georgia formed under the Waterkeeper Alliance.