In short (1)

When Jimmy Carter laid down the reins of high office he said he was taking up the only American title superior to president -- citizen. Now citizen Carter has been visiting the China whose relations with the United States were normalized by President Carter. And, boy, have things been normal!

Of course, there were formal exchanges of a geopolitical nature, including advice to the Reagan administration to keep up the good work on Peking-Washington relations. But among the first reported topics of discussion were peanuts, soybeans, and jogging -- the kind of wholesome array that would be nice for nations to concentrate on in preference to the familiar diplomatic talk of arms and enemies.

Contributing to a climate for peace and normality everywhere would be a fine pursuit for Mr. Carter in his post-White House years. But don't all those with a title as superior as citizen have the responsibility to lend a hand?