Tuesday, at a campaign stop in Ohio, Ben Carson, Republican candidate for President tried to soften the tone he set on Sunday by stating that, “”I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that.” Carson has now backtracked by stating the usual “I was taken out of context.” On the question of supporting a Muslim president, Carson stated that, “I don’t care what a person’s religious beliefs are or what their religious heritage is. If they embrace American culture, if they embrace our constitution and are willing to place that above their religious beliefs, I have no problem with it.” Carson went on to explain that he wasn’t talking about Islam but radical beliefs that are held by Muslim extremists. This is the same man who replied to his critics on Facebook including fellow Republicans, by stating, “Republicans that take issue with my position are amazing,” and that “Under Islamic Law, homosexuals – men and women alike – must be killed. Women must be subservient. And people following other religions must be killed. I know that there are many peaceful Muslims who do not adhere to these beliefs. But until these tenants are fully renounced … I cannot advocate any Muslim candidate for President.” Yet, that was taken out of context.
Tuesday’s Carson was a more familiar politician. The one that speaks his mind but has then has a handler explain what he really meant. Then there is the back handed apology that satisfies no one but makes the media proud that they hounded one into submission. Carson had a moment of clarity that he then took back. Those attending his rally agreed with Carson’s original statement of the uncomfortableness of a Muslim being President. In a recent survey, Zogby Analytics, found that only favorability rate of just 27 percent regarding Muslim-Americans. Since 9/11 the onslaught of ISIS barbaric acts has only incensed Americans more. The rape, torture and murder of Christians, destruction of ancient artifacts and the removal of any other religion from the world has made Americans a bit jumpy. You then have a politician who shares the same fears and sensibilities in an off cuff remark and bam, he takes it all back.
The election of the next American President should be a battle of the titans and not one of apologists. As citizens voices are heard everyday calling for a change in how we do business as a country it is time for our candidates to realize that that have a reason to fear other obstacles not just fear itself. Carson and the others who want to sit in that Oval Office should take note, our fears are rooted in a very real problem.
You must be one of the folks Dr. Carson often references when he says: “Listen to what I actually say, instead of dwelling on a one-minute soundbite.” Dr. Carson hasn’t “softened” his comments. He has had to explain them to people who did not listen carefully, in the first place. Had you actually listened to Dr. Carson on Meet the Press, you would have heard him say:
“DR. BEN CARSON:
“Well, I guess it depends on what that faith is. If it’s inconsistent with the values and principles of America, then of course it should matter. But if it fits within the realm of America and consistent with the constitution, no problem.
“CHUCK TODD:
“So do you believe that Islam is consistent with the constitution?
“DR. BEN CARSON:
“No, I don’t, I do not.
“CHUCK TODD:
“So you–
“DR. BEN CARSON:
“I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that.
“CHUCK TODD:
“And would you ever consider voting for a Muslim for Congress?
“DR. BEN CARSON:
“Congress is a different story, but it depends on who that Muslim is and what their policies are, just as it depends on what anybody else says, you know. And, you know, if there’s somebody who’s of any faith, but they say things, and their life has been consistent with things that will elevate this nation and make it possible for everybody to succeed, and bring peace and harmony, then I’m with them.”
So, at the same time that Dr. Carson said we shouldn’t elect a Muslim President, he explained that he meant that “it depends on what that faith is. If it’s inconsistent with the values and principles of America, then of course it should matter. But if it fits within the realm of America and consistent with the constitution, no problem.”