Ben Carson made a stunning admission, ignoring both the U.S. Constitution and the statements of some of America’s greatest Founding Fathers.
“I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that,” Dr. Ben Carson told NBC News’ Chuck Todd on “Meet The Press” Sunday morning.Â
Todd had been discussing Donald Trump‘s egregious handling of a supporter who alleged President Barack Obama is a Muslim and there are Muslim training camps across the nation. He had asked when we were going to “get rid of” the Muslims in the country.
“Let me ask you the question this way,” Todd began. “Should a President’s faith matter? Should your faith matter to voters?,” he asked.
“Well, I guess it depends on what that faith is,” Carson responded. “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.”
“So do you believe that Islam is consistent with the constitution?,” Todd probed.
“No, I don’t, I do not,” Carson said. “I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that.”
Citing John Locke, Thomas Jefferson, Richard Henry Lee, and even George Washington, a 2002 article at the U.S. government’s Library of Congress notes “it is clear that the Founding Fathers thought about the relationship of Islam to the new nation and were prepared to make a place for it in the republic.” It also states that the “Founders of this nation explicitly included Islam in their vision of the future of the republic.”
Carson’s views, which are in direct opposition to the Constitution, clearly are shared by a large percentage of Republican voters and likely most of his fellow GOP presidential candidates, but it is shocking to hear the statement uttered.
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Image: Screenshot via NBC News
Hat tip: Talking Points Memo
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