Once again politicians haven’t learned that church and state should always remain separate, as they once again drag religion into something that has nothing to do with religion.
The issue now with the GOP, should someone of Muslim faith be able to run for presidency? Ignorantly, many Republicans (and I’m sure a few Democrats) say no. But, of course they can!
Ben Carson, a retired neurosurgeon and Republican presidential candidate, stated in a recent interview with Meet the Press that a president of the United States should not be Muslim and that the faith itself, which is followed by around 3 million Americans, is not a constitutional religion.
“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,” said Carson during his Meet the Press interview. “I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that.”
To say a person is unable to be a successful president solely based on their faith is one of the most ignorant statements. Years ago, voters didn’t want Christains to be president either. Now, it’s uncommon to see a president be elected who isn’t Christian or Catholic. A person’s personal religious beliefs and views don’t influence the decisions and policies they would enact as president.
A Muslim-American has just as much right to run for president as a Catholic, Christian or Jewish-American. No one expresses issues with anyone who identifies with anything other than Catholic or Christian aspiring to run for president, it’s only problematic if they’re Muslim.
It’s unfair to classify the entire Muslim religion as un-American based on terrorists, who simply are just hiding behind the religion, giving it a bad reputation around the world.
Carson backtracked after his initial blunt statements toward the possibility of a muslim president:”…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,” declared Carson.
While Carson demands that this theoretical muslim presidential candidate should “stay consistent,” he fails to meet those same requirements in regards to his own opinions towards muslims. Going back and forth on the issue, which draws attention to the root of the problem.
For years, Muslims have received more than their fair share of criticism in the United States and have been blamed for the violence of the Middle East.
It’s not hard to understand how a more traditional party such as the GOP prefers to stick with these long-held views. However, there comes a point when it becomes necessary to tear down a facade, especially when that facade might prevent a qualified U.S. citizen from running for president.
As we enter into an ever more globalized and diverse culture, it’s about time the United States and those who wish to lead the country put their xenophobias behind them, learn the true histories behind various religions, including their own, and listen to individuals rather than drowning out minority voices with long-held dogmas.