Dr. Ben Carson, M.D., a pediatric neurosurgeon and potential 2016 Republican presidential candidate, will speak on campus on April 21 at 6:00 pm in Call Auditorium, 116 Kennedy Hall, in an event hosted by the Cornell Republicans.
The title of Carson’s speech is “The Change We Need,” according to a Cornell Republicans press release. The event is free and open to the public. Following Carson’s address there will be a question and answer segment.
Carson, who directed pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University Medical Center for 29 years, sprung onto the national political scene with his harsh criticism of Obamacare at the 2013 National Prayer Breakfast.
Since, he has become somewhat of a conservative thought leader throughout the country, being featured frequently on Fox News and other media outlets. His latest of eight books, “One Nation: What We Can All Do To Save America’s Future” has sold 355,000 copies since its release in May 2014, reports the Daily Caller. That is more than the recent books of any other 2016 contender, including Hillary Clinton.
Carson stands out among the crowded 2016 field as a political outsider, having never held political office or occupation other than physician (and speaker and author). He is a staunch social conservative too in regards to gay marriage and abortion, which appeals to the conservative base but many not bode well for him if he does want to seriously contend in 2016. Carson, however, offers a unique perspective on issues like race relations, being that he rejects identity politics, welfare statism, and admonished the rioters and looters in Ferguson last summer.
In 1987, Carson completed the first and only separation of craniopagus (Siamese) twins at the back of the head. His prolific career in medicine has garnered him international renown and accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in 2008, awarded by then-President George Bush.
The Cornell Review urges all Cornellians and locals–regardless of personal political opinions– to come listen to Dr. Carson speak in order to learn more about this highly accomplished man and potential presidential candidate.
Always good to hear different points of view. Carson is a smart guy,no doubt. And a skilled doctor. His position on homosexuality is rather odd, in my opinion. I think he stated that prisons make people gay or something like that. Not sure how that explains the three gay couples I know who have never been to prison. Unless you consider serving the the military to be prison !
Other than that he does not come across as nasty or loony like many other potential candidates.
Not sure why you think he has a “unique” perspective on race relations. Many people reject the racism we see growing in parts of America. And, like Mr Obama, he condemned the violence in Ferguson after the Michael Brown/ Darren Wilson situation, but which candidate didn’t? So, that’s not unique.
Not sure if his lack of experience in politics will help him much. But he could get the nomination. Stranger things have happened.
As I said, always good to hear different viewpoints.
I agree. Dr. Carson’s comment about homosexuality being a choice as evidenced by certain sexual acts that occur in prisons was downright bizarre. Even if Dr. Carson honestly believes in that, he must know such comments will preclude him from not only the general election but also the GOP nomination. Despite what many liberals think, the overwhelming majority of conservatives don’t hold such views about homosexuality anymore. In fact, it’s becoming much more of a non-issue thanks to the influx of libertarian ideas in the traditional conservative mindset–that is, the idea that government should get out of the bedroom.
I agree. The GOP or conservative side of the spectrum seems to be roughly divided into three groups. Old fashioned conservatives who are budget cutters and willing to deal on many issues to get things done. A radicalized “values” group (anti-gay marriage, anti-abortion, US is a Christian nation, and in many cases downright racist,etc) who see the world as good vs. evil. And this group cannot compromise with evil (Obama and the Dems). And libertarians who support personal rights and a free market system. For the most part the third group is younger and has grown up in (dare I say) a more liberal society. But a minority in the GOP .
The only group that scares me is the middle group. Ideologues.
I am afraid that in many parts of the nation that middle group has taken over the GOP party apparatus. Look at how many GOP-lead states are still fighting in court to deny people basic marriage equality. And passing laws to limit voter participation in certain areas. I don’t think I would put Carson in that particular group , except maybe for the gay statements. Actually, it doesn’t matter what his personal opinions are on the matter, just what he would propose to do about it, if anything.
As you know, the problems right now in the GOP are that a moderate has a very hard time getting nominated but someone too far to the right has a hard time getting elected. I don’t expect Carson to go far, but who knows? Stranger things have happened.
The recent Ben Carson interview does raise some concerns about his knowledge outside the medical profession. He did not seem to know that the Baltic states were part of NATO or that Islam does not go back to ancient times. This lack of understanding these things is not a deal breaker, as most people have areas of expertise and do not know much outside their field. But if he wants to be POTUS and claims a national voice in politics he needs to be much better prepared. He needs to go to school on international affairs before he enters the political arena. The GOP does not need another Sarah Palin on a national ticket.
Ben Carson’s a boss. He’s incorruptible. He’s the personification of honesty, integrity, accountability, generosity, and kindness.
And his discourse unites and empowers instead of dividing and victimizing. His message is a wonderful one.
He’s got my vote for 2016.
Endorse him and get a free bumper sticker at:
http://www.2016committee.org/endorse
🙂
I didn’t get a chance to go to Cornell to hear Mr Carson but I did force myself to watch the 27 minute video of his speech at the Prayer Day Breakfast. Not very impressive. The usual “times are bad” stuff with the usual “we can do better” platitudes. I am sure he is sincere but he really demonstrates a lack of understanding of history, education, the tax system, etc.
Some examples: He says we are a PC society where people are afraid to speak out. Really ? He speaks out. Commentators on Fox News speak out. Commentators on MSNBC speak out. “We will make him fail”. “He is a communist”. “Gays are deviants”. No one, to my knowledge , has been jailed for criticism the government. A non-issue.
He claims that a person with a 6th grade education in 1830 would have to pass a more difficult curriculum than students today . Really ? At a time before science education was prevalent? Has he even seen the kinds of difficult tests that high school and college students face? The amount of information and critical thinking skills demanded of kids today? I doubt that a 1830s student would understand even half the questions on a typical high school or college exam today.
He criticizes (rightly I think) the emphasis on sports in US schools. What he fails to point out, however , is this.The US educational system is the only major part of society that is locally controlled. And run largely by individual states. The national government gives a very small amount of money and has no control over curriculum or testing. Schools are the case study for how effective “local control” works. I agree with him that it doesn’t. School districts with higher tax bases can spend more on facilities and staff. Schools with low tax bases are stuck with outdated facilities and fewer staff. Local control. State’s rights.
His solution to the health care problems is to give each child a “health savings account” at birth. Vague on how that works. Who puts i the money? How much ? What if a major illness hits when the child is 3 and he hasn’t had a chance to put in tens of thousands of dollars?
I think Mr Carson is a sincere, religiously oriented individual. But he really is pretty weak when it comes to understanding and analyzing social and political issues. He would make a good minister.