I suspect that Daniel Allott’s May 12th Washington Examiner piece “Ben Carson’s non-transferable skills” was written by someone who has spent little time getting to know the real Dr. Ben Carson. The attributes Mr. Allott suggests Carson lacks include: the ability to “read the political landscape, convey humility, build consensus, communicate a message and inspire voters.” To those who know Dr. Carson, his ability to do these very things are some of the main reasons his supporters love him and think he’d make a fine president.
Dr. Carson’s ability to see the big picture of what is happening in our country inspired him to write several books before ever thinking of the presidency. He consistently expresses humility for his successes, which is a credit to his mother’s strength of character, his faith and the opportunities his country has provided him.
Carson’s outstanding ability to build consensus, communicate a message and inspire voters has allowed him not only to activate his conservative base of support but to expand it, perhaps significantly so.
What Allott calls Carson’s “wild put-downs of Obama” might be appreciated by some as well-founded and candid criticism of the president’s policies and behavior. Carson’s honesty and respect for those with whom he disagrees is well known, and it contrasts sharply with the divisiveness of our current president.
Being brilliant and a quick study, and blessed with a thoughtful, analytical mind, Carson is fast becoming well-versed in world affairs. His skills in bringing together teams of medical professionals to solve some of the most challenging medical cases ever speaks well of Carson’s ability to build consensus and solve problems.
Mr. Allott also carelessly misrepresents Dr. Carson’s comments. For example, Allott cites Carson’s comparison of the U.S. to Nazi Germany during a period when people remained silent even though they strongly opposed Hitler’s policies. Allott cites this as “an embarrassing mistake.” But I submit that it may have been honestly on target, and I suspect millions of American agree.
“It takes time to learn politics,” Allott writes. This is true but exactly what kind of politics is he referring to? The politics in which one party dismantles our Constitution, promotes lawlessness, strangles our economy and weakens our military while the other party’s leadership surrenders its power for political expediency? Given all the turmoil that our “experienced” politicians have created, perhaps we are in need of a citizen-statesman as our next president.
Mr. Allott suggests that Dr. Carson “set his sights a little lower than the presidency.” How wonderful it would be to have the time to wait for the perfect candidate to represent every American and every point of view. But I submit that we don’t have the time to wait. Our nation needs a true leader today, a man who loves his country and all that it represents.
Many years ago, Ronald Reagan’s message of optimism and opportunity resonated with Ben Carson. Reagan spoke of his love for America and the “can do” spirit of its people. Dr. Carson has lived that dream, and he inspires in a way that Reagan once did. Like Reagan, Carson argues that it is not too late for “We the People” to restore all that made our country great.
Kathleen Hall is an activist and writer based in Roanoke, Virginia. Thinking of submitting an op-ed to the Washington Examiner? Be sure to read our guidelines on submissions.
