Posted on 11/07/2015 11:21:51 AM PST by SeekAndFind
Let's begin with two propositions: There is a difference between an admirable man and a perfect man, and there is a difference between "vetting"and viciousness. The collective goal of the liberal media is now clear — to take one of America's most admired and brilliant men and somehow transform him into a dishonest, stupid extremist. The vetting of Ben Carson has become vicious, and to what end? An admirable man has been exposed as imperfect.
The first round of attacks, focusing on Carson's alleged extremism, failed utterly. Under fire — for claiming that it would be better if victims rushed mass shooters rather than hiding, for asserting that Hitler would have been less likely to accomplish his aims if the German people had been armed, and for comparing the debate over abortion to the debate over slavery — Carson refused to back down. A conservative public, wearily familiar with politicians kowtowing to media--generated outrage, took notice.
Rather than deal directly with Carson's statements, the media twisted his words, scurrilously asserting that he was "blaming the victims"of school shootings and claiming that German Jews alone could have stopped the Holocaust (when he'd plainly referred to the "German people,"not just German Jews). As for the abortion–slavery comparison, even Vox noted that conservatives have been making that argument for decades. The comparison is controversial, certainly, but hardly "extreme.â€
While the media no doubt still believe Carson to be extreme, they quickly learned that their attacks only increased his popularity with a PC--averse conservative public. In the midst of these fake "controversies,"he shot to the top of Republican polls, where he now (slightly) edges out Donald Trump in the RealClearPolitics average.
RELATED: Misunderestimating Carson
If he's not extreme, is he stupid? Left--wing websites have great fun mocking Carson's skepticism of the theory of evolution, his idle speculations regarding the purpose of the pyramids, and his thoughts on climate change and the debt limit. Yet this line of attack is fruitless. Carson may not be as fluent in public policy as the professional politicians who've been debating these issues for years, but his résumé is decisive evidence of his intelligence.
If he's not extreme or stupid, is he dishonest? Is it possible that a man known for his rags--to--riches life story, his generosity, his humility, and his deep and lasting concern for the poor has a character problem? After all, in Carson's famous autobiography, Gifted Hands, he said that he'd been offered a "full scholarship"to West Point. Politico says that Carson now admits that story was "fabricated."Their proof? He never applied to West Point. But Carson didn't say that he applied, only that he'd been offered a "full scholarship."How can he "fabricate"a claim he never made?
Carson's campaign manager says that Carson was introduced to "folks from West Point by his ROTC supervisors. . . . They told him they could help him get an appointment based on his grades and performance in ROTC."What, exactly, is the story here? If it's simply that he should have described military officials' expressions of enthusiasm with more precision, then this is truly a tempest in a teapot.
#share#His account, in fact, resonates with my own experience. Many years ago I was "offered"an ROTC scholarship before I even applied. After speaking with officers familiar with my academic record, they told me I would receive a full academic scholarship, and that the application was a mere formality. My teenage self certainly took their statements as an "offer,"and I wouldn't have applied without their word. (I filled out the forms and was formally accepted, but declined in favor of a better scholarship elsewhere.)
RELATED: Ben Carson's Response to PC Outrage Is Smarter than Trump's
At the same time, CNN's effort to call into question Carson's story about his childhood anger issues is both weak and malicious. The network interviewed ten people from his neighborhood about 50--year--old incidents that Carson claims they never witnessed, and now peddle a story raising doubts about claims in Carson's biography. What? Is it now the case that CNN can interview ten people about decades--old life events that didn't happen to them and now breathlessly proclaim a "scoop.â€
Hovering over the feeding frenzy is the absurd media spectacle of mainstream reporters claiming they're merely "doing their job"by diving into 50--year--old details of Ben Carson's childhood. The same reporters who were not just incurious about the details of Barack Obama's background in 2008 but actively hostile to those who asked reasonable questions about his relationship with admitted domestic terrorist Bill Ayers and his years of religious instruction from Jeremiah "God Damn America"Wright.
At the end of the day, what are we left with? An admirable though imperfect man who rose from abject poverty to the pinnacle of one of the most challenging professions in the nation — all while never forgetting his roots, maintaining grace and humility even as he earned riches and honors. In fact, his life story — and his character — would make him one of the most inspiring Americans ever to occupy the Oval Office. But he's a direct threat not just to leftist narratives regarding race and class but also to the leftist stranglehold on the black vote. And for that reason alone he must be destroyed.
A "high--tech lynching"is again underway, but if recent history is any guide, the Left's attempt to strike down Carson will only make him stronger. The media can launch its attacks, but it cannot change the fundamental facts: Ben Carson is a good and decent man, an American hero.
-- David French is an attorney and a staff writer at National Review.
ONE - GET TOUGH
"Restoring American wealth will require that we get tough. The next president must understand that America's business is business. We need a president who knows how to get things done, who can keep America strong, safe, and free, and who can negotiate deals that benefit America, not the countries on the other side of the table. A president doesn't "create" jobs, only businesses can do that. But he can help create an environment that allows the rest of us—entrepreneurs, small businessmen, big businessmen—to make America rich. The damage that Democrats, weak Republicans, and this disaster of a president have inflicted on America has put us in a mess like we've never seen before in our lifetimes. To fix the problem we've got to be smart and get tough. There's no time to waste.
I love America. And when you love something, you protect it passionately—fiercely, even. We are the greatest country the world has ever known. I make no apologies for this country, my pride in it, or my desire to see us become strong and rich again. After all, wealth funds our freedom. But for too long we've been pushed around, used by other countries, and ill-served by politicians in Washington who measure their success by how rapidly they can expand the federal debt, and your tax burden, with their favorite government programs.â€
TWO - TAKE THE OIL
To the Victor Go the Spoils
Leadership Is Down, Gas Prices Are Up
Take On the Oil Thugs
Sue OPEC
Use America’s Resources and Create Jobs
"So let's drill already. And let's do it in America. It's not only economically smart, it's strategic—the Middle East needs to get the message loud and clear that we're done coming to them on bended knee. We're waking up, getting up, and making America the powerhouse we once were. Take the oil, sue OPEC, and drill domestically—if we do these three big things, we'll be on the right track to rebuild American strength, wealth, jobs, and opportunity. Will it be tough? Sure. But that's what makes us Americans: we do hard things, and we do them well . . . if we have the right leadership.â€
THREE - TAX CHINA TO SAVE AMERICAN JOBS
In China's Crosshairs
Made in the U.S.A.
No More Currency Manipulation
Stop Stealing Our Technology
"China presents three big threats to the United States in its outrageous currency manipulation, its systematic attempt to destroy our manufacturing base, and its industrial espionage and cyber warfare against America. The Chinese have been running roughshod over us for years. But the Obama administration, in its incredible weakness, seems almost complicit in wanting to help the Chinese trample us. Obama claims we can’t do what’s in our interests because it might spark a “trade warâ€â€”as if we’re not in one now. And if we are in trade war, Obama’s policies amount to virtual economic treason. Still, I believe we can overcome China’s threats with a smart strategy and a strong negotiator.â€
FOUR - IT’S YOUR MONEY–YOU SHOULD KEEP MORE OF IT
Obama’s Clueless on Taxes
Time to Get Smart on Taxes
“We need a tax system that is fair and smart—one that encourages growth, savings, and investment. It’s time to stop punishing hard work and entrepreneurship. Specifically, we need to do five things.
First, the death tax needs to die.
Second, we need to lower tax rates on capital gains and dividends—two more taxes that are proven jobs and investment killers.
The third thing we need to do is lower the U.S. corporate tax rate from 39 percent to zero.
Fourth, it’s time to get tough on those who outsource jobs overseas and reward companies who stay loyal to America.
Here’s my income tax plan: • Up to $30,000, you pay 1 percent • From $30,000 to $100,000, you pay 5 percent • From $100,000 to $1 million, you pay 10 percent • On $1 million or above, you pay 15 percent
FIVE - A GOVERNMENT WE CAN AFFORD
Save Social Security and Medicaid
My $100 Million Gift to the U.S. Goes Uncollected
Washington Wastes Your Money
Crack Down on Massive Fraud
Negotiate Smarter
“It starts with China and OPEC. The hundreds of billions of dollars they steal from us each year must end right away. We need a president with a titanium spine who will stand up to these shakedown artists and demand that they get their greedy hands out of our pockets effective immediately.
That one action alone will result in a windfall of hundreds of billions of dollars to help us pay down our debt and meet our commitments.
Next, we enforce a zero-tolerance policy for the kind of brainless government waste that we’ve all become far too accustomed to from Washington. That means we streamline our systems and end the waste.
Third, we go after the criminals and con artists who are defrauding taxpayers of $243 billion every year in Medicare fraud and billions more in other kinds of fraud, such as the disability racket. Sitting back while these crooks steal from hard-working people and rob deserving Americans of the benefits they paid for is vile. We must prosecute these thugs to the fullest extent of the law and recoup the hundreds of billions they take from us year in and year out.
Fourth, we must save Social Security through economic success.
Fifth, we need to put Americans back to work and kick the community organizer out of office so we can instill some fiscal sanity in Washington.,Br> We do those five things and we will pass along to our kids and grandkids not only a government they can afford, but also one they can be proud of.
The Solution
SIX - STRENGTHEN AMERICAN MUSCLE
CHINA
RUSSIA
IRAN
PAKISTAN
LIBYA
“1. American interests come first. Always. No apologies.
2. Maximum firepower and military preparedness.
3. Only go to war to win.
4. Stay loyal to your friends and suspicious of your enemies.
5. Keep the technological sword razor sharp.
6. See the unseen. Prepare for threats before they materialize.
7. Respect and support our present and past warriors.
SEVEN - A SAFETY NET, NOT A HAMMOCK
Proper Perspective on Poverty
Childhood Poverty Is a Tragedy
Obama’s “Food Stamp Crime Waveâ€
Welfare to Work
“The secret to the 1996 Welfare Reform Act’s success was that it tied welfare to work. To get your check, you had to prove that you were enrolled in job-training or trying to find work. But here’s the rub: the 1996 Welfare Reform Act only dealt with one program, Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), not the other seventy-six welfare programs which, today, cost taxpayers more than $900 billion annually.30 We need to take a page from the 1996 reform and do the same for other welfare programs. Benefits should have strings attached to them. After all, if it’s our money recipients are getting, we the people should have a say in how it’s spent.
Require drug testing with details and how to go about it including it money received for children..
“Finally, it’s time to get tough on those who cheat and defraud taxpayers. The Obama-fueled welfare “crime wave†must end fast. Otherwise, it will further spread the mindset that says, “Who cares if I cheat the system, it’s not my money. I deserve free stuff.†That means punishing violators, not turning a blind eye like the Obama administration has done. And that includes punishing corrupt bureaucrats who run scams and leave taxpayers holding the bill. Also, no more millionaires getting welfare checks. That’s outrageous and must be stopped immediately.â€
EIGHT - REPEAL OBAMACARE
Obamacare Puts Small Businesses on Life Support
Obamacare Passed, Premiums Skyrocketed
Obamacare Is Killing Jobs
Obamacare Will Destroy Patient Choice and Explode Spending
Bring Down Costs through Competition
Real Tort Reform Right Now
“One way to infuse more competition into the market is to let citizens purchase health-care plans across state lines.â€
Real Tort Reform
NINE - IT’S CALLED ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FOR A REASON
Illegal Criminals Have Got to Go
Illegals Are Breaking Our Bank
Liberal Myths
Reform Our Illegal Immigration System
Work Visas
The 5-Point Trump Plan
“Illegal immigration is a wrecking ball aimed at U.S. taxpayers. Washington needs to get tough and fight for “We the People,†not for the special interests who want cheap labor and a minority voting bloc.â€
Secure the boarder
Enforce the laws
Overturn Obama’s insane new ICE recommendations for illegal immigrant detention facilities.
“The next part of my plan involves opposing the so-called DREAM Actâ€
TEN - THE AMERICA OUR CHILDREN DESERVE America the Exceptional
“We have to get tough on the notion that government is the solution to every problem. It's not. As President Reagan said, "Government isn't the solution to our problem. Government is the problem." Barack Obama is the most liberal president the United States has ever dared to elect. When he was running for office, Obama warned the country that his goal was to "fundamentally transform America"and that he believed in "spreading the wealth around." Now, with three years under his belt, America looks like an economic wasteland. One out of every five men you pass on your way to work is out of work. Every seventh person you pass on the sidewalk is now on food stamps. Forty-six million Americans—more than at any time ever in the history of this country—now live under the poverty line. Businesses are being shuttered. Foreclosure rates are at historic highs. For the first time in American history, the United States has lost its triple-A credit rating. Gas prices have doubled. Our national debt has exploded. Jobs and economic growth are nowhere in sight. How can we feel good about handing over this mess to our children and grandchildren? How can we think about the hundreds of thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who have died for our freedom and way of life and not be ashamed at how we've allowed their gift to be trashed and abused? It’s a total disgrace. If we're going to turn this thing around, we have to do it fast. It’s time to get tough. The time is nowâ€
Good call. Carson and Cruz are tops. Both, however, if Biden is any indication, deserve something stronger policy/clout-wise than VP. I’d take either one as President.
Also, not included is the fact that his tax plan is posted on his website. It is an extremely good plan that you can look up or search FR for it. It has been posted.
As far a the kelo decision is concerned. The only time that will come into play, with him as president, are projects that are for infrastructure or things like the Keystone pipeline.
Now, are you glad you were proven wrong?
The GOPe, the DNC, the MSM, the talking heads, pundits, the blogosphere, and certain folks on Free Republic have been trashing the guy at will for five months now.
Polls have been gamed big-time. One showed Fiorina leading Trump in New Hampshire. Here's another, Fioria leads Trump in New Hampshire story.
I believe there was one poll out there that showed Cruz up with Trump for one day. It was totally bogus. I can't find it now.
Every entity has been after Trump for five months now.
I agree take care...
I was never “confused” by that attack by any alphabet media. He never went to West point and he talked to General Westmoreland in Detroit.
Carson is for TPP. Cruz is not.
So you support restrictions on firearms ownership, amnesty, TPP, and transgender bathrooms?
Cruz has expressed agreement, and not, over the past months. What should one expect when it comes to a document 3 times more voluminous than the biblical texts? But, by golly, every Freeper seems ready to make the issue make or break for the favorite candidate they prefer to ignore in terms of substance. TPP: You don’t really know what the h*ll it is or what it means, but pick your favorite parrot to tell you. Hint: world economies have existed for thousands of years and have always involved vociferous exchanges in terms of “fairness” or lack thereof.
That I agree with, and if I misunderstood your position then I am sorry to have done it. I thought you were talking about Trump at that point.
Racial token candidate Carson may be a serial exaggerator, but I believe him when he says he wants to give amnesty to illegal aliens.
No, this a-hole tries to say Carson’s “outrage was better than Trump’s.” Disgusting little creeps at National Review.
The liberal media went after Trump but couldn't take him down, so they decided it would be a longer-range project.
Think back to last time. They went after Herman Cain and he was out pretty quickly. Perry and Bachmann ditto. Going after Romney was a long-range project.
Plus, Trump is one reason people are actually watching the news, so if the MSM bumped him off they would be shooting themselves in the foot.
The conservative media don't have the luxury of going after Trump a year from now when he would already be the nominee, so they are trying to take him out now.
Yes and no: Cruz has remained where he always was except for TPP, but Trump on almost all issues has moved (convincingly in my view) to the right for months.
Wow is right!! (Don’t forget Carson’s pal Sharpton on your good list also.) I can’t believe the support for this Carson fella at all!
This is, at least in part, what did Romney in. He had some conservative principles and that so-called crossover appeal. What he didn't have was the support of the base.
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