NEW YORK (JNS.org) –Dr. Ben Carson, the retired neurosurgeon and Republican presidential candidate, was blasted by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for his remark that he “would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation.”
“Dr. Ben Carson’s statement that a Muslim American should not serve as president is deeply offensive, un-American, and contrary to the Constitution,” ADL National Director Jonathan A. Greenblatt said in a statement. “There is no religious litmus test for candidates seeking political office, and that includes the highest office in the land.”
Greenblatt continued, “In America, personal characteristics—whether race, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion—should have no bearing on person’s ability to serve. Rather, fitness to serve should be based on the individual’s merit: intellect, ethics, experience, and achievements….Whether directed against Jews, Muslims or others, such baseless comments breed hate and have no place in a presidential campaign or in public discourse.”
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The ADL National Director overlooked the common belief in Shariah law held by many Muslims. While there may be no religious legal litmus test for US President, he needs to swear to upheld the Constitution. Shariah law is incompatible with the religious neutrality clause in the Constution as it mandates all laws be compatible with Islam. Dr. Carson subsequently clarified that point; that a Muslim candidate would need to oppose Shariah law. Steven Kalka. East Rockawy, NY