Originally published in USA Today
Over the past few days, we have seen a barrage of insensitive comments come from Republican Party candidates in regard to Islam. The most recent came from Ben Carson who said: “I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that.”
He fails to realize the irony of his statement. His views seem to be inconsistent with the Constitution. Article VI states: “No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any public office or public trust under the United States.”
Whatever the case may be, the fact remains that Muslim Americans today serve in all branches of the military. Are we to say that we entrust these Muslims to protect us from all foreign enemies, but not to protect the Constitution? Carson should familiarize himself with the religion of Islam and the Constitution.
