Ben Carson: America is a secular nation

In a letter to the editor, Darryl Bullock argued that Ben Carson’s remarks about a hypothetical Muslim presidency are supported by history, and are in line with our country’s founders. I find Bullock’s comments preposterous.

Though Carson has had to clarify his comments, adding the caveat that he meant someone who supported implementing sharia law as opposed to a more moderate Muslim, Bullock went and followed Carson’s initial tangent right off the ideological cliff.

Regardless of how many quotations one can find identifying the personal beliefs of American historical figures, the United States is a secular nation, made up of a tapestry of people of differing faiths and beliefs. To assert that we are meant to be one or the other is not only bigoted, but ironic given that the context was Carson’s comments: Our nation can not support religion superseding our Constitution.

For instruction on the actual intent of our founders regarding the role of religion in our country, please see the First Amendment. I entreat the editorial staff of The Olympian to take a step back before publishing similar letters.

I’m sure I could come up with scores of quotes from our founders illustrating why we can’t have a woman or African American for president – does that make the belief any less retrograde?

This story was originally published October 28, 2015 at 1:29 PM with the headline "Ben Carson: America is a secular nation."