What do you think of Harry Reid's comments?

2015-09-24T00:37:01-04:00

From Senator Harry Reid
In Arlington National Cemetery, there is a white headstone, which, like so many others, marks the final resting place of a courageous service-member who gave his life in combat. This grave belongs to Kareem Khan of New Jersey, who was just 20 years old. Kareem was Muslim.

Kareem’s rank was that of Specialist in the Stryker Brigade of the U.S. Army’s 2nd Infantry division. He received a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and a medal for good conduct. Like thousands of other soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, Kareem Khan sacrificed everything for his country. Kareem gave, as President Abraham Lincoln said, “the last full measure of devotion” for the United States.

But yesterday, I watched on “Meet the Press” as a Republican candidate for President denigrated Kareem Khan and all Muslim-Americans. Ben Carson questioned Muslim-Americans devotion to the United States. He questioned their integrity. And then Ben Carson unilaterally disqualified every Muslim-American from becoming President of the United States.

Shame on him. Shame on any person who spews such vile, hateful rhetoric. The nearly three million Muslim in this country are part of the fabric of America. They teach in our schools, fight in our military, and serve in Congress. Congressmen Keith Ellison of Minnesota and Andre Carson of Indiana – both Muslim – have represented their districts and states with distinction.

Sadly, this is just another example of Republican candidates refusing to speak for three million Muslim Americans. We saw it last week with Donald Trump, as he refused to denounce bigotry at his own campaign rally. If these Republican candidates are incapable of going to bat for America’s Muslim community, then they shouldn’t run for President of the United States.

I call upon every Republican to denounce Ben Carson’s disgusting remarks. That shameful intolerance and bigotry should have no place in America today. Sadly, it seems to have a lasting place in the Republican Party. Republicans should open their eyes and take note of the contributions of our country’s Muslim community. Until they do, none of them will be worthy of leading this nation.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2015 1:35 AM

2015-09-24T01:35:56-04:00

Well-articulated, but I’m still not sure I want to completely secede from the Republicans overall point of view. It is not a republican concept to be racist. Republicans have done more for race equality than the Democratic Party by a long shot. Do some research on this fact.

Response by SSG Lon Watson made Sep 24 at 2015 1:42 AM

2015-09-24T01:42:31-04:00

Carson is mostly spot on. This kid here is the exception.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2015 1:46 AM

2015-09-24T01:46:13-04:00

I think that Harry Reid is an interesting choice to quote on the subject. He has a long history of hateful rhetoric.
This is a shameless play to attempt to paint all Republicans with the brush of racism. A long standing tactic of the DNC. Can't use the usual rubric on Ben Carson, so they go this route. Dr Carson gave an answer that many will rally around, others will decry. In political terms, he made an unforced error. A Muslim is not running for President. The day one does, that question will be asked plenty. Today, it is an ad hominum.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Sep 24 at 2015 3:23 AM

2015-09-24T03:23:48-04:00

You may not agree with what Ben Carson said about Muslims but at least he had the cajoles to say what many others are afraid to say.. Remember Obama doesn't like the term "Islamic Terrorists" because Muslims think that term is politically incorrect and they are offended by it.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Sep 24 at 2015 3:30 AM

2015-09-24T03:30:59-04:00

Wasn't it not so long ago that Harry Reid said this of Mitt Romney on the floor of the senate.. " Mitt Romney is NOT the face of Mormonism".....which implied Romney was not a good Mormon as Reid liked to say that he was... Reid is an Old, Old Fart who ought to retire and go back to Utah & watch over his megabucks he has stashed away

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 24 at 2015 8:37 AM

2015-09-24T08:37:14-04:00

Love them. Remind them that "Muslim" Americans have paid the Ultimate Sacrifice for this country too and deserve the same opportunities.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2015 9:12 AM

2015-09-24T09:12:01-04:00

You missed a much larger point, and either already had your mind made up about Dr. Carson, or did not watch the entire exchange.

I disagree with him, but you are not accurately portraying what was said. The same as many in the GOP are misrepresenting Hillary Clinton's remarks.

You're right we need to be more tolerant, but his point (poorly articulated and easily manipulated in selected quotes) was that upholding sharia law may be counter to the constitution. Can you say that it isn't?

Obviously not all Muslims feel all the rules of Sharia law should or do apply. Which is why he clarified his statement (still not very well).

I have significant other issues with this candidate as well, but I can't stand people using one liners and half-quotes to further an agenda. He is not a bigot, and what you're doing is the equivalent of pulling the race card for someone stating a fact about incarceration rates.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Sep 24 at 2015 9:16 AM

2015-09-24T09:16:09-04:00

I agree with what he said about Carson's comments concerning Muslim-Amerincans. Here we yet again see someone grouping everyone into one basket rather than taking the person and evaluating his/her contributions. I don't think Caron's remarks require everyone to jump ship from the Republican party but I do think Carson has placed himself between a rock and a hard place.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Sep 24 at 2015 10:19 AM

2015-09-24T10:19:34-04:00

Harry Reid would be absolutely correct if he wasn't Harry Reid. In that I mean, Harry Reid the congressman. The same man who's a mirror image of his counterpart in the RNC both equally worthless. Had this comment come from the average man or woman, I'd be 1000% behind it. But when you cross the line and use deaths for votes, then I have nothing for you. There are loads of Islamic warriors in our nations military and they fight with us bravely and with distinction every day. Funny thing we don't see them as Islamic warriors we see them as Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, and Sailors. Again so much more to worry about. BTW to add to yesterdays talk, Mr. Reid, instead of using this Soldiers death as a contrast to Dr. Carson's comments, why not celebrate his life and his accomplishments to the country and the Army? FOR THE HELL OF IT? People like you would throw out Dakota Myers name just off principle. Why not use this picture to tell congress that alongside him, there are quite a few who actually made it home just to die on our own land? Why are we expanding military cemeteries not for those who died naturally or from foreign battles but from self inflicted injuries due to lack of care, or follow through from those who sent them in the first place? Kareem Khan of New Jersey is a Soldier and a NCO. No different that the thousands who served before or after him. His religion and religious view doesn't mean anything. His dedication to his country and his belief in her does. Congress when have you shown this level of commitment to the United States that this NCO did? You do when it's election time and you need billionaire financiers and your PAC's to solicit donations. Now you know who I am, but not a DAMN thing about me. What have you given that would even compare? I don't care if/how/why legislators go after each other, but I do when you use us as a means to do it. Leave us alone. You haven't been doing anything for us so far, and to think that would change today is stupid. Recon In Peace CPL, your day is done. Enjoy your walks in heaven or whatever you want to call it. Just make sure St. Pete has the BBQ ready after he inspects my uniform when it's my time to get up there.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Sep 24 at 2015 4:19 PM

2015-09-24T16:19:37-04:00

Hit the nail on the head.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2015 4:40 PM

2015-09-24T16:40:33-04:00

Can we stay out of Religion and focus on leadership. Thats why we have chaplains, lets let them do the religious stuff and we take care of troops. What if I was muslim , how would you all look at me. And by the way i did consider at one point to transition to Muslim religion. Its very interesting.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2015 5:42 PM

2015-09-24T17:42:53-04:00

The fact of the matter in my opinion is this. The media and the left can be as furious as they want with Dr. Carson, but the result of them plastering his statement on every facet of communication to the public, was an outpouring of support. The 2016 Committee (a Carson SuperPAC) had a petition of support that went out, which was one of its highest grossing fundraising campaigns. Dr. Carson's personal campaign reported a tremendous upswing in donations, and his social media accounts have exploded, making him now the "most liked candidate on Facebook" having brought in over a million new likes in about a week and a half (which is more than many of the top candidates even have).

The point being, that what he stated was simply his opinion. An opinion which it would seem, is widely held by the American public. So is it right to say the Dr. Carson should apologize for holding a belief so popular among Americans? He has since clarified his remarks to be in regards to Sharia Law, and the subjugation of women, and murder of homosexuals and non-Muslims, would anyone really disagree that someone who values such things wouldn't receive their vote? I understand that the outrage is with the misrepresentation of Muslims, by assuming they all fit into that category (which if you watch the full segment, you see he clearly excluded those who do not with the following statements:

"If it's inconsistent with the values and principles of America, then of course it should matter. But if it fits within the realm of America and consistent with the constitution, no problem."

"It depends on who that Muslim is and what their policies are, just as it depends on what anybody else says, you know. And, you know, if there's somebody who's of any faith, but they say things, and their life has been consistent with things that will elevate this nation and make it possible for everybody to succeed, and bring peace and harmony, then I'm with them."

Rather than crucifying Dr. Carson for his beliefs, perhaps confronting the issue by correcting the misrepresentation of Islam in America would be more productive. The only real exposure most Americans have to Islam, is what they read on the internet, or Hamas, Hezbollah, ISIS, etc blast across their TV... perhaps rather than condemning Carson's stance, people who actually know the religion could discuss how these groups are purporting the religion for political purposes, and discuss what real Islam in America really stands for - correct the misrepresentation rather than crying foul and demanding his head... That is just my take...

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Sep 24 at 2015 8:04 PM

2015-09-24T20:04:04-04:00

Ben Carson is no politician. He should have "Trump'd" that question as just a "Gotcha". But he didn't. He answered honestly, without calculation. Was he hateful? No. I don't think so. He was simply voicing a valid concern questioning the ability of anyone who adheres religiously to Shari'a Law to simultaneously uphold the Constitution. Don't we have countless examples of Islamic scholars and leaders denouncing the Constitution as incompatible with Shari'a Law? Can't any person of average sense and ability find countless contradictions between Constitutional and Shari'a Law? Of course there are tens and hundreds of thousands of Muslims who live in America and abide by Constitutional Law, but aren't they apostates under every interpretation of Shari'a Law? Are not American Muslims who voice support for the supremacy of Constitutional Law summarily denounced and condemned by Islamic scholars and leaders? Aren't most of them afraid to voice such opinions publicly? Is it possible to find the grave of a Muslim who "gave the last full measure" in service with the American military? Of course it is. But how is this person's sacrifice regarded by those who espouse the supremacy of Shari'a Law over Constitutional Law? Hateful? Yes, Islamic scholars and leaders respond hatefully in such situations? Was Carson's response hateful or was it realistic?

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 25 at 2015 11:00 AM

2015-09-25T11:00:37-04:00

I don't think I have ever met a "Radical" Sufi Muslim.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Sep 25 at 2015 11:09 AM

2015-09-25T11:09:35-04:00

Senator Harry Reid is well known to manipulate anything that benefits Harry Reid or the DNC. He has been caught lying on the senate floor making accusations that could not be verified, but the statement was out there and you know once something is public its hard to correct regardless of fact checks. So, this was just another Harry Reid stunt attempting to vilify a GOP candidate who obviously did not articulate himself as well as he should have.

With all that being said, it will be an interesting question when we have a Muslim-American run for president. Look back in time with a similar question with President Kennedy about being Catholic.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Sep 25 at 2015 11:16 AM

2015-09-25T11:16:12-04:00

If he did, or say what the self-acknowledged liar on the Senate floor said, I would agree. He is pandering and still lying to achieve a goal. And the administration appreciates his dishonesty. Thank you, Dirty Harry!

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 25 at 2015 11:21 AM

2015-09-25T11:21:50-04:00

I did Security at the Marine Corps Ball at the Overland Park Sheraton a few years ago and the most loved and decorated one I saw with that crew was a Muslim 2nd Class Corpsman. He did have a problem handling his booze but he straightened right up when I busted his chops.

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2015 2:30 PM

2015-09-25T14:30:25-04:00

I think it's terrible that we are lumping all of one culture into the group of people that are tearing that culture apart. I deployed with Muslims, I even deployed with people that had escaped the middle east and they decided to help the US take back their country through services like interpreter.
But I agree with 1SGT Healy, that this is just one of those political moves made by both parties to get one up on the other. While I agree with Senator Reid's message of standing beside our Muslim Culture, I'm not going to get sucked into the games. We can vote on the winner at the polls.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Sep 25 at 2015 2:31 PM

2015-09-25T14:31:44-04:00

SFC Joseph Weber I think it's completely disrespectful of Reid to use this image to make his point, and I wish you yourself SFC had not. That man deserves all the same respect that his Christian/Jewish/other denominations next to him deserve, and I don't see anyone plastering them on the internet.

As for Carson's comments, I don't agree with them, and if I considered myself of either broke-dick party -- because honestly if you think Dems are any better than you're blind, foolish, or both )-- and I don't, I'd be Republican. So there's you're denouncement of his remarks. I, however, will not write off any man for a single viewpoint that I don't hold. Unlike self-styled far right or left Dems or Republicans.

Response by SSG John Erny made Sep 25 at 2015 3:21 PM

2015-09-25T15:21:00-04:00

More of the same, mud throwing back and forth between the two parties, yawn. Harry Reid is the last person they should have picked to speak on the subject though. By his metric many Americans would meet his definition of a "Domestic Terrorist."

If asked the same question on 9/12/03 many people would have said the same thing or worse.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2015 3:27 PM

2015-09-25T15:27:09-04:00

I totally support and agree with the honorable Ben Carson. Good for him.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Sep 25 at 2015 6:22 PM

2015-09-25T18:22:09-04:00

I know change the subject. They couldn't get Gloria Allred to find an affair to make him drop out of the race. It got rid of Herman Cain. Hey open got sealed devorce records of his compition but into a commercial. He had to drop out of the race. I don't care what Keith Ellison or CAIR think. Islam is a political system despised as a religion. Muslims do not build America. Our first experience with Muslims when they high jacked our ships and took our citizens hostage and held them for ransom.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2015 12:53 AM

2015-09-26T00:53:27-04:00

Reid is spot-on in that assessment. What hasn't been pointed out is that while sharia is incompatible with the Constitution, so are the Ten Commandments.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2015 1:38 AM

2015-09-26T01:38:06-04:00

Harry Reid is a 5'6" penis!!!

Response by SPC Neil Hood made Sep 26 at 2015 10:57 AM

2015-09-26T10:57:40-04:00

Despite the blanket statements of pundits this soldiers deeds can never be wiped away. He honored the United States and yes, he was a Muslim.

Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made Sep 26 at 2015 6:52 PM

2015-09-26T18:52:26-04:00

This Harry Reid?
http://www.judicialwatch.org/blog/2015/03/corruption-scandals-led-to-harry-reids-abrupt-retirement/

Corruption Scandals Led to Harry Reid’s Abrupt “Retirement” - Judicial Watch

You’d never know it from the mainstream media puff pieces of Harry Reid’s sudden retirement, but it was a long string of corruption scandals—including a recent one involving his attorney son—that drove the veteran Nevada senator to abruptly leave public office. For nearly a decade Judicial Watch has investigated and exposed Reid’s involvement in aRead the full post

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2015 7:45 PM

2015-09-26T19:45:31-04:00

I think you're misrepresenting Ben Carson's comments without any second thought of how dishonest your post truly is.

But, it's all good... It fits the narrative.

Response by PO3 Jason Hoberg made Sep 27 at 2015 3:31 PM

2015-09-27T15:31:37-04:00

Unfortunately the acts of one do not represent a whole. Just like the acts of a few do not represent a nation. Yes there are Muslims here that whis to have the US under there laws, which include the persecution of anyone not following there laws, but there are aslo those Muslims here that what to be left alone amd live the way they want to just like the rest of the majority of the US population.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Sep 28 at 2015 9:41 AM

2015-09-28T09:41:30-04:00

SFC Joseph Weber The Honorable Senator Reid is again bloviating. Speaking of hateful rhetoric, I noted a significant amount in his retort to Dr. Carson's comment, but just before saying this, Dr. Carson quantified that as long as the person denounced Sharia law and would put the country's needs ahead of his own beliefs then he would be OK with them running (paraphrased). Total disclosure should be in any response so that it at least attempts to be fair, transparent, and unbiased. I do not believe the Honorable Senator Reid is capable of such commentary.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 3:02 PM

2015-09-28T15:02:27-04:00

I think in this video, Dr. Carson does an excellent job of exposing the misrepresentation of what he said, and puts to rest the accusations about "if he had said this about Christians". Having watched the full interview, I also wondered why it was that the entire context of what was said was continually left out of the coverage (not really, because I understand as a leading Republican candidate, the media will jump on whatever opportunity they can find to vilify him). It amazes me those coming out and calling his statements unconstitutional, as if he said that a Muslim should be barred from running for president.

Direct quote, directly prior to his soundbite everyone has heard,
CHUCK TODD:
"Let me wrap this up by finally dealing with what's been going on, Donald Trump, and a deal with a questioner that claimed that the president was Muslim. Let me ask you the question this way: Should a President's faith matter? Should your faith matter to voters?"

DR. BEN CARSON:
"Well, I guess it depends on what that faith is. If it's inconsistent with the values and principles of America, then of course it should matter. But if it fits within the realm of America and consistent with the constitution, no problem."

Directly following the soundbite:

"...but it depends on who that Muslim is and what their policies are, just as it depends on what anybody else says, you know. And, you know, if there's somebody who's of any faith, but they say things, and their life has been consistent with things that will elevate this nation and make it possible for everybody to succeed, and bring peace and harmony, then I'm with them."

Instead of reporting this, they report "Dr. Carson says a Muslim cannot be President" and then claim he's backpedaling when he states exactly what he said all along.

http://cnn.it/1OO99pv

Carson: I can support a Muslim who denounces Sharia law - CNNPolitics.com

Ben Carson said Monday he could indeed support a Muslim for president -- despite words to the contrary on Sunday -- should they pledge fealty to the Constitution.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 5:39 PM

2015-09-28T17:39:52-04:00

This has nothing to do with Islam, it's a discrediting play among parties. I hate the DNC either way and what they're doing.