Approved by Congress

Although I got more respect for Ben Carson after reading this short e-book, I admit that I didn't like the e-book itself. The author, Tag Powell, uses strange sentences and expressions, and one gets the impression that English (or perhaps “high” English) isn't his native language. He also says surprisingly little about Carson's political program and almost nothing about his religious views! Presumably this is because of the biographical angle, but since Carson was running to become the GOP nominee, surely a biographical explanation of how he came to hold his current political views would have been in order? Ultimately, I will therefore only give “Who is Ben Carson?” two stars.

A more perfect Ron Paul?

I recently skimmed this material. Ben Carson was the only Black candidate in the Republican primaries. He recently suspended his campaign and endorsed unexpected frontrunner Donald Trump.

“A More Perfect Union” is an uneven book, part policy statement, part exegesis of the US Constitution. Carson's message is a mix of libertarianism and social conservatism. Ron Paul? He is clearly Christian, but the book doesn't reveal his denominational affiliation. Defense of gun rights, criticism of gay marriage and political correctness, more extensive powers to the states, lower taxes, and an isolationist foreign policy are some of the highlights. Carson's book is written in an easy-to-read style, contains frequent anecdotes and tends to play down his Christianity. Thus, he never compares the flat tax to Biblical tithing, something he actually did when campaigning for the Republican nomination. Still, astute readers might get the message when they realize that every chapter of the book starts with a Bible quote…

One thing “A More Perfect Union” doesn't contain is a specific Black angle. It's frankly weird to read a book by a Black candidate that is entirely color-blind! Nor does Carson discuss his "fringe" beliefs, which include Adventism, creationism and an interest in Mormon conspiracy theorist W Cleon Skousen. Instead, he quotes Ayn Rand!

I'm not sure why this Christian libertarian and strict constitutionalist decided to back “The Donald” for the nomination and the presidency. Perhaps he views Trump as the most anti-establishment candidate? While that is certainly true (in a sense), Trump is hardly a minimal government guy. He is more likely to rule through executive orders! “A More Perfect Union” does reveal that Carson is opposed to illegal immigration, and also to massive legal ditto. He wants to “pick the cream of the crop” and only allow immigrants who “contribute”. There is also a peculiar reference to the right of Congress to regulate foreign trade. Is Carson opposed to free trade? If so, his endorsement of Mr Big Man Swagger suddenly makes more sense!

That being said, I don't consider this book to be particularly interesting, unless you absolutely want to keep track of every Republican candidate in the fateful year 2016…