Demonstrating that bigotry is a central ideological platform for Republican presidential candidates, Ben Carson this morning stated on Meet the Press that Muslims are unfit to lead the United States.
"I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that."
He also stated that Islam was incompatible with the Constitution, casting all practicing Muslims as 'others' who stand opposed to American rule of law.
His disgusting comments come days after Donald Trump seemed to agree with a questioner in New Hampshire who suggested the United States get rid of all Muslims.
Such bigotry and hatred has, within the political sphere, become a partisan issue, something which is clearly distinguishing Democrats and Republicans. This was made crystal clear when Ahmed Mohamed, the 14-year-old Texas boy who was arrested for bringing a clock to school, was immediately supported by President Obama, Hillary Clinton, and others within the Democratic leadership. He was also denigrated as a terrorist by the likes of Sarah Palin, while Bobby Jindal rejected any notion that bigotry led to the boy's arrest.
In post 9/11 America, Islamophobia has grown to be so normative that presidential candidates are now leaning upon it for votes. It's no coincidence that Trump and Carson, two of this bigotry's leading practitioners, are leading many GOP polls.
As the struggle for dignity and equality continues for black and brown Americans in this country, a central front has been created on the national stage.
How we respond will determine our trajectory, one which I hope will bend toward justice and inclusiveness, the path which sadly is in many ways a partisan one.
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David Harris-Gershon is author of the memoir What Do You Buy the Children of the Terrorist Who Tried to Kill Your Wife?, recently published by Oneworld Publications.