Conservatives have been preaching for years about the fact that people really didn’t know exactly where Obama stood on various issues when he was elected. It’s an important point, and needs to be addressed when it comes to potential Republican candidates, too.

Ben Carson has been mentioned many times in the context of 2016, and has won at least a few straw polls along the way. However, that’s largely been in the context of ObamaCare – a no-brainer, since he’s a doctor. But, where does he stand on other issues that are important to conservatives?

On the Second Amendment, conservatives may not be completely pleased about where Carson stands. Reaching back to March 1, 2013, he talked with Glenn Beck about where he stands on weapon ownership, particularly in big cities:

Students of history of the 1980’s (or people that actually remember those days) are familiar with the term “Détente.” Then, it was mentioned often in the context of the U.S. and the U.S.S.R., primarily in regard to the nuclear arms race. Essentially, neither side wanted to fall behind, because they would run the risk of being attacked as soon as one gained the upper hand. That’s something that could, and maybe should be happening in large cities today.

Conservatives have been pointing out for years that increased gun control laws in city centers do not work. It simply leaves law-abiding citizens at the mercy of criminals that get more weapons (and more powerful weapons), leaving no possibility of reaching “Détente.” Carson is of the opinion that semi-automatic weapons should not be in the hands of citizens in big cities. His logic is that they could be stolen, and end up in the hands of criminals. We’ve heard this argument from liberals many times, and it simply doesn’t wash. Yes, it’s possible that criminals will get weapons that way – and they do. However, if criminals “want” semi-automatic weapons, they don’t rely on the possibility of stealing them from law-abiding citizens. They simply acquire them the same way they acquire any other weapons – on the black market. However, if more citizens owned more powerful weapons in the cities, it stands to reason that the criminals would find it harder to victimize citizens. They would have to worry more about facing down weapons in the hands of their potential victims.

As for Carson, while he might be a good candidate for the presidency when it comes to dealing with the monstrosity that is ObamaCare, conservatives need to watch him on other issues. We don’t need a one-issue president. Maybe instead of backing Carson for the presidency, we need to back him as a Secretary of Health and Human Services under another Republican that is in agreement with more conservatives on more issues.

Image Credit: Gage Skidmore

Liz is the founder of Goldwater Gal Media, which operates Vigilant Liberty Radio, and a conservative community site "Real. Raw. Right."... Read more
189 comments
4qbud
4qbud

You might think that people would learn from their last two Presidential Elections that it's pretty STUPID to vote for someone just because they are a good orator. A Community Organizer is just one step down the Ladder from a Brain Surgeon when it comes to being President of the United States. Heck, I've spent a lifetime at my craft too, but don't believe it qualifies me to be President. Wake the F up people!

sidearm45
sidearm45

Carson has recently stated he changed his mind on issue of gun control particularly because of the threat of overreaching government. This article is designed to hurt his appeal to the conservative base. If you don't like Dr. Carson that is your privilege. But if you are going to use lies and half truths to discourage others from supporting him you are no better than Barack Obama. Gun control means hitting the target. If you think there isn't a sinister motive behind the attempt to disarm the public you are blissfully ignorant of history. The only people who ever benefited from gun control was tyrants. Why is gun control backed by almost all billionaires? If you think they care about your health one look at your paycheck should cure you of that belief. The one major obstacle to one world government is the American people. Why do they want your guns? Because you won't get into the box car willingly. For all of you who scoff at such an absurd belief I remind you the greatest cause of unnatural death is government. Government is responsible for four times as many deaths last century than all combat related deaths in all wars. Combat related deaths are not included in that statistic. A free people is never denied the use of arms. An enslaved one is.

Karen777
Karen777

Ben Carson said "a politician is focused on getting elected, a doctor focuses on fixing the problem." As others have said, Ben Carson is a wise man and this article is misleading regarding his position on the 2nd amendment!!! He understands this country and "We the People"!!! He would choose an excellent cabinet - people who were educated and experts in their fields who could all help "govern", not rubber stamp a political agenda. Dr. Carson is probably the best candidate to appeal to many and unite us back to what makes America great - our common values and foundations. CHECK this Article: http://cnsnews.com/news/article/michael-w-chapman/ben-carson-2nd-amendment-needed-case-gov-t-goes-rail

Allen Baldwin
Allen Baldwin

I see more reasons to respect and trust Ben Carson than not to. If I get the chance I will go with him.

Steve Watson
Steve Watson

I love Dr. Carson but I think he needs to get his facts straight. Judging from his response I think he is thinking of a semi-automatic weapon as a machine gun this is NOT true. A machine gun is an AUTOMATIC weapon. A semi-automatic weapon means one trigger pull - one bullet fired. Most rifles and pistols today are semi- automatic weapons. Very few "single shot" weapons still exist. IF he truly is thinking about semi-automatic weapons then he is anti almost all guns.

Colin
Colin

Just because he expresses reservations about automatic rifles in urban centers doesn't necessarily mean he will be a complete activist President about it. I heard Rand Paul say he's a traditionalist when it comes to marriage, but he believes the people should decide whats acceptable. I think Carson is the same way on this issue. Logical, solid moral foundation, but not an activist.

kumbayah
kumbayah

Our Founders wanted us to own the same arms as the militarty--in case we ever needed to overthrown a corrupt, tyrannical govt. So just because you personally don't like auto weapons...or pizza...or brown shoes makes no difference to the 2nd Amendment. Don't limit liberty and freedom.

Fall Falling Leaves
Fall Falling Leaves

I will have the privilege of voting for the very first time in the upcoming Presidential election. I have read Ben Carson's book America the Beautiful and even though I do disagree with his stance on gun control, being anti-ObamaCare isn't the only quality I see in Ben Carson. He has a vast knowledge of our nation's history and has a full understanding of the Founder's intent in terms of how our government is supposed to function. His stance on education is agreeable to Republicans. We cannot be completely satisfied by the opinions of a single candidate. I still think Ben Carson is a great choice for President even if it takes a little longer for our 2nd amendment rights to be fully regained.

Ray
Ray

I think Jeremiah said the most important thing in his first post, "people should read his books..." If you do, you may find out how passionate he is about upholding the constitution. By the way, I am a gun owner and have had a carry permit in 3 different states. Another thing that Dr. Carson stresses is the importance of an education enabling a person to make informed decisions and have meaningful discussions. I challenge everyone to read, "America the Beautiful." I think you may find that Dr Carson is the best potential candidate we have.

purplewings123
purplewings123

I agree with him. We want our protection, but we don't need ridiculous weapons that are designed for heavy murder. He respects the 2nd Amendment.......he only wants to tone down the potential for massive killings.

lawrence of bradenton
lawrence of bradenton

I agree with sensible views above..Dr. Carson is just that sensible views on everything. He is a man of faith in all the items of the constitution and a man of wisdom..we elected an non vetted non performing senator,and socialist part time professor and community organizer, who was a constitutional critic professor and radical socialist just to get rid of the stigma of never having a black president...Now elect a real american black president that has valid natural birth certificate of BOTH american parents.

sensibleviews
sensibleviews

Well, fully automatic weapons are generally not available to everyone except by special permit anyway. Dr. Carson has actually changed his position since this video (March of 2013) and he now is much more supportive of 2A with less restrictions and doesn't believe in the national registration which is pushed by the left.

http://www.ontheissues.org/2016/Ben_Carson_Gun_Control.htm

Lon
Lon

I remember when they banned the "Saturday Night Special" because it was suppose to be the gun of choice for criminal, and if we go rid of them crime would go down. Crime went up with home owners not being gable to inexpensively defending themselves. Now it is "automatic" weapons that they want to take away from us. Who is going to take them away from the criminals, The law isn't.

Chuck
Chuck

I can promise I will NOT vote for him.

ryan82994
ryan82994

I can understand what he's saying. Conservatives shouldn't be turned off of Carson because of this. He's saying gun control isn't the federal government's decision, now that's pretty conservative if you ask me. He has his own opinions, but if he was president he'd keep his nose out of it.

LARRY AUNGST
LARRY AUNGST

I actually heard Dr. Carson make that comment ! I would have stood with him 100% previously ,But that caused me to think about him as a PRESIDENT ! I would support him over the Democrat if he won the nomination,but would rather support a more well rounded experienced leader such as MITT ROMNEY !

Linda
Linda

Obviously this was posted either by a liberal or a RHiNO. Dr. Carson stated on Monday that after much consideration and deliberation he believes that Americans should not register their guns at all. Read the other conservative articles that are more up to date!

howardluckydaye
howardluckydaye

As an army combat vet , we were taught there are 3 reasons to use a weapon on full automatic ,#1 if you are trying to bring down an aircraft #2 supressive fire to keep the enemy pinned to the ground as in a flanking manuver #3 in a broken arrow situation in which your position is being over run by the enemy forces ..full auto refers to holding the trigger down and the weapon fires continuously until the magazine is empty or you release the trigger..semi automatic refers to a weapon that fires every time you squeeze the trigger resulting in one round fired with each trigger action as opposdd to a bolt action that you must activate to chamber a round , there is really no diff in a revolver and semi auto pistol except fot the number of rounds a magazine can hold on the semi auto pistol providing the revolver is a double action and not a single action that has to be cocked before each round is fired such as those revolvers used in the early wild west ..most people can not afford to shoot a full auto weapon because of the price of ammo an m16 can empty a 16 rd magazine in less than 3 seconds at a cost of 4.00 for 16 rounds

Robert
Robert

Joan your view about the SUV and who should own one is a Communist/Liberal view point. I will be glad to buy you one way tickets away from America.

John Credico
John Credico

If you read his other statements, Ben is referring to AK-47s in urban areas. His position is not unreasonable. He is also against gun registration for fear of confiscation. I think he is still a viable conservative candidate. Just as we don't want a one-issue candidate, we don't want to be one-issue citizens.

Robert Jackson
Robert Jackson

Carson has changed his position on guns and supports the Second Amendment so stuff this up your butt.

uglykidmoe
uglykidmoe

"Now a respected voice on the right, one that has previously been in favor of some gun control, has come out in staunch resistance to gun registration schemes. Dr. Ben Carson said he no longer believes in gun registration because America’s insane national debt could turn the nation into a third-world country under martial law, a situation in which law-abiding and good people will need to be armed for protection."

July 23, 2014 from an article at ConservativeTribune.com. sounds pretty conservative to me.

Midge Kirkpatrick
Midge Kirkpatrick

This is an OLD interview! He has since stated that he has reconsidered this. We need to be careful not to be manipulated by those who oppose him because they know he could win ove their mainstream candidates!

linda
linda

do your own research and find out for yourselves that Ben has said after due diligence that he would support the 2nd amendment without reservation. I find that there are a lot of "republicans" out there in high places that get scared when someone outside the "beltway" starts picking up votes. Just look at what happened in Mississippi when an "outsider" was gaining in the polls against an establishment insider.

joe shmo
joe shmo

Oh very sad, I would voted for Dr. Ben if He runs, but I simply can NOT vote for ANYONE who believes taking guns (whatever kind they may be) out of the hands of law abiding citizens makes ANY SENSE in todays world. I am of the opinion that law abiding Americans have the CONSTITUTIONAL right to protect themselves in any way THEY deem fit....Now If HE came out and just said ANYONE caught with a firearm that they can NOT legally have (criminal, underage, mental problems etc.etc) this would not have bothered me....so I will RESEARCH this STATEMENT more to see if Dr. Carson really said this statement. Go after the criminals first, and then WE can talk about "types" of weapons in the hands of LAW abiding Citizens. AND NOT BEFORE! MOLAN LABBE

Roberta Holland
Roberta Holland

Neither side is "fool-proof" but anyone who believes citizens should not be allowed to own guns should research Switzerland and Sweden and see how not having gun control has worked for them.

Patricia
Patricia

I have to think many of you did not watch the video. The article is somewhat misleading. Listen

Shelly Baker Chang
Shelly Baker Chang

Hey Ben take a good look at Chicago! The most strict gun laws in the country. You just list my vote!

Shelly Baker Chang
Shelly Baker Chang

All I want to know is where are all of the true conservitives? Protect our US constitution, we will keep our guns, close our borders and put people back to work. I would not think this candidate too difficult to find but evidently I would be wrong. Republican party candidates and this country are headed down hill fast! So sad.

Ken Brooks
Ken Brooks

By the time ACTUAL RUNNING STARTS... I WOULD HOPE that Mr. Carson WOULD AVAIL himself of the ACTUAL FACTS... and ADJUST his perspective... ACCORDINGLY... HISTORY and FBI/LEO STATISTICS... ARE not wrong AND should NOT be dismissed!!

Douglas Edward Parris
Douglas Edward Parris

That stance on guns will not wash with me. I cannot vote for a candidate who would limit an honest citizen from owning any kind of gun. What part of---SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED--is it they do not understand? So now I have to find another candidate to vote for who really believs in the constitution.

Cassie
Cassie

Dr Ben Carson's position on semi automatic weapons is not in alignment with the Second Amendment. This is a Republic! I am not concerned or threatened by an individual's defference to my individual rights. I am concerned when a politician aligns with those who think that a democracy is mob rules, the Constitution can be ignored when it doesn't fit ones' beliefs, and they can usurpe and corrupt Law by control of all branches of government, all supported through popular social chatter, ignorance or dishonesty of facts, and the bullying of patriots. If The Dr. Aligns with any of this whether by coincidence or choice, he will not be elected.

Ken Brooks
Ken Brooks

OOOPS... JUST LOST MY VOTE... apparently he isn't as smart as EVERYONE gives him credit for!

I ADD... MR CARSON... CHECK THE STATISTICS... MORE GUNS = LESS CRIME (LEGAL ownership)

Ken
Ken

I've heard he got a lot of feedback from this stance & has adjusted his views

Doug Nicholson
Doug Nicholson

Anyone who thinks Dr. Carson would make a good president should go to www.runbenrun.com and sign the petition encouraging him to do so.

You may also enjoy watching the biographical movie, "Gifted Hands - The Ben Carson Story", starring Cuba Gooding, Jr. as Dr. Carson. It is available on YouTube.

Ray
Ray

I was Liking Ben pretty good til I saw This.. Cant go for anyone Thats Anti Gun in any way.... Second Amendment all the way... We The People...

Mark
Mark

The Second Ammendment of the Constitution only acknowledges a natural, or God given right to bear arms for personal, or National defense. Changing the Constitution of The United States will not change my natural rights. The amendment only spells out one right our government, either today, or in the future can not deny us as a free society. It is the keystone to all other rights we have, and we must defend them ALL, if we agree with them or not.

Borzoi queen
Borzoi queen

He said it would be a >local< issue so that leaves him out of the decision. If you wouldn't vote for him because of this one statement YOU are voting on one issue aren't you? And a week or so ago he was interviewed on a TX radio station and set the record straight in no uncertain terms that he totally supports the 2nd Amendment.

Ken Regester
Ken Regester

If the 2nd Amendment only applies to single shot weapons then the 1st only applies to quill & ink, manually operated presses or typewriters.

The first set of Amendments apply to the people as individuals they are not group rights.

The current mind set is to limit possession and use of 'scary or ugly' weapons. It is reinforced by popular media that regurgitates whatever popular drivel they are fed.

Joe Edgington
Joe Edgington

I like the idea that Dr Carson is not a fully formed idealogue. I don't know his exact position on every issue but I do like the way his mind works. I certainly find myself on his side of most issues which is more than I can say about any Democrat.

Charlene Wilkens Gunther
Charlene Wilkens Gunther

I would vote for Dr Ben Carson in a heart beat. Why? He will study up on every aspect of the position he goes for and knows more than any of you do. I've read what he wrote and believe me if something doesn't work you are crazy to think he wouldn't change to what will, and he will know why etc. If people can put babies in his hands he dadgum knows what he can or cannot do and he will tell you why.

James Rogers
James Rogers

The right of citizens to own weapons was written because Thomas Jefferson and the writers of the Constitution considered the day that an oppressive government may have to be over thrown by the citizens of these United States. Even though the military is strong enough to prevent that in these days there's still a possibility of an uprising. The government now fears the people now and that's the primary reason for arming Homeland Security and the FBI as well as certain other Bureaus in Washington and trying to control who can own weapons. California just passed a gun confiscation law. Australia has disarmed it's people and destroyed thousands of not hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of collectible weapons. Believe me or not but the One World Government idea that is being kicked around by the elitists wants a disarmed or dead population to control. They want to resistance from anyone. While they are quick to condemn an occasional killing by an angry deranged person, they do very little to curb the massive rate of crime in larger cities, Chicago being one of the. It has been proven that gun control doesn't work.. Place where concealed permits are allowed has a much lower crime rate than where guns are forbidden. Check out the FBI statistics on this statement.

Joe Edgington
Joe Edgington

I am interested in exploring his idea of local rules. Growing up in the fifties and sixties I remember watching all the western movies and TV shows where certain towns restricted bringing guns into town. Cowboys coming in from a cattle drive were told to turn in their guns and they were returned on departing. No one expressed a fear that their 2nd amendment rights were in danger. With this said, I do have concerns that the government cannot be trusted to respect the constitution. Maybe I just long for a simpler time.

lisacolorado
lisacolorado

He stated a position and gave his reasons. This does not call for denigration of his views. Didn't make a grand philosophical statement meant to resolve the matter once and for all, nor show that he thinks we're all in need of community organizing. He's got to get more people listening, so it's good for him to speak other languages besides gung-ho rhetoric.

robin
robin

notice that his answer was more concentrated on local control, if any. It doesn't appear to be a big issue for him. He answered Glens question but I would never discount his leadership based on that answer. We are pro gun family and that answer was not a threat to our freedoms. If you have listened to a majority of what he has written and spoken of you will know he believes the government should not infringe on freedom, especially the federal govt.

Fall Falling Leaves
Fall Falling Leaves

I agree 100%. I read America the Beautiful and I was so completely overjoyed that someone in this country had some sense and I truly believe that he is the best candidate we have. By the way, the presidential elections of 2016 will be my first chance to vote. I will strive to be an informed voter.

Bud Flowers
Bud Flowers

You need to understand guns a bit more Jon Credico, first off there are already restrictions on fully auto guns which I still believe are unconstitutional,

but the normal AK47 in a gunstore is semi auto, it is a gun that can be used for protection, it is a fairly reliable gun and that is why it is so popular,

it can be shot by people of many statures, people get hung up on what a gun looks like, and use words like "reasonable" or "unreasonable" or even the word "need" , you may feel it is not needed but the constitution is not about how you feel, and I would add that many have been indoctrinated to accept gun control and that is one of the greatest reasons we need a pro gun president

, the damage to our country is not just policy but also that people have been indoctrinated and this includes the Dr whom I admire greatly.

But we have a huge mess to clean up, and unless I hear stronger language against gun control and perhaps language that shows he has been as educated about guns, gun rights and the like, I and many people like me will not vote for him.

We need a stronger "people" not a stronger government. saying that people need to lose their rights because they live in an urban environment scares me, because I realize it is not just you but many like you that think that way, and we have all been setup.

Ray
Ray

Well said. I don't say this because we happen to agree, but we are having an intelligent discussion, based on ideas that have come about from READING. We can and should be passionate about our views, however, we need to stop making "emotional" decisions. Read his book people!!! By the way, I am passionate concerning this next vote.

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