Guns vs. Values: Ben Carson and President Obama disagree on reason for South Carolina church shootings
NEW YORK, NY (Christian Examiner) -- Hours after President Barack Obama declared that easily-available guns were partly responsible for nine deaths caused by a mass shooting at Charleston, South Carolina's Emanuel AME Church, Republican Presidential Candidate Ben Carson disagreed with the President in an appearance on FOX News' "The Kelly File."
"The heart of the matter is not guns. The heart of the matter is the heart -- the heart and soul of people," Carson informed host Megyn Kelly.
The America I know and love has fought evil all over the world to protect evil's victims. At home we must dedicate ourselves to not hating anyone based on their politics.
Stating his theory that alleged shooter Dylann Roof did not become a homicidal "maniac," overnight, Carson went on to discuss the possibility of something in Roof's background that led to his behavior.
"One of the things I think we really need to start concentrating on in this country is once again instilling the right kind of values particularly in our young people. You know, we're so busy giving away all of our values and principles for the sake of political correctness, that we have people floating around out there with no solid foundation of beliefs," Carson stated.
On his own Facebook page, Carson emphasized the importance of racial progress and unity:
"In my lifetime I have seen such great progress. Though racial based hate is still very much alive as last night so violently reminded us.
"But I worry about a new hate that is growing in our great nation. I fear our intolerance of one another is the new battle ground of evil. Today many feel it is ok to hate someone who thinks differently than you do.
"The left hates the right. The right hates the left. This attitude is poison. Poison that will sicken all of us.
"Just because someone is for Obamacare and another is against doesn't change the fact we are all brothers and sisters. All Americans.
"As a brain surgeon I can assure you that all of our brains look the same, no matter what our skin color or party affiliation.
"The America I know and love has fought evil all over the world to protect evil's victims. At home we must dedicate ourselves to not hating anyone based on their politics.
"Our leaders have walked our country down this path and it is up to us to change course.
"Please join me in praying for those who lost their lives last night. Please join me in praying for comfort for their families. Please join me in praying for our great nation, that we may heal ourselves before it is too late."