The soft-spoken Ben Carson, the subject of inspirational film “Gifted Hands”, announced on May 4, 2015 in Detroit that he was running for the Republican nomination for the 2016 presidential election. Currently behind frontrunner Donald Trump by a range of 5 – 10 points, Carson stands out from the rest of the candidates in that he has no background in either business or politics, but rather is a talented neurosurgeon. Many applaud his conservative views on social and political issues without the influence of the corruption they see inherent in politics and D.C., and see him as a more serene alternative to Trump.

Keep on reading for a quick overview on his ideas and beliefs:

Background: Benjamin Solomon “Ben” Carson, Sr. was born on September 18, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan. In “Gifted Hands,” Carson was depicted to have a wild temper in his youth, almost stabbing a friend in an argument. But after reading “Book of Proverbs,” he began applying the verses to his temper, and claims since then, has “never had another problem with temper.” Carson attended Yale University, and received a degree in a psychology. Carson graduated from Yale University, where he majored in psychology. He completed his residency in neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, and went on to become the director of pediatric neurosurgery there. As a surgeon, he successfully separated a pair of conjoined twins, and helped develop a technique for controlling brain seizures.

Foreign Policy: 

• Supported Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to Congress [denouncing Obama’s nuclear limitation deal with Iran] and believes we should back Israel.
• Believes that the U.S. must take a stronger leadership role in the world.
• Supports a foreign policy that is proactive in safeguarding our interests and not reactive to events unfolding around the globe that affect our security.
• Advocates for a stronger military and increasing funds for military spending, but believes we cannot afford insinuating ourselves into every conflict around the globe.

The Economy:

• Cut every agency spending by 10%, with no exceptions.
• Wants to decrease taxes on the corporations, claiming that high tax rates on the wealthy and on corporations causes highest national debt.
• Believes that progressive taxation on the rich is socialism, and with a proportional flat tax system, the IRS is unnecessary.
• Carson wants to get rid of dependency, calling that “true compassion.”

Domestic Issues:

• Okay with marijuana for medical use, but not for recreational use.
• Carson says that law-abiding citizens have right to guns without registration.
•  Calls vaccination “important,” unlike many other GOP candidates, denying the allegation that vaccinations leads to autism
• Believes that pathway to citizenship unfair to past & current immigrants.

Social Issues:

• Calls the thought of abortion for convenience “repugnant.”
• Claims that the if the government redefined marriage, the act would lead to a disastrous ending.
• Believes that our public education system has become a propaganda system.
• Wants to equip police with body cameras to avoid abuse by either party.

Quotes: 

“I think the likelihood of Hitler being able to accomplish his goals would have been greatly diminished if the people had been armed.”

“I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that.”

“A lot of people who go into prison straight and when they come out they’re gay, so did something happen while they were in there? Ask yourself that question.”

“Obamacare is really I think the worst thing that has happened in this nation since slavery.”

Muppet he most resembles: Dr. Bunsen Honeydew. I mean, they’re both doctors. The glasses and hair (or lack thereof) definitely fits the quiet and educated demeanor of Carson’s.

Sources from: politico.com & ontheissues.org