The was a point earlier this year where the Republicans had lots of interesting options with which to upset Hillary Clinton's coronation campaign. For example Rick Perry's second run would've been interesting. But now the fun horse-race has become more of a train-wreck for the Republicans. I've already blogged about Donald Trump and the way he represents the naked hypocrisy of the new paganism. What I find confusing about Ben Carson is his ignorance of philosophy and culture. Perhaps because he is an accomplished medical doctor and a relaxed communicator compared to Trump, people overlook this trait? Shortly after the Paris attacks he remarked “... hopefully, we already have a database on every citizen who is already here. If we don’t, we are doing a very poor job.” Hasn't he read 1984, does he really believe legitimising extensive government surveillance is a good thing? Carson's a smart guy; why doesn't he publicly debate the nuances of Islamic theology instead? Maybe Carson has been so immersed in the narrow confines of first the medical institution and then the conservative speaking circuit that he hasn't taken the time to critically consider the role of government and the intricacies of Islamic ideology? His rags to riches story, conservative morals and quiet demeanour are compelling but I'm confused by comments like those above, if it's a throw away line, that contradicts his whole 'calm and thoughtful' style but if it's indicative of what he really thinks, it's very concerning.