GOP presidential hopeful Dr. Ben Carson already thinks the media treated him unfairly after they dug into his life and lies last week, but just wait until he speaks at the “States and Nation Policy Summit,” sponsored by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Dec. 4.
More than 1,000 right leaning ALEC members will attend SNPS, alongside members of the American City Council Exchange (ACCE), to hear Carson speak, just after he meets and greets ACCE members.
The ACCE meets alongside the SNPS in its winter and summer sessions to talk about the “balance of power between the federal and state governments.”
Carson Headlines ALEC Amid Controversy…
ALEC chose Carson, retired Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, to headline the winter meeting of the nation’s most extreme corporate-owned minds in spite of the recent controversies surrounding him.
A brief look at some of Carson’s lies embellishments:
- Carson said he had no connection to Mannatech. He not only lied, but still represents the company.
- Carson said West Point offered him a scholarship. The statement is misleading on a number of levels.
- Carson said he was a violent child who stabbed someone. At best, he “misrepresented” this statement and, at worst, he probably outright lied.
More recently, Carson said the biblical “Joseph” built the Egyptian pyramids to store grain, not mummies. Asked to clarify the statement, Carson said it again, adding that it’s in the bible. Science disagrees. however.
Although Carson says the media is being one-sided, the media counters that Carson’s life and statements will have to do since he has released few policy positions to vet. Even fellow GOP presidential contenders like former Governor Mike Huckabee (R-Ark.) agree.
…And Other Controversial Speakers
One of five ALEC summit keynote speakers, Carson is the only 2016 GOP presidential candidate, though not the only speaker embroiled in controversy. Governors Doug Ducey (R-Ariz.) and Paul LePage (R-Maine), former Senator Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), and author and president of the American Enterprise Institute, Arthur C. Brooks are also scheduled to appear.
Of the four other speakers, Gov. LePage is probably the most controversial. He faces potential impeachment after admitting he blackmailed a charter school to WMTV and MPBN reporters, and they got his admission on audio tape.
Carson’s Introduction To ALEC
Although it is unknown exactly when Carson was introduced to ALEC, having become the evangelical right’s golden boy that fateful morning of the National Prayer Breakfast of 2013, ALEC was sure to notice Carson eventually.
During the event, Carson spewed hateful rhetoric about President Obama and the ACA, and has pissed off garnered attention from almost every political and religious group in the world with his delusional interesting and, at times, pathological embellished fictional unique view of the world ever since.
Despite being a highly regarded doctor who has earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Carson routinely touts his controversial anti-vaxxer, anti-science views as the religious right eggs him on.
As a result, Carson is now just as outspoken as any other delusional right wing extremist.
Why Should You Care About ALEC Secrets?
ALEC calls itself a “non-partisan” organization, but summit-approved bills are often ultra-conservative, pro-business, pro wealthy, and sorely lacking in benefits for the average American citizen.
A non-profit organization, some lawmakers, non-partisan outlets, and other sources widely regard ALEC a “corporate bill mill.”
One ALEC member was once caught on video explaining exactly how ALEC-affiliated corporate heads buy legislators’ loyalty. ALEC routinely recruits corporate heads (non-members) who then court pets lawmakers (members).
Together, they create and vote on “model policy” that the lawmakers eventually introduce to their respective state houses as their own.
State Senator Nan Orrock (D-Ala.), former ALEC member, said corporate members and legislators have “equal standing” throughout the process.
She added via 11Alive that:
“‘They absolutely can vote, and truth be told, they write the bills,’ she answered, referring to the lobbyists.”
ALEC-affiliated lawmakers are oftentimes so wrapped around ALEC-affiliated corporations that the bills they enter into the public record reflect ALEC’s model policy language verbatim – copyright and all.
What Would An ALEC-Fueled Carson Bring?
Could anyone really imagine an ALEC-fueled Carson as the President of the United States?
Carson regularly touts his un-experienced, non-political, and (likely made up) violent, past as assets, and revels in his admirers’ glory during “I hate the establishment” stump speeches where he’s excelled at spewing rhetoric and hate, but refuses to attack opponents.
As a result, Carson regularly lands almost on equal footing in polling match-ups against fellow 2016 presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton (D-NY), according to real Clear Politics, though many are much less likely to see a Carson presidency as a good thing.
Problem is that Carson is just as deceitful, and just as big a hypocrite as any establishment candidate – not to mention delusional. His recent ties to ALEC tend to make Carson’s 2016 GOP candidacy look like just another run-of-the-mill establishment campaign to run for the “right to ruin America.”
Funny, though… For a man who claims he’s not an “establishment candidate” and “doesn’t want to be a politician,” Carson sure seems to have figured out how to play establishment political games – and fast.
