Having reviewed former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Dr. Ben Carson’s contributions to the American Cornerstone Institute and Little Patriots websites (he is featured prominently in both), there is little doubt in my mind that Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt made the right decision in not scheduling an opportunity for Carson to speak at an Anchorage public school. The only alternative would have been to secure Carson’s promise that his commentary — in his presence — could be fully questioned and rebutted if or when it got off track.
Carson’s history of bizarre and dangerous comments on myriad topics suggests his inability to avoid insensitive remarks on subjects for which he knows very little. A full-on debate would have resulted in extreme awkwardness, certainly depending upon the maturity of the audience.
I can’t imagine, for example, elementary students digesting or understanding this potential exchange of ideas.
— Rep. Andrew Josephson
Anchorage
Have something on your mind? Send to letters@adn.com or click here to submit via any web browser. Letters under 200 words have the best chance of being published. Writers should disclose any personal or professional connections with the subjects of their letters. Letters are edited for accuracy, clarity and length.