Registering a fresh entry in a rapidly growing collection of controversial statements, Republican presidential hopeful Ben Carson suggested the Holocaust could have been prevented, or at least diminished in scope, had the Jews in 1930s Germany had access to guns.
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Nevermind that Germany’s strict gun laws date to 1919, were the result of the Treaty of Versailles, predated the rise of Hitler, and were actually loosened under Hitler’s reign.
“I think the likelihood of Hitler being able to accomplish his goals would have been greatly diminished if the people had been armed”, Carson answered. The 64-year-old was asked by the interviewer to clarify his stance on gun control after he wrote in his book, A More ideal Union, that German citizens were “disarmed by their government in the late 1930s”, making it much easier for Hitler to carry out his mission. “There’s a reason these dictatorial people take the guns first”.
In response, the Anti-Defamation League issued a statement: “Ben Carson has a right to his views on gun control, but the notion that Hitler’s gun-control policy contributed to the Holocaust is historically inaccurate”.
“If there had been no gun control in Europe at that time, would 6 million Jews have been slaughtered?”
“I have had a gun held on me when I was in a Popeye’s organization…Guy comes in, put the gun in my ribs”.
‘I would say “Hey guys, everybody attack him”.
When asked to explain his opinions about the event, at various points Carson has appeared insensitive, even laughing at interview questions. “You’ve got a insane person who’s shooting people and is clearly going to continue to do that versus somebody who’s coming in to try to get a little bit of cash”, Carson said.
Running for president isn’t exactly brain surgery, but Carson probably wishes it was.
Carson said Thursday the two situations were “different”.
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He also claimed that school teachers needed to be trained in the use of firearms, adding: ‘If the teacher was trained in the use of that weapon and had access to it, I would be much more comfortable if they had one if they didn’t’. I want people in America to be willing to stand up for what they believe in’.
