Carson: 'Our strength is in our unity'

Last Wednesday, neurosurgeon and author Dr. Ben Carson told attendees at a National Press Club luncheon about his plan for America's healthcare. He talked about taxes. He talked about education. And he said that he does not intend to make a run for the presidency in 2016. 

"I have taken no steps toward such a thing," Carson told the crowd. "I do not wish that job upon anybody, including myself." 

Carson, who caused waves after speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast last year, spoke for roughly 20 minutes before answering questions that were submitted by members of the audience. His speech focused on the importance of education and common sense. "The founders of our nation said our freedom and our system of government is based upon a well-informed and educated populous," he said. "And if they ever become anything other than that, the nature of the country will change. Why? Because people will not have the wherewithal to analyze what they're hearing." 

Carson criticized President Barack Obama's healthcare plan, referring to it as "The Unaffordable Care Act," then offered a solution of his own. He said he would like for every American to have a Health Savings Account from the day they are born, and money would accumulate in a person's account throughout their life. Most medical expenses could be paid for with the money collected in a person's HSA, and money would be transferrable between members of the same family. "A key thing for me is to make sure that the most important thing you have, your healthcare, is in your own hands," Carson said. "How can you give away your most important asset to the government? Because if they can control your most important asset, then it's not long before they can control everything else." 

Partially because of his stance on the Affordable Care Act, Carson is referred to sometimes as a conservative and considered a Tea Party favorite. He told the press club that he is a registered Independent who doesn't consider himself to be conservative or liberal, but logical. He said that common sense should be present in both parties; that's why it's called common sense. 

Carson addressed the national debt of 17 and a half trillion dollars in his speech as well. He said that if the debt was to be paid back at the amount of one billion dollars per day, it would take 47 years to pay off. Carson also pointed out that the United States is able to borrow money because its dollar is the reserve currency of the world. "That's a status that usually goes to the number one economic power in the world, which we have been since the 1870s and will not be by the end of this year because of our incredibly sluggish growth," he said. 

Throughout his time at the press club, Carson stressed the need for unity among Americans. He denounced divisions based on partisanship, economic status, race and gender, and that while he is unsure of the plans God has for him, he said, "Right now, it's to continue to go around and try to wake our nation up and help the people to realize that our strength is in our unity."