Carson tells Kingsport audience, 'Courage is what we need in America'

KINGSPORT — It was standing room only Tuesday evening for “America the Beautiful: Rediscovering What Made this Nation Great,” a presentation by world- renowned neurosurgeon and best-selling author Dr. Benjamin S. Carson.

“The bottom line is courage,” Carson said at one point. “Courage is what we need in America today.”

Based on his recent book, Carson’s presentation — free and open to the public at Eastman’s Toy F. Reid Employee Center — was sponsored by Eastman Chemical Co. in commemoration of Black History Month.

“It is our privilege to host Dr. Carson here in the Tri-Cities region,” Etta Clark, ECC vice president of public affairs and policy, said before the presentation. “Dr. Carson’s story is inspirational, and his personal and professional accomplishments are remarkable. We look forward to hearing his insights on the fundamental beliefs that have shaped our nation.”

Carson’s hour-long talk focused largely on individual responsibility, education, and working hard to make your dreams a reality.

He strode across the 60 ‘ stage, from side to side. He never ceased his delivery as he made eye contact with the audience. Occasionally he would go to the podium, but not behind, in front. He would casually lean against it, on one foot, with the other cocked casually in front.

It was hearing Free Republicisms dispersed within his resume. He is not Sarah, but his message is much the same. He was selling himself in his rather soft unexcitable voice. He speaks of being a kid and then inserts a political knife so swift and deft his target might miss it until the twist that kills. Dr Carson was verbally astute but deadly.

For those that came to hear a typical black history speech there was disappointment. What they heard was the story of a black boy raised from poverty by self determination and hard work with solid Judaeo Christian values and a determination to renew the America now being destroyed.

He told of the wildlife in his Detroit project apartment……. The rats, the roaches. When eating Raisin bran, they had to be sure the brown things were actually raisins. He noted that the Kellogg Co on whose board he serves might not appreciate that little tale. He spoke of his conversations with CEO’s. He spoke of his discussion with the CEO of Intel who was could not find enough young Americans with the education to staff his company. He spoke of the terrible lack of math and science. The kids seem to like math and science in second grade but by grade 6, that was gone…… forever.

We arrived an hour and 15 minutes early to assure seating. The auditorium was already half full and by one hour before show time, three quarters full. Eastman then put the excess into their training class rooms where they piped in the video. During the speech, there was much applause and standing applause.

The manner and style of the man is amazing. His diction, sentence structure are flawless. There were no notes, no teleprompter, no uh, uhs. Just a steady stream of background that suddenly becomes a devastating political point.

After the speech, he answered questions. He laid out in detail his plan for replacing Obamacare with a real health care system. The house came alive with standing ovation and hoots and cries when he was asked if he would run for President. He carefully and thoughtfully replied with a broad smile, “I gets that question a lot”. He hopes some candidate will catch fire and it will not be necessary, but as ’16 rolls around he will seek God’s guidance on the matter.

The best of the best of the brain surgeons is a real politician. He has my vote if he runs

There is no street slang in his speech, not one iota

Good. I am very attuned to speech style. I have been hammered here when I opine that Bachmann and Palin could do with some voice coaching.

I appreciated what you reported about diction and sentence structure. I am not sure how that impacts in the Political World, but it does go to the "gravitas" thing.

Is he a potential President? What I would like to see happen is some "back room deals" so that we get a conservative announcing with endorsements and alliances already made. Carson announces with Palin and Cruz on the platform. Carson gets the nomination, picks Sarah as Veep and Cruz stays in the Senate and becomes Majority Leader.

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