SEE THE PRAYER BREAKFAST SPEECH THAT’S GRABBING HEADLINES:

 DOCTOR ATTACKS POLITICAL CORRECTNESS, NATIONAL DEBT IN FRONT OF OBAMA

- Billy Hallowell

• Dr. Benjamin Carson delivered a noteworthy National Prayer Breakfast keynote speech in President Barack Obama’s presence
• Carson attacked political correctness as a “dangerous” threat to free speech and encouraged Americans to boldly share their views
• The pediatric neurosurgeon also provided his theories about the national debt, deficits, taxation and health care, taking stances that were opposed to the president’s
• Obama watched intently as Carson spoke for more than 25 minutes

One of the more unique speeches delivered at this morning’s National Prayer Breakfast came from Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, a world-renowned pediatric neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Taking the stage before President Barack Obama’s faith-filled address, Carson spoke for more than 25 minutes, tackling issues ranging from education to personal responsibility. His keynote, while predicated upon the theme of Jesus Christ as his ultimate role model, also took a starkly political tone, advocating against some of the very policies the president has implemented.

Dr. Benjamin Carson receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush in 2008 (Photo Credit: AP)

At the beginning of his speech, Carson shared an intense disdain for political correctness. Without getting too specific on the issue front, he said that Americans should stop being afraid to speak up and defend their beliefs; he also encouraged people to respect the individuals they disagree with. Carson held little back, condemning political correctness as “a horrible thing” that is “dangerous,” as it hampers freedom of thought and expression.

“We’ve reached a point where people are actually afraid to talk about what they want to say, because somebody might be offended,” Carson said, noting the example of people refraining from saying “Merry Christmas.” “We’ve got to get over this sensitivity and it keeps people from saying what they really believe.”

Carson encouraged discussion about societal issues, also pointing out education as an essential conundrum the country needs to confront. He highlighted his own path from poverty to success, sharing very personal details about his parents and early family life and subsequently described the importance of helping students seeking to advance academically through his Carson Scholars Fund.

The speech took an interesting turn when the doctor cautioned that moral decay and fiscal irresponsibility can have dire consequences — even for powerful countries like America. Here, he became even more pointed and impassioned.

“I think particularly about ancient Rome. Very powerful — nobody could even challenge them militarily…they destroyed themselves from within,” Carson continued. “Moral decay. Fiscal irresponsibility.”

While he said America’s issues are dire, he was positive that the nation can fix its ways, as there are bright and innovative people who simply need to come together to address the problems at hand.

“And one of our big problems right now…our deficit is a big problem,” he said, as Obama watched him intently. ”Think about it — and our national debt — $16 and a half trillion dollars.”

To illustrate just how massive the debt is, Carson told the audience that if they counted one number per second, it would take them 507,000 years to get to the sum total. The doctor said that the massive fiscal blunder is something that the nation must contend with. From there, he moved on to taxation, seemingly taking a stance in direct opposition to Obama’s.

“What about our taxation system — so complex there is no one that can possibly comply with every jot and tittle,” he noted, going on to call for a simpler (i.e. flat tax) system. ”When I pick up my Bible, you know what I see — I see the fairest individual in the universe — God — and he’s given us a system. It’s called tithe.”

You can watch the entire, 26-minute speech below:

For more of the article go to: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/02/07/prayer-breakfast-speaker-praises-jesus-gets-political-calls-political-correctness-dangerous-hammers-fiscal-irresponsibility/

‘HERCULES’ ACTOR KEVIN SORBO BASHES HOLLYWOOD’S LIBERAL HYPOCRISY

AND RIPS OBAMA: ‘ONE OF THE WORST RECORDS’ IN AMERICAN HISTORY
- Billy Hallowell

Kevin Sorbo has had a fascinating and successful entertainment career. Perhaps best known for his lead television role in ”Hercules: The Legendary Journeys,” the actor has also been in a multitude of feature films, including “Soul Surfer” and “Prairie Fever,” among others. TheBlaze spoke with Sorbo this week to discuss his new movie, “Abel’s Field,” and to get his perspective on faith and the current political climate in America.

A unique individual, especially when juxtaposed against others in Hollywood, Sorbo is a Christian and, on the political front, he’s independently-minded. Rather than subscribing to Tinseltown’s leftist slant, his sociopolitical views are middle-of-the-road. Both of these attributes are rare in an industry that pushes Democratic politics, while embracing and touting less-than-conservative theological views.

Jim Baranski, CEO of National Stroke Association, left, is seen with stroke survivors, actor Kevin Sorbo and former CBS weatherman Mark McEwen at the National Stroke Association’s 2012 RAISE Awards on Friday Oct. 19, 2012, in Denver. Credit: Invision for National Stroke Assocation 

When TheBlaze asked about his faith, Sorbo was candid, saying that he’s considered himself a Christian all of his life. He was brought up going to church and recalled being in middle school when he truly understood the Bible’s message.

“We’re not perfect — I’ve gone through trials and errors,” he said, claiming that his faith has experienced both ”ebbs and flows.”

Considering Hollywood’s ideological slant, we asked Sorbo if it is difficult to be a believer there. His answer was intriguing, as the actor explained, in detail, the challenges he regularly faces. To begin, unlike other entertainers, despite a busy career, Sorbo doesn’t really consider himself a part of Hollywood.

“I kind of removed myself from Hollywood a long time ago. I’m not really good about going out to schmoozing fests,” he said. “It’s such a phony atmosphere. It’s hard to make true friends.”

He went on to say that he despises the “politics of Hollywood” and that the industry is all about people doing favors for one another. In Tinseltown ”yes…means maybe,” he told TheBlaze. But his critique didn’t end there. Extending beyond the ins and outs of the industry, the ideological affiliations and liberal nature of the entertainment sphere also frustrate the actor.

“Hollywood screams tolerance, but they’re the least tolerant people you’ll ever meet in your life,” he continued. “The hypocrisy just reeks in this town. Why can’t we all have a point of view?”

As for his own political affiliations, Sorbo is neither a Democrat nor a Republican. He describes himself as “a true independent” — one who has strong views against socialism and the path that Europe has taken (one he fears the U.S. might be on).

“I voted for Reagan. I voted for Clinton. I [select] who is honestly the best person at that time to run the country [and I] think there’s problems on both sides of the aisle,” he said, later adding, “I keep asking my far-left liberal friends to show me where socialism works — show me where socialism has ever been successful.”

Clearly, Sorbo isn’t one for mincing words, calling political correctness a habit that is “absolutely destroying this country.” As far as President Barack Obama goes, Sorbo believes he “has one of the worst records” this country has ever seen, despite being elected to a historic second term.

The actor is well aware of the fact that his views separate him from other entertainers. After all, he doesn’t consider himself a part of the establishment. Plus, Sorbo admitted to TheBlaze that he’s been blacklisted by those who disagree with his politics. Still, the actor notes that he gets along with people from all political standpoints and that he enjoys a good debate (throughout the interview, he made reference to the fact that he has liberal friends).

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