Misinterpreting Carson

The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.): Moments after Ben Carson called poverty “a state of mind,” much of the mainstream media and other foes of the Trump administration went hysterical. The director of Housing and Urban Development is callous toward the poor, we were told.

That is not what Carson said and not what he meant.

A more objective media culture would try to discern the wisdom of a man who overcame poverty and devoted his life to saving children and helping the poor. We are thankful and relieved that Carson has proved his love for helping the poor.

Impoverished minds, and gotcha-style journalists, will naturally portray Carson’s statement as a heartless jab that casts blame on those who suffer. Others will allow a successful philanthropist to share a big-picture, philosophical view of poverty and wealth. They will take it as a constructive message of respect, hope and inspiration – as Carson intended.