A prescription for what ails America

When a patron became ill during the 19th century live theater performances, someone would yell, "Is there a doctor in the house?" Live theater was popular entertainment in the 1860's as America remained strongly divided due to slavery. The healing of this slavery-driven division was accelerated when Abraham Lincoln became president.

Lincoln said, "Our government rests in public opinion. Whoever can change public opinion can change the government. Public opinion always has a central idea." The central idea then was the division caused by slavery. Lincoln's marshaling of public opinion against slavery highlighted by 1863's Emancipation Proclamation expedited its eventual elimination.

Problems dividing America today are far more numerous than those of the 19th century. Politicians are marked by intransient divisions and an irrational reluctance to seek common sense solutions. Public apathy toward most elected politicians is disheartening. Public opinion polls reveal unhealthy distrust of political establishments in general. The "can do" spirit characterizing America as an exceptional nation suffers increasing malaise. I ask, therefore, "Is there a doctor in the house?"

Yes, there is! His name is Dr. Ben Carson. Carson's moving life story, common sense approach to problem solving and noteworthy success as a pediatric neurosurgeon attracted half-a-million citizens petitioning him to run as a 2016 presidential candidate. Carson heard the voices of his fellow Americans and announced his candidacy on May 4. Vote so that President Carson's positive influence on public opinion will heal America's divisions.

Learn more about Carson for President. Visit www.2016committee.org.