‘Chuck, You Need to Calm Down’: Kasich Explains Plan for Judeo-Christian Department
Republican presidential candidate John Kasich on Sunday morning explained his plan to establish a federal department for the promotion of Judeo-Christian values worldwide, telling Meet the Press host Chuck Todd that “western ethic” and “western civilization” are both “under attack.”
Todd asked Kasich if such a plan could be considered “anti-Islam,” to which Kasich responded with a laugh, “Chuck, you need to calm down.” The western ethic, according to Kasich, includes a right to life, gender equality, freedom of religion, respect for education and science — not necessarily “going to church.” He also said he has invited feedback from moderate Muslims.
“We can win the battle of bullets — I have no doubt about that,” Kasich said. “But we also have to engage in the battle of ideas when we have many people — including many young people — looking for meaning in life somewhere other than in western civilization.”
Kasich also expressed satisfaction that moderate Muslims are condemning the Paris attacks and the fact that their religion has been “hijacked.” He reiterated that the idea is not to force people to attend church, but rather to represent “who we are” as westerners.
Pressed by Todd if he is essentially promoting a war between civilizations, Kasich said the goal is to work together to disprove the ideology that is fueling ISIS militants.
Kasich ultimately called for a multi-nation coalition including Jordan and Saudi Arabia to fight ISIS and protect civilians so that they are not forced to leave their countries of origin to become refugees.
Watch the video above, via NBC.
[Image via screengrab]
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