On 6/1/26, under the handle “People Over Politics” FB, a question was directed to Rep Andre Carson (D-CD7):
“Andre Carson I’ll host a show where you can discuss Islam with Micah Beckwith. When would you like to do it?” That question is offensive. 1/17

For those unaware of recent events in Indiana politics, Rep Carson has represented INCD7 since 2008 and is the only member of IN’s Congressional delegation who is of the Islamic faith. On the other hand, Micah Beckwith is IN Lt Gov. & last week, advocated hate: 2/17

“’I am going to call on others to hate it because I hate Islam,’ Beckwith said. ‘It is a death cult. Now, I love Muslims, because they make great Christians when Jesus gets a hold of them. But I hate Islam. And we need to be OK with hating again.’" [FN1] 3/17

Beckwith is GOP. Beckwith also has been a preacher at a church northof Indianapolis. He identifies as a “Christian nationalist.” [FN2] A coalition that included Jewish, Hindu & interfaith groups condemned Beckwith’s remarks. [FN3] 4/17

First, to “invite” Rep Carson to “discuss Islam” w/Beckwith smacks of calling someone out to defend his/her/their beliefs. Beckwith should be called to justify his hate-filled diatribes, and be exposed more fully as a bigot and an ignoramus. That’s important. 5/17

Second, Beckwith says Islam “is a cult, it’s not a religion.” [FN4] Actually, a “cult” is religious in nature: “Worship; reverential homage rendered to a divine being or beings.” [FN5] Beckwith said. “We do not like cults in America.” That’s not true. All beliefs are equal. 6/17

At North Carolina’s first ratification convention, opponents of the Constitution objected: there was no mention of a deity or religion. James Iredell, later one of the first SCOTUS justices & a devout Christian, replied that it is objected that the people of America might 7/17

“choose representatives who have no religion at all, and that pagans and Mahometans may be Admitted into offices. But how is it possible to exclude any set of men, without taking away that principle of religious freedom which we ourselves so warmly contend for?” [FN6] 8/17

Third, Beckwith slammed State Senator Spencer Deery (R-W. Lafayette) of being “weak” in criticizing Beckwith. [FN7] Beckwith, obviously, does not understand the courage it takes to oppose forces of ignorance and bigotry. Sen Deery should be applauded. 9/17

Fourth, if Rep Carson seriously considers the invitation extended by “People Over Politics,” I’d ask him to please get in line. Beckwith likes to shoot his mouth off and issue challenges to debate. I accepted Beckwith’s challenge a long time ago. I’m still waiting. 10/17

Finally, a series of question should be posed to Indiana GOP leadership. Has anyone determined how many “deep fake” videos are linked to the Lt Gov’s office or whether ghost employment has been established there? [FN8] Indiana’s Constitution addresses impeachment: 11/17

"All State officers shall, for crime, incapacity, or negligence, be liable to be removed from office, either by impeachment by the House of Representatives, to be tried by the Senate, or by a joint resolution of the General Assembly;...” [FN9] Beckwith’s approval ratings 12/17

in single digits [FN10] People should condemn the philosophy of hate Beckwith propounds. He’s a public figure and elected to public office. Also, truth is an absolute defense. And I approve of this blog. Hell, I wrote it. 13/17

Footnotes:
FN1. WDRB Louisville, “Indiana Lt. Gov. [] calls Islam a 'death cult,' says people 'need to be OK with hating again,” 5/29/26, accessed 5/31/26. 14/17

FN2. Sydney Byerly, “Indiana GOP Leaders Silent After Lt Gov Beckwith Says Americans ‘Need Permission to Hate Again,’” Indiana Citizen, 6/1/26, accessed 6/2/26. 15/17

FN3. Sydney Byerly, “Lt Gov Beckwith lambasts Jewish leaders for rejecting his call to hate Islam,” The Republic,” 6/1/26, accessed 6/2/26.
FN4. Id.
FN5. Oxford English Dictionary, 1971, compact ed., vol 1, p. 622.
FN6. 30 July 1788, Elliot 4:191–192. 16/17

FN7. Id., note 2.
FN8. “Grand jury investigating allegations of ghost employment, deepfake porn inside Micah Beckwith’s office,” FOX 59 News, 10/28/25, accessed 6/2/26.
FN9. Ind. Const. Art. VI, Sec 7.
FN10. Id., note 2. 17/17