Ben Carson criticizes Hillary Clinton for link to activist Saul Alinsky

CLEVELAND, July 19 (UPI) -- Former presidential candidate Ben Carson criticized Hillary Clinton for her support for author and political activist Saul Alinsky, who mentioned Lucifer on the dedication page of his most famous book, Rules for Radicals.

Carson, who was popular among the evangelical wing of the Republican Party, offered harsh criticism for Clinton at the GOP convention for admiring a writer and activist who mentioned Lucifer on his 1971 book's dedication page.

"One of the things that I have learned about Hillary Clinton is one of her heroes, her mentors, was Saul Alinsky. Her senior thesis was about Saul Alinsky This was someone that she greatly admired and that affected all her her philosophies subsequently," Carson said.

Carson pointed out the dedication page of Rules for Radicals includes mention of "Lucifer, the original radical who gained his own kingdom." Alinsky's book also has epigraphs quoting Thomas Paine and Rabbi Hillel.

The Lucifer epigraph in full, from a full online copy of Rules for Radicals: "Lest we forget at least an over-the-shoulder acknowledgment to the very first radical: from all our legends, mythology, and history (and who is to know where mythology leaves off and history begins — or which is which), the first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom — Lucifer. "

The book is actually dedicated to Alinsky's wife, Irene, and four editorial assistants and editors.

Carson criticized Clinton for her link to the activist.

"This is a nation where every coin in our pocket and every bill in our wallet says In God We Trust," Carson said. "Are we willing to elect someone as president who has someone as her role model someone who acknowledges Lucifer?"

In Clinton's 2003 memoir, and in her thesis, she does not describe Alinsky as a mentor or hero. She expresses support for some of Alinsky's ideas but diverges from his belief that social change is only possible through outside agitation.

In her memoir, she describes Alinsky as a "colorful and controversial figure who managed to offend almost everyone during his long career."