Potential GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain, in Palm Beach, elaborates on Muslim remarks

Herman Cain signing copies of his book "They Think You're Stupid" at the Beach Club in Palm Beach

PALM BEACH — While a “Who’s Afraid of Islamic Law?” conference was going on about 75 miles south at the University of Miami today, potential Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain defended his recent statement in Iowa that he wouldn’t appoint Muslims to cabinet posts because of his concerns about Islamic sharia law.

“I have this bad habit of telling the truth and speaking my mind. Political correctness isn’t exactly on my agenda,” said Cain. The conservative businessman and former radio host, who has opened a presidential exploratory committee, spoke to a luncheon audience of about 50 at the Beach Club.

“I want people in my administration that are 100 percent dedicated to the constitution of the United States of America, not sharia law,” Cain said of his Iowa remark, which he said came in response to a reporter’s question.


“We have a First Amendment. They (Muslims) have every right to practice their religion, freely. Don’t try to force it on us and the rest of us and don’t bring sharia law into American courts. Its real simple — American law in American courts. That’s the way it ought to be.”

In a brief interview afterward, Cain was asked if he believes a Muslim can be loyal to the constitution.
“They could be,” Cain said. “But I haven’t done any surveys to find out how many Muslims are loyal to the constitution. But I don’t know any Muslims who will subvert sharia law for our laws. That’s the problem I have. And I don’t have time to do the research to find out. I’d have a country to run.”

by George Bennett