Romney to Give Speech on Mormon Faith
EmailABC News’ John Berman Reports: Mitt Romney will deliver the most anticipated speech of his presidential campaign. Entitled, "Faith in America," it will address his feelings about religion, and of course, his own religion.
Romney has served as a bishop on the Church of Latter Day saints. His Mormon faith is a frequent source of questions on the campaign trail.
In an official statement, campaign spokesman Kevin Madden said, "This speech is an opportunity for Governor Romney to share his views on religious liberty, the grand tradition religious tolerance has played in the progress of our nation and how the governor’s own faith would inform his Presidency if he were elected."
"Governor Romney understands that faith is an important issue to many Americans, and he personally feels this moment is the right moment for him to share his views with the nation."
The news comes the day that a poll from the Des Moines Register was released showing Romney trailing former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee in Iowa. Though Romney aides claim the timing of the announcement was coincidental, and the decision to make a speech was made last week.
For months, reporters have kicked around the idea of whether Romney would give a "JFK" speech on religion. In the 1960 presidential campaign, Kennedy told a Texas gathering ,"I am not the Catholic candidate for President. I am the Democratic Party’s candidate for President who happens also to be a Catholic. I do not speak for my church on public matters–and the church does not speak for me."
As recently as a few weeks ago, some staffers suggested it was not imminent, merely because there was "no need" to give it with Romney comfortably ahead in the polls in Iowa and New Hampshire.
Something has clearly changed.
Aides vehemently deny the decision to give the speech now is a direct response to Mike Huckabee’s rise in the polls in Iowa, with his direct appeal to evangelical voters. But it is clear that Huckabee’s commercial entitled “Believe,” in which he touts himself as a “Christian Leader,” has ruffled some feathers in Boston’s North End, where Romney’s campaign office is located.
The final decision to give the speech now, was the Governor’s alone, aides say.
Romney will give his speech in Texas as well, Thursday at the George H.W. Bush presidential library in College Station, Texas (although aides say the fact that Romney’s speech is in Texas like Kennedys is just a coincidence).
The former Massachusetts governor has no designated speech writer on staff, and for the most part writes his speeches himself. For this speech, designed to explain the role of his Mormon faith in his potential presidency, Romney has received a great deal of input from his staff, and while he might not have written every word himself, it is mostly a Mitt Romney production. He has been going over drafts regularly.
On background, Romney advisers said the decision to give a speech was a personal one, Romney felt "time has come to address the issue."
It doesn’t come without risks. Aides acknowledge that there is a "risk is that we focus on the Mormon faith, as opposed to focusing on a candidate who’s faith is an important part of who he is."
But aides say many people have been asking, including so many reporters, it just seemed important to explain his faith because, they say, "it is such an important part of who he is."
Polls show that Romney does face challenges when it comes to allaying voter’s concerns about his faith.
"Romney, more seriously, faces continued misgivings about his faith. A third of voters who lean Republicans (32 percent) describe themselves as "uncomfortable" with the idea of a Mormon president. That goes to 39 percent of evangelical white Protestants, a core GOP group. Twenty-five percent of evangelicals are "entirely" uncomfortable with a Mormon president."
And Romney trails Mike Huckabee among evangelicals in Iowa.
Romeny aides acknowledge the decision to make the speech is a big one. On adviser said, "we will all remember this."
Sen. DeMint: GOP Race Could Go Until Convention 
Obama Avoids Questions on Contraception Rule
The Republicans will eat this up. If I say I am a good christian, I am a good christian. Look at Dubya. Jesus talks to him. I wonder what Jesus says about all the innocent Iraqis murdered by Dubya’s regime. The only thing you can say for sure is that no one, from either party, could screw things up as bad as Bush.
Posted by: Big D | December 2, 2007, 5:42 pm 5:42 pm
While I think it is a speech that needs to be given I think his timing stinks; he should have waited until after he gets the nomination. Hopefully it will be a good enough speech to put the country at ease and show the country what kind of leader he will be. I feel he could be one of the greatest presidents of all time and unite our country in a way that hasn’t been felt since the 1940′s.
Posted by: Dennis | December 2, 2007, 7:05 pm 7:05 pm
I wonder if he wears those “garments” that devout Mormons are supposed to wear. If so, I’d certainly like to hear about the significance of the embroidery thereon. It will be interesting to see which of Mormonism’s seemingly odd rituals he will reveal.
Don’t know about the garments? Google it and see what you think!
Posted by: La Chatte | December 2, 2007, 7:28 pm 7:28 pm
I wonder what Jesus says about the thousands of innocent Americans who were murdered on 9/11.
Posted by: mydogisbrown | December 2, 2007, 8:20 pm 8:20 pm
Some people say that it doesn’t matter how a persons faith affects how they run a country. so why are so many people concerned about a Presidential canidates faith. The reality is that a canidates faith does impact their way of thinking. Therefore, the concern should be is their faith false or is it true.
Posted by: steve | December 2, 2007, 9:08 pm 9:08 pm
I don’t know the attraction to Mormonism. I think some are just born into it and thus don’t know anything else. From what I know of Mormonism, it isn’t even Christian as most Protestants or Catholics know Christianity. I read this article online about the differences in Mormonism and what makes it unusual. I put the url above.
Posted by: Kaylan | December 2, 2007, 9:13 pm 9:13 pm
Mitt Romney should select Tom Cruise as his running, because the Scientology Religion is as Whacked as the Mormon Religion.
Posted by: Sammy | December 2, 2007, 9:19 pm 9:19 pm
Wow, I didn’t realize how much false information there is still out there about Mormons. If you want the truth, check out THEIR website , and not someone else’s. Oh, and some things are sacred and private and won’t be revealed in Mitt’s speech. Learn some respect!
Posted by: gomitt | December 2, 2007, 9:34 pm 9:34 pm
Can’t wait to hear how I can become a “god” and rule over planets.
Posted by: Greg | December 2, 2007, 10:01 pm 10:01 pm
I think there are way too many judgemental people when it comes to religion. I do not think Romney has to say anything about his faith. He is not my candidate of choice either, but for heavens sake leave this poor man’s religion alone.
Posted by: Tess, California | December 2, 2007, 10:01 pm 10:01 pm
Since when do people go around asking each other what the significance is of their underwear? Does it really matter about boxers or briefs, panties or long johns, or garnments? It’s better than going all commando on us anyhow.
And they are Christians. The multiple marriage policy was made after thousands of them were killed in THE US. Some religious freedom. The practice is no longer in use. So try not mouthing off about things you have no idea about.
Posted by: N | December 2, 2007, 10:04 pm 10:04 pm
Strange that the Republicans make such a big deal about religion and nobody on the other side even notices that Harry Reid is a Mormon! Go figure. I wonder which party is really for religious freedom…
Posted by: Taylor | December 2, 2007, 10:19 pm 10:19 pm
Those who hate Romney because of his religion are not true Americans. The very fact that this is an issue is a stain on American history.
Posted by: Bill | December 2, 2007, 10:25 pm 10:25 pm
I am still awaiting CBS, NBC, and ABC to have Harry Reid on their program to discuss why he should step down as Senate leader, because he is a Mormon. A 4 year poll conducted and released by Gallup Friday shows 62% of Democrats, report themselves as mentally Ill. Great news for our country. 42% of republicans reported mental problems. Los Angles times prints statement that CNN is Corrupt and Incompentent lol… Sleep well America
Posted by: airmanc5 | December 2, 2007, 10:29 pm 10:29 pm
What’s up with this article? The editor has stated Romney’s religion incorrectly. He belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. “Mormon” is just a nickname of the church.
Look, I read the Bible regularly and have been to many churches. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is every bit as much “Christian” as a Catholic, Baptist, or Methodist church.
Posted by: Accounted4 | December 2, 2007, 10:49 pm 10:49 pm
The fact of the matter is, Governor Romney’s faith or religion will definitely affect how he rules; otherwise he is not of the faith he claims to be of. I pray that he will be true to ‘his faith’ and not deceive or trick anyone. People need to know exactly what they are voting for when they vote for Governor Romney or anyone else for that matter. So my question is, is his faith TRUTH or FALSEHOOD today??
Posted by: Huggy bear | December 2, 2007, 10:51 pm 10:51 pm
The settlers of this country came here for freedom of religion but our founding fathers began this country based on Christain principles. Mormanism is not a Christian religion like other protestant and catholic religions are. Jesus Christ is not their Lord and Savior. They do not belive in the trinity. I can not support a person with the belief that if they do enough good works during their life here on earth they will become a god to rule over some planet. Is this just something on his list of good works?
Posted by: clk | December 2, 2007, 10:55 pm 10:55 pm
Romney has made it clear that he is not running for Pastor-in-chief. Huchabee apparently is and should have his tax exempt ministry status pulled. Why isn’t their a demand for Huckabee to make a JFK like speech? Isn’t Bush a fundamentalist; look where that got us.
Posted by: lorax_mbell | December 2, 2007, 11:31 pm 11:31 pm
Funny how the ones that claim to be Christians are the ones with stones in their hands slinging them at Romney. The true Christian out of this whole thing has to Romney.
Posted by: Micah | December 2, 2007, 11:52 pm 11:52 pm
Dont worry, Romney’s not a polygamist. He’s a Mormon. Mormons are no longer polygamist endorsers. I am not voting for Romney though. He represents a group of people not concerned with stopping humankind’s self-induced extinction. They believe our extinction is imminent, even overdue. There are more SUV drivers, families with too much reproduction going on, and Bush war supporters in Utah than anywhere else in the US. The Mormons are some of the most narcissistic people on earth. They also don’t give a hoot about the environment as it is their doctrine to rip up and use the environment for whatever they feel like cause God implied so. Exactly the wrong kind of leader for us and our nation right now.
Posted by: Scotti | December 3, 2007, 1:01 am 1:01 am
I don’t care about his religion, I don’t like his politics. Too willing to help illegal aliens stay in the US.
Posted by: Royce | December 3, 2007, 1:25 am 1:25 am
Mormonism is totally different from Chistianity…. Despite one idiot “airmanc5″ statement.
Christians believe Christ is who “HE SAID HE IS” the Son of GOD!!! GOD IN THE FLESH SENT TO DIE FOR PEOPLE WHO WOULD REJECT HIM…. Mormons fit that bill…. Christians believe Josesph Smith (A sinful man) is a prophet and his new teaching over ride those of JESUS (GOD in the flesh). They believe in Polygamy though Jesus said let a man have one wife… That tears at the fabric of our country’s foundational principles and beliefs. If Utah had the deciding vote, I’d bet he could be president there. lol…
This country was founded on CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES. Don’t get me wrong, there were some obvious wrong in our applications of the laws, for example, slavery, gay marriage and etc… But when one sees the 10 commandments they are reminded of what the forefathers mean and how they wanted the country to be ran. As soon as we came to this land we “Christianized the native americans then we killed them and forced them to move”. It’s true but nothing is perfect except Jesus…
His faith is his choice but the kind of representation of the face of America resides with the American people and we want someone who believes or whom has roots in our country’s belief. You wouldn’t see a Christian winning office in Iran or China. Because it doesn’t represent the values of the people so his faith now is a public issue of concern….
Posted by: Steven | December 3, 2007, 9:40 am 9:40 am
By Steven’s comment alone one can tell it’s time for Romney to give his speech. To say that “Mormons” aren’t Christian is a downright lie and is, frankly, very obnoxious and rude.
Steven, would you like someone to say that you are not Christian because they do not believe how you interpret the Bible? Do you have the freedom of religion or not?
Posted by: Debrar | December 3, 2007, 10:20 am 10:20 am
Why has Mormon Bashing become the national Past-time. I have been following Mitt Romney’s campaign very closely over the past few months and I have been appalled at the ugly face of Religous Bigotry that has reared its ugly face; it is almost some new national past-time in America today. Sadly, what I have seen around the Romney campaign has showm me is how ugly people can be. It is such an honor that a man like that is even considering running.
By the way, I have grown up in Utah around several Mormon families who have only made me a better Christian.
Posted by: MJB | December 3, 2007, 10:44 am 10:44 am
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a christian religion. Members believe in God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost. Sounds pretty christian to me. If you think you have an understanding of Mormonism because your friend or your neighbor “told” you what they know, I would bet you are seriously misinformed. Don’t think your ignorance gives you the right to condemn someone else’s beliefs.
Posted by: GW | December 3, 2007, 10:45 am 10:45 am
The Republican party is in deep trouble if so called evangelical Christians have enough power to dictate that a person must believe in God in exactly the same way as they do in order to become President. No doubt Mormon theology is different, but I have yet to hear a single fundamentalist christian articulate how Mr. Romney’s theology would adversely affect his ability to govern, let alone point to a real example from his personal or public life.
Posted by: Pernell | December 3, 2007, 10:56 am 10:56 am
I served a mission for the LDS church in Mississippi and Louisiana. Needless to say I ran into a few evangelicals and others who didn’t agree with me religiously. That’s fine. That’s the playing field religiously and in that context it’s a healthy debate.
What is upsetting to me is not that people want to argue with me about religion. What is upsetting is to find out that those same Americans would use politics to attack my religion…to the extent that I would have to pass their ridiculous religious tests in order to get considered for political office.
Seriously, telling Mitt to explain his underwear? What do you care? Mormons have been holding political office from the smallest levels right up into Presidential cabinets for a long time now and we haven’t used our magical underwear to take over the country yet…good grief!
I know it may be fun to bash us, but this is still America, where we as a group claim to be tolerant.
If there is a legitimate risk that someone besides Mitt would be in charge of a Mitt presidency, then that is fair game…it is a political argument. But to let people with purely religious agendas put Mitt through religious tests not required of other candidates is unamerican.
I mean UNDERWEAR! And it’s not like this is the only blog paranoid about his underwear…read around…it’s everywhere!
Posted by: Elbeau | December 3, 2007, 10:58 am 10:58 am
Pernell:
EXACTLY!!! Thank you for you common sense. We are Americans, we have the Freedom of Religion.
Maybe we should find things we, of different religions, can unite over — like, we are trying to be better people, and many of us try to follow Christ to do this.
We are a reflection of what we believe.
Review the candidates for President and determine if you like what you see.
Posted by: Debrar | December 3, 2007, 11:01 am 11:01 am
From a lot of these negative LDS (Mormon) posts . . Makes me wonder if the ones posting these negative comments would have accepted the ancient prophets, such as Noah building an ark in the middle of a desert or Moses saying, let’s cross the ocean on dry ground. Seemed strange at the time because they weren’t understood. Easy to say you’d have believed these things in retrospect. I personally don’t think I’d vote for Romney but it wouldn’t be because of his personal religious beliefs. I applaud his putting himself out there to clarify his stance and, like a previous post, those of you Mormon haters to claim to be Christian, go ahead and prepare your stones.
Posted by: Mark | December 3, 2007, 11:36 am 11:36 am
This whole issue is being stirred up by some self proclaimed Christians that are being evil and misleading. If they themselves were living a Christ like life they would know that the Mormons are a peace loving and tolerant people striving to live a Christ like life. Because the Mormons are peace loving and tolerant they make easy targets for evangelical bullies.
Posted by: lorax_mbell | December 3, 2007, 11:40 am 11:40 am
its an off-shoot of Christianity
Posted by: Abdullah Mujahid | December 3, 2007, 11:41 am 11:41 am
Personal religion is a personal thought in the mind of an individual. What, U guys the thought police, bashing a man’s religion?
Posted by: Terryeo | December 3, 2007, 12:55 pm 12:55 pm
What difference does it make? A president has to be president for all Americans. Skin color and religion make no difference whatever. I simply don’t like the man’s politics.
Posted by: Royce | December 3, 2007, 1:15 pm 1:15 pm
I’m behind Mitt Romney for President 2008! He has what it takes to lead this great nation.
Posted by: Debrar | December 3, 2007, 1:17 pm 1:17 pm
Our forefathers came to this great nation to worship how they pleased. Freedom to worship according to one’s own conscience is the basis of our government. I guess that many have forgotten this principle. Shame on Small minds!
Posted by: rachel | December 3, 2007, 4:03 pm 4:03 pm
sorry mit, i hate to break it to you, but you dont have a chance. your best shot is to lose the pretty suit and wear jeans and a plaid flannel shirt rolled up at the sleeves, you look like the stereotypical slick politician. you could be bill clintons political twin. might work if you were running as a democrat. sorry
Posted by: sheppy | December 3, 2007, 5:33 pm 5:33 pm
Sheppy:
Huckabee is being compared to Clinton (Bill), Mitt Romney is not. Check your facts.
Posted by: Debrar | December 3, 2007, 6:03 pm 6:03 pm
Well, im young, but I’m not too young to realize that Romney needs to open up about being Mormon. If he is strong on his religion and he can get people to realize that Mormons are no different than Christians when it comes to being a leader, then the polls might just turn in his direction. He might need to just bite the bullet and get the whole thing over with and try asmuch as he can. He’s made it this far and he shouldn’t be swayed now.
Posted by: Travis | December 3, 2007, 7:07 pm 7:07 pm
Well Debrar, you are correct. And you have the right to say that it is offensive and rude! I applaud you for what you have said. Me, I don’t personally believe in any religion, so when people look at me and say that I’m an Atheist, I just ignore it. That’s not true and it never will be. I’m not saying that religion is wrong, but I see no point in it. This is PURELY opinion. That shows that we all have opinions, and that we all believe in stereotypes. Whether we like it or not, we do. But, we need to get over it all and start to learn some facts. So for those who state that Mormonism is a “cult” of sorts, you may need to reflect on what YOU believe in, and if you really even believe such an ignorant statement. Think, “What if someone came up and just completely smashed my beliefs?” You all have to look at it from different perspectives.
Posted by: Travis | December 3, 2007, 9:08 pm 9:08 pm
Yes, I agree Brian. Just because he has faith, does not mean that he cannot run a country effectively. People need to understand that. I absolutely HATE that. The jumping to conclusions, I mean. I am a experienced and cultured, with my life FULL of African Americans, Asians, Latin Americans, other ethnicities, Christians, Mormons, and Catholics. This is way too uncommon and this is the imminent, repetitive future of voters. Those who vote for what their parents believed because they didn’t receive a proper education on these exact subjects… And I’m not saying that this applies to ALL people, but some majority of them. In no way am I speaking on the behalf of anyone here, since I have not discussed their views with them. The whole situation is just…tedious.
Posted by: Travis | December 3, 2007, 9:20 pm 9:20 pm
You’re welcome Debrar. And yes, many people ARE hypocrites and that is the way it will stay if the bravest of us do not stand up for this. To have a better tomorrow, we must change the ramifications of the past!
So, when people mislead you, you may have to look to yourself to find what is really in YOUR faith or YOUR beliefs. That is what is most important in religion. The fact that you can believe however you want, as long as your BELIEVE.
Well, you and I make a wonderful team! You are definitely the kind of leader we all need!
Posted by: Travis | December 3, 2007, 9:26 pm 9:26 pm
Yes, that is what I was raised, and am still being raised, to do. To respect others and what they are and what they believe in. Oddly enough, I am one of the only people I’ve ever known to actually be able to prove a point or support one. And if we could talk about religion in school, I’d be ALL over it. Debating, I guess, is just in my blood.
Posted by: Travis | December 3, 2007, 9:31 pm 9:31 pm
I have to go, but before I go, I will say that I deeply enjoyed talking with you, Debrar and Brian. You are what we need in this world. And I truly believe that. Keep commenting, so if I come back tomorrow, I can continue such a great conversation!
Posted by: Travis | December 3, 2007, 9:34 pm 9:34 pm
2007 and stupidity rules the minds of so many Americans. to find out what Mormons believe ask a Mormon. that is too simple for stupid to understand. your ministers lie only when their mouth is open and stupid learns lies only when their ears are open.
Posted by: jack | December 3, 2007, 9:46 pm 9:46 pm
Well, it’s all pretty much been said: the irony of Harry Reid and other Mormons not being asked to pass religious tests; the blatant ignorance about and intolerance towards “Mormons”; the stupidity of one religious group telling another a) what the second group REALLY believes and b) that they therefore “don’t count” and the ridiculous obsession with what people wear under their clothes. (But can you imagine being worried if a Catholic wears a crucifix under his shirt or if a Jew wears tallit?) So all I can say is welcome to politics as we live it in Salt Lake City, where the bigotry is so blatant and strong that people regularly make negative slams at Mormons that would never be tolerated in reference to ANY other group, and where it’s nearly impossible for a practicing LDS member to be elected mayor. For all our 21st century ‘modernity’ most people still sit firmly in the middle of the Bell curve and haven’t thought analytically about anything since high school, if even then, and where 16th century bigotry rules. SIGH!!
Posted by: PJ | December 3, 2007, 11:23 pm 11:23 pm
…and by the way, Abdullah, Mormons might contend that Christianity –in the form it has evolved into since the Dark Ages– is more of an ‘off-shoot’ of Mormonism than the other way around! ;)
Posted by: PJ | December 3, 2007, 11:36 pm 11:36 pm
Debrar – Sorry you took offense at the underwear comment. It’s useless to get into an argument with you, since you also believe you will be a God some day. I think you may be in for a rude awakening.
Posted by: tom | December 4, 2007, 1:49 am 1:49 am
Best to get religion in the churches, and good men with morals and ethics in the White House.
Posted by: Debrar | December 4, 2007, 2:15 am 2:15 am
I am continually shocked by the ignorance of so-called “Americans” in this country that actually have the privilege to vote. To think that people this arrogant, rude, inconsiderate, misinformed, bigoted are actually the ones voting for this nation’s president. Are you kidding me? How come no one has been commenting on Huckabee’s religious ties? After all he is a Pastor, is he not? Why is that so different from Romney? Because protestants and evangelical Christians view the Bible differently? I’m sorry – when did they become the authors of the Bible and hold the exclusive right to interpret it THEIR way and hold that as the truth? After all, if we look at Christian history, wasn’t the Catholic Church the oldest Christian denomination? So shouldn’t all the evangelicals and Protestants be false just for believing in a “different” view of the bible from what was originally given to us?
Why can’t people stop to look at all the things that Mitt has done to Massachusetts before making rude and incorrect comments about his religion? How he prays has NOTHING to do with governing this country. If you think it does, then how is it that Harry Reid and Mitt disagree on some political views and both are Mormon? Mitt did not involve his religion in his decisions as Governor of Massachusetts and I dare anyone to claim evidence of it.
I am absolutely shocked that more Mormons don’t stand up and fight for Religious discrimination during all these debates. It’s absolutely appalling how (1) incredulous many of the comments are on this blog (2) bigoted and (3) one-sided many of the arguments are. Don’t evangelicals get that when they are tearing apart Romney’s religion they are only demonstrating how un-Christlike and intolerant of other’s religions they really are. Why would I want to vote a President into office who has NO religious tolerance? Hello?
Again and again we continue to hear these comments about Mitt’s religion. I again state I do not understand how Mormons throughout history can be persecuted, martyred and constantly beat up on their religion and not one person from their religion or the government has not made this a serious issue. If a Jewish person were running for office, you wouldn’t dare comment on that person’s religion? If anyone did, it would be an uproar on how anyone could judge a presidential candidate on their religion! What if someone was running as a black, asian or some other commonly discriminated group? What if they were beaten up like Mitt is? You know it would hit papers and bring up controversy everywhere! Why is it that everyone else but Mormons gets protection but for Mormons it’s an open door policy to bash all day long? I’m tired of hearing this – GROW UP AMERICA!
Posted by: WakeUpMormons | December 4, 2007, 2:45 am 2:45 am
Some churches like to bash and attack, the Mormon church does not teach this, in fact, quit the opposite.
People need to stand up for Freedom of Religion.
We are electing a commander in chief, not a religious leader.
Best to get religion in the churches, and good men with morals and ethics in the White House.
Posted by: Debrar | December 4, 2007, 2:50 am 2:50 am
Just enough time here to say thanks to Debrar and Travis for their part in a spirited debate last night. For kmjjp, your question is valid, but quickly explained by the numbers. The LDS church is very young, and at this stage of it’s development, it is (only relatively) small compared to the overal number of folks professing evangelical christianity. Therefore, a large part of our population doesn’t know or understand the LDS church, it’s doctrines, or it’s developmental history. Since the vast majorty of our population has historied exposure to mainstream Christianity, and not to the LDS church, voters should aprise themselves of Mitt’s background and faith in order to make an educated voting decision. Have a good day everyone…
Posted by: Brian | December 4, 2007, 8:34 am 8:34 am
You people who think Bush screwed things up during his Presidency are so SMALL MINDED. No matter what road he would have taken after 9/11 he would have been criticized by the public for making the “wrong decisions” in their minds. It’s amazing to me that people forget things so easily and now seem to think Bush acted alone in this entire journey of “issues”. It’s really too bad that he was dealt such a difficult hand during his Presidency and all people can do is criticize his efforts. I understand that many people do not agree with his views on how to resolve problems in Iraq however, he has our best interest at heart as well as theirs. Wow, it’s just so sad that people can’t be a little more forgiving and open minded. As I said, no matter what he would have chosen to do it probably wouldn’t have been the right decision, after all he is the President, To top it off he’s President Bush!!
Posted by: Veronica | December 6, 2007, 12:19 pm 12:19 pm
By the way Romney’s speech was awesome!!! It brought tears to my eyes. I think he is definitely going to pull ahead in polls after that. He definitely should.
Posted by: Veronica | December 6, 2007, 12:22 pm 12:22 pm
Well said Debrar!
Posted by: Veronica | December 6, 2007, 12:46 pm 12:46 pm
Thank you Veronica.
Not only do we need to stand up for Freedom of Religion, but it appears we also have to stand up for Freedom of Speech.
Hope you read this before it disappears.
Posted by: Debrar | December 6, 2007, 12:49 pm 12:49 pm
Anyway, take care Debrar. God Bless you and your family and lets pray that even as ignorant as some people may be we can still somehow elect a President with a good heart, smart mind, good Politics, as well as someone who hasn’t forgotten the values that our Country was founded on.
Posted by: Veronica | December 6, 2007, 1:20 pm 1:20 pm
Let me say, as an American (although stuck in Canada at the moment, yuck), I believe in tolerance. But there is nothing intolerant in saying that a grown person’s religious beliefs are nonsense. I did not choose my race, I did not choose my gender, nor did I choose my physical capacity/discapacity. However, at least after I became an adult, I did choose my religion. All religions make claims, and their is nothing intolerant about saying that these claims are false. Perhaps I overstepped in saying that people are stupid for believing religious claims, even if these claims are clearly stupid.
I have researched Mormonism, and the issue of the Book of Abraham is enough to prove that Joseph Smith was a hack. I view with great suspicion the ability to discern truth from falsehood of any person who believes the account of the Church on this issue. The morals and values of a presidential candidate may be important, but what is clearly most important is their ability to recognize facts from nonsense.
Posted by: godlessmath | December 6, 2007, 2:52 pm 2:52 pm
FREEDOM OF RELIGION
That’s what this nation was founded on.
gotlessmath, you must not have been raised with religious freedom?
Posted by: Debrar | December 6, 2007, 3:09 pm 3:09 pm
OK, the way this website had been censoring, I’m sure this “godless” statement above — that is full of errors and craziness — will be kept posted.
If you’re interested in learning about “Mormonism” (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) then either ask a Mormon or go to http://www.mormon.org
Get the facts from the correct source.
If you were interested in the Jewish faith, you would not ask a “Hitler”
godlessmath — don’t go hatin’
Posted by: Debrar | Dec 6, 2007 3:07:00 PM
FREEDOM OF RELIGION
That’s what this nation was founded on.
gotlessmath, you must not have been raised with religious freedom?
Posted by: Debrar | Dec 6, 2007 3:09:50 PM
Posted by: Debrar | December 6, 2007, 3:11 pm 3:11 pm
I was raised nominally Catholic- I did my first communion and all that junk, but my parents me to be suspicious of authority. Any authority, in particular those who make claims about the nature of reality. So when I got older I investigated Catholicism, then Christianity, then religion in general and found it all to be bunk.
Sure, it is hateful to burn down people’s homes because of their religion, and it is hateful to spit on them or otherwise beat them up because of what they believe. However, it is in no way hateful to say that the claims a religion makes are complete hogwash, and if those claims are utter tripe, then it is not hateful to say that you question the ability to make rational thought of an educated person seeking the office of the presidency. After all, there are a lot of religions out there who claim that *I* will be suffering a much worse fate than being called an idiot, namely eternal fires, just because of what I believe.
Lastly, I wouldn’t go to the LDS Church to learn about its history, just like I wouldn’t do the same for Scientology. Or Catholicism. All of these have a history of bending the truth, to put it favorably. It is only necessary to put “Book of Abraham” into google.
Posted by: godlessmath | December 7, 2007, 12:04 pm 12:04 pm
Romney raises bar in debate over religion
Posted by: Debrar | December 8, 2007, 3:27 am 3:27 am
I’m not religious, and I am a hardcore believer in freedom of religion (in all its forms); however, the institution ruling particular religions can go too far. I have known quite a few “mormons” personally. The church doesn’t let them go. It hounds them and their families until they go back or are disowned by their devout families. I find that type of behavior far from uniting.
I’m open to learning about all religions, but come on guys, showing up on my doorstep is really not winning me over. In general they can be very off-putting. That isn’t to say that Romney won’t be a good president, but I can’t vote for someone who I think will be influenced heavily by an organization that seems bent on infiltrating every part of people’s lives (not that the catholic or protestant churches are much different, but they don’t show up on your doorstep too often at least).
Posted by: shauri | December 13, 2007, 2:37 pm 2:37 pm