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Mitt Romney's great trek

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JAMESTOWE | 1:52 p.m. Dec. 28, 2007

MITT MAY BE A TREE, BUT IT PRODUCES SOUR FRUIT.

Romney on abortion | 2:04 p.m. Dec. 28, 2007

I agree with whoever said the abortion rhetoric is polarizing. Most people think abortion should be allowed in some instances, but not in all instances (abortion should not be used as birth-control).

A faithful member of the LDS church can be pro-choice or pro-life because the LDS church has never said when "life" begins (when the spirit enters the body). I have faithful LDS friends who are "pro-choice," while still personally opposed to most abortions.

I honestly wonder if Mitt Romney truly changed his views on abortion. He could have previously said he was "pro-choice" because he does not blanketly oppose all abortions, but now he says he is "pro-life" because he does oppose most abortions. If this is right, his true view or stance on abortion did not change, just his expression of his view.

If you want to win, vote Mitt! | 2:08 p.m. Dec. 28, 2007

Huckabee looks, talks, and acts like Gomer Pyle. Do you think Gomer Pyle can beat Obama or Clinton? No way.

Guiliani and McCain have serious problems. It would be a tight race with either of these candidates because they are not that far apart from the Dems on the issues.

Ron Paul is a radical John Bircher disguised as a Republican. I think he would have a hard time getting the rest of the world to respect him.

Romney is the best candidate for the Republican Party, warts(read: Mormonism) and all. He is truly conservative (different from the Dems) and he has amazing skills. Do I agree with Romney on all of the issues? No. For example, I am not sure immigrants should not be able to get drivers' licenses. But that will not keep me from voting for him. He can win and he is the best person for the job.

Comments continue below

Somebody is lying | 2:48 p.m. Dec. 28, 2007

Google "Romney says God has not spoken to man since Moses" into your browser if you want to hear your hero slam the core belief of the LDS church.
I can't tell you how much compassion I have for these poor deluded souls who desperately want to believe Romney was just pulling somebody's leg at this interview.
It seems to me, Romney is publicly declaring that Joseph Smith's vision was a lie.
So, who is the liar. Smith or Romney?

suzyk | 2:58 p.m. Dec. 28, 2007

I've just read all 75 comments...wow..such name calling, lack of truth, disgruntled remarks without basis...I'm shaking my head in disbelief at the anger expressed and the character assasination. Mitt Romney is an ordinary man, but one with deep values for God, his family and his country...one who strives to live his life in a christ-like
way..one who is not perfect. He has much to offer the position of President of the United States and is only doing what he believes would be right for this country. We all change our minds. that's what life is all about. We ponder, we pray and sometimes choose to go a different direction..that is not "flip flopping" it's our free choice to do that as human beings and citizens of the United States. There will always be consequences for our choices, some good and some bad and we need to understand that. Mitt changed is mind for the good. Give him the benefit of a doubt, get to know him and you will find he is a man of his word and he dearly loves this country. Try it..you might be surprised!!!!!

Be PRO no ANTI | 3:54 p.m. Dec. 28, 2007

I agree with earlier statements, vote for that candidate that inspires you, but the paranoid,"whatever you do don't vote for [fill in name]" smacks of mental illness. "He wants to be king"? Come on.
I also didn't realize Ron Paul had so much support in Utah. Here in Houston, I only see 2 people on top of the highway overpass with the "Vote Paul" placards supporting him here. I think we need to face facts and pick from the candidates that might actually win:
Democrat: Clinton, Obama, Edwards
Repub: Romney, Huckabee, Guliani, McCain (sorry Thompson).
The truth of politics, sadly, is that all of these candidates have to pander to interest groups to get endorsements and the extremes of the party. Why else would Romney and Guliani join the NRA this year, McCain and Guliani become marginally religious, and Romney and Guliani have to defend their abortion positions? As a LDS member I wish Romney had more integrity than to be a "lifelong hunter," and other such gaffes.
The reality is we won't know where anyone stands until the nomination is given. Because only then do they have to appear to "the People."
Until then, tone down the hate.

To Somebody is lying | 4:54 p.m. Dec. 28, 2007

You're right, everything that you find on the Internet is true. Thanks for enlightening me. Google "Alien baby found in womb of horse," it's an awesome story.

Typical power-mad politician | 5:02 p.m. Dec. 28, 2007

I just googled in "Mitt Romney says God has not spoken to man since Moses" and was appalled at what I heard and saw.
Here is a man who aspires to be the most powerful man in the world telling that world that his religion is a lie. Everyone knows by now that Mormon Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, Joseph Smith claims that God appeared to him and spoke to him personally and hence the Mormon religion was founded (Unless I have been misinformed).
I don't hate Mitt Romney one bit. But I would have to place him in the category of politicians who will say and do anything to get elected.

Julie | 5:41 p.m. Dec. 28, 2007

As I study the canidates and the issues I have to support Mit Romney. He is the only one that I can trust, and is an honest, hard-working family man and believes in the values I do. I don't care what religion he is, I care where he stands on the issues and what he will do if elected. He is organized and efficient, surrounds himself with top successful people, and can get the job done.

Just Vote | 5:43 p.m. Dec. 28, 2007

I was excited at the beginning of the elections to finally have the chance vote for a woman. Then the first black man. Now an LDS person! All of a sudden, the elections became more than just a person representing a party. Now it's important that we all take a look at their voting records as far back as we can find. Then we need to look into their personal lives and habits. That will tell us who is a good and moral person. The upcoming election will get people out voting, and that is important. One other thing to look at--the people who vote for you in the Electoral College. They take our votes and decide how they will vote for President. They do not have to vote the way their States tell them to, so you also have to look into your elected officials voting records, to see which way they will vote. Even if your whole state votes one way, your representative can vote another way. These are the people who vote for president in the USA. Not us. That is why some want to get rid of the Electoral College, and some don't.

sad truth | 7:40 p.m. Dec. 28, 2007

The sad truth of our political system is that the best "politician" will get elected, not necessarily the best president.

I'm conservative, Mormon, and doubt I'll vote for Romney. I'm not really sure what I'll do, to be honest with you. And yes, it's the flip-flopping that bothers me.

I think Hilary might get a lot of "novelty" votes, which could put her over most of the republicans. This would be a disaster, for a number of reasons, but for one because no middle eastern person will respect her or our country, just because she is a woman.

It has to start somewhere.... | 8:35 p.m. Dec. 28, 2007

I am in support of Hillary for various reasons, but I do realize what the last contributor said about the middle east. It has to start somewhere and it has already started in a number of countries that have women leaders. We need to be the example to some countries who are not in support of females. Females make up at least fifty percent of the population of the world. We deserve a voice and we will have that voice whether or not some condone it. It's already happening....time to face reality.
Anyone who does not support Hillary because she is a woman or blames her for some of her husband's poor moral judgement are fooling themselves. And if you do want to look at the Clinton administration years ago, I sure liked our country better at that time. Nobody is perfect and I'm sure she's not, but she is a good candidate and has a good chance.
I don't know for sure that she will be President, but I do know that the Democratic Party has the best chance of making it! This is also a reality for some to accept.

stunned in Id | 10:20 p.m. Dec. 28, 2007

Wow!!! I always knew as a mormon that there are jokes we're the butt of, but I didn't realize just how much hatred there is towards mormons. I just wonder what it is exactly that makes us so horrible.

pelican | 11:23 p.m. Dec. 28, 2007

Be careful of what you wish for!!!! If Mitt becomes president, the scrutiny the LDS Church will suffer will be terrible, and much of it will be unfair, but it will be believed.

Mitt, being a Mormon who has held a high position, will be expected to part the Red Sea on one Sunday and chase the money changers out of the temple on the next---and that will come from LDS folks who will be certain the Lord will guide him.

Advice to Mitt from little old me: Take your guitar and split for Memphis and become a rock 'n roll star. In that, you can be anybody you want; fans will love and adore you; and you can say you speak to those in heaven, and no one will really care.

As for me, I can hardly wait for the Cougs to play in the national championship next year.

Mark Taylor | 12:10 a.m. Dec. 29, 2007

It is interesting how many people on here seem to believe that a member of the LDS Church can't be pro-choice. Where did that come from? The LDS Church is against abortion unless it is in the case of rape, incest, or life of the mother (not to be construed as the mother is really, really sad). With that said, the LDS church has never said it is for anti-abortion laws. To the contrary, the church teaches that abortion is a very, very personal decision (in the above stated cases) between an individual and her God. It is not a decision for the state. In no way does the LDS Church teach that freedom of religion should be replaced with anti-abortion laws - even if they promote LDS ideology. As of now the Supreme Court in Casey v. Planned Parenthood (not the superseded Roe v. Wade) has held that abortion is not allowed after the fetus can live outside the womb except for the health of the mother. Once the state can claim there is a life to protect. What else would secular courts do without imposing religion and destroying an essential freedom this country enjoys?

Jeff C. | 1:52 a.m. Dec. 29, 2007

Many in our country were upset when they heard about Nancy Reagan's playing around with an astrologer. We did not like the idea that an astrologer might be influencing the White House. Mitt has waffled on some issues. He gave a speech about his faith which was clever and deceptive. He talked about my faith as a Christian and not the Mormon faith at all. Was he ignorant or just being deceptive? Are you going to be ignorant or deceptive in telling me that Mormonism is Christian? I am upset to think that the LDS Church will become the puppet master and Mitt the puppet. I worry about this because the potential, I think is a real threat to our freedom. Mitt doesn't fit. He does not get my vote. I am glad that he can run and I am glad that I do not have to vote for him. God Bless America!

Jeff C. | 3:54 a.m. Dec. 29, 2007

Mitt has done a lot of talking lately of my faith. I find him severley lacking in talking about his own peculiar beliefs. I think that the LDS Church still believes in the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon still teaches a false concept of Jesus, It still teaches a different Gospel, It still has a different plan of salvation. It mocks Christians who believe their Bible. It is contentious in calling other religions "of the Devil". It is historically inaccurate. I heard on the news that the "Church" is changing only one word. I bet there are more changes and it will take a while to spot them but how does one change Joseph's words and still call it Joseph's work? Is Mitt ignorant here or being deceptive? He is good at word games. He does not get my vote. Mitt doesn't fit

russ | 6:22 a.m. Dec. 29, 2007

Mitt is a patriot, and a firm believer in our military service men and women. I suppose so... which part of the military did he serve in? Did he like Cheney have a military exemption? How many of the 5 sons have served? Stepped up to the plate, so to speak. Many Utahns have. What is the family record on this matter?
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Anonymous | 7:23 a.m. Dec. 29, 2007

Mormons insist that Joseph Smith was told by God (even though Mitt Romney says "God hasn't spoken to man since Moses") that every church but theirs is an "abomination." When these abominable people point this out to Mormons - the Mormons whine, "You must hate us."

Peculiar, isn't it?

Bob Silverman | 9:06 a.m. Dec. 29, 2007

Mormons are just going to have to get over their own biases and look at the candidate through untainted lenses in order to see the liar they blindly support on the basis of shared Mormonism. Mitt Romney couldn't tell the truth if his own life depended upon it. The candidate cannot stop his fabrications. The post from BOSTON gives yet another variation on the deception practiced by your pious prevaricator. Whether he's talking about hunting, or "seeing marches" or taxes....Mitt Romney is lying.

UVsoccerfan | 9:35 a.m. Dec. 29, 2007

Are we voting for a president who will run the country because of his/her church back round? or by what he/she can do as a person who loves this great country.

Steve | 9:52 a.m. Dec. 29, 2007

Mr. Romney has alot of strengths: His looks, money, articulateness, family, etc.

But, his key weakness -- his lack of authenticity -- is real.

I'm LDS and a Republican. But, it is obvious he has recreated his positions for his presidential run.

Why? My guess is that he has spent way too much time listening to his political consultants. And, they have led him astray. That is not an excuse. He is liable for what he has done as part of his campaign.

Sadly enough, because of the visibility of his Mormonism, Mr. Romney is many Americans first exposure to the church. Sad. Very sad.

In many ways, it would be good if he were beat in both Iowa and New Hampshire and gracefully withdrew.

reasons | 10:02 a.m. Dec. 29, 2007

The question that should really be asked is why people feel so negatively about Mormonism? Among my non Mormon relatives the short answer is Polygamy. Everyone knows about it, it's the first thought that comes to most people's minds when asked about Mormons. Even though the LDS Church abandoned polygamy more than a century ago the negative after effects still linger, and for good reason. The LDS Church still canonizes section 132 which espouses a belief in polygamy. The LDS Church has whitewashed the history of this practice and has not fully detached themselves from this truly reprehensible belief. Until they do so, able and otherwise qualified leaders like Mitt Romney will continue to suffer. Mitt Romney said the following when asked about polygamy "I can't imagine anything more awful", I endorse that sentiment. Let's set the record straight on this issue and renounce it once and for all. Many good people who would otherwise embrace Mormonism are held back because of this odd attachment to something that was an unmitigated PR disaster for the LDS Church.

Anonymous | 10:03 a.m. Dec. 29, 2007

Until Statesmen replace Politicians -
This great country will continue going down the tubes.

it's in the eyes | 10:14 a.m. Dec. 29, 2007

As a student of human nature (aren't we all?) I have noticed that everything is in the eyes.
In other words, until Romney can stop his incessant blinking (a clear sign of insecurity) he will never be trusted as the most powerful man in the world.

Anonymous | 10:29 a.m. Dec. 29, 2007

No "reasons" -
people feel negatively about Mormons not because of numerous wives, it's about attitude.
Mormons simply cannot understand why anybody would be upset being called, "an abomination" or "false religion" ... the list goes on and on.
Even presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, recently noted that "God hasn't spoken to man since Moses" dispelling the myth of what Joseph Smith said. And Mormons freak out when you mention this to them.
Non-mormons do not "hate" mormons, they are simply getting weary of the bogus attitude.

Thank you "Reasons" | 10:41 a.m. Dec. 29, 2007

My sentiments exactly! I also give these beliefs whenever I get the chance. So true! Time to face reality and make the needed changes for 2008!

Mahonri | 10:56 a.m. Dec. 29, 2007

After having lived in Utah I know if I had lived there before joining the Mormon Church... I would never have joined. Now I know why those who live where we do take pains to point out that they are not "Utah Mormons".
Mitt has all the hallmarks of the 'Brother Humble' Utah Mormon, from the changing standards to fit the company or question to the checking with others before telling you what he believes. He doesn't know what he believes. He is not worthy of the Presidency.

American Citizen | 10:58 a.m. Dec. 29, 2007

Only in America do we have the freedom to speak openly as we do in this forum. However, when our words are filled with anger, hatred, misrepresentations, half truths, character assassinations and prejudice we lose our credibility. We gain nothing when we try to destroy the reputation of another American just to prove that our viewpoint is better than his or hers.

We each have our own value system and the freedom to express our views, as do each of the Presidential Candidates. But if we expect to be believed, this should be done objectively and with malice toward none.

Now is the time to stop talking trash and to start searching for the candidate who best represents our personal values. If we really want to know the truth, this forum is a poor place to find it. We should contact each campaign and study their political platform, read and study ï¿½allï¿½ possible information about each candidate, and then make our own decision about how we should vote.

Then we should follow the suggestions of ï¿½Just Voteï¿½ and learn how we can make our vote count.

I am what I am where I am | 11:25 a.m. Dec. 29, 2007

Mahonri, sounds like you have some prejudices you need to get over. Everyone is an individual. Don't try to take that away from them with hasty generalizations.

Mitzy | 11:49 a.m. Dec. 29, 2007

It's too bad Mitt is LDS. He would have had a great shot at winning the presidency.

credit where credit is due | 12:42 p.m. Dec. 29, 2007

Dear "American Citizen" -
You can thank the bad attitude of the people of Utah who are amongst the biggest fans of ilk such as Rush Limbaugh (a people-hater adored by people-haters). They listen to Limbaugh's anger and hatred (especially towards Liberals [aka Democrats] and The Clintons) spewed no less that 5 days a week, 3 hours per day. That's a lot of hatred to consume and it has become part of what the right-wing calls "civil discourse."
Lots of sad, frightened people who get their daily anger fix brainwashing themselves this way.

Yeah, "credit due" | 6:50 p.m. Dec. 29, 2007

You are certainly right. I was living in Colorado when I first heard Rush Limbaugh. I opened my mouth in amazement and often avoided his program. When I moved here I found numerous people who like him! I wondered what they could be thinking and you described it so wonderfully.

Anonymous | 7:11 p.m. Dec. 29, 2007

It is the saddest testimony for our country that so many people (Utah has one of Limbaugh's largest and caustic audiences) have become chronically addicted to his hate-mongering and probably haven't even realized what they have morphed into.
It's reminiscent of The 3rd Reich's Joseph Goebells who mesmerized the Nazi masses of Germany on his radio program day after day creating artificial domestic enemies while the powers that be did their self-serving jingoistic thing.

line upon line | 10:51 p.m. Dec. 29, 2007

re: reasons / 10:02 a.m. Dec. 29, 2007

the first few words of section 132, verse 1 reads: "VERILY, thus saith the Lord".

I guess there are some that don't believe that the Lord would say such a thing. I suppose they even have a problem when he revealed himself to only a 14-year old boy and said that all churches are false.

I suppose they would even believe that abortion and the gay life-style is acceptable to the Lord.

Alas, it is a sad commentary that I have found that the hate-mongering is really among the Mormons themselves. The liberal part of the mormons going after the conservatives.

Anonymous | 12:17 p.m. Dec. 30, 2007

Mitt Romney is a flip-flopping liar and "does not believe God has spoken to anyone since Moses."
He's turned his back on Mormonism.

Betsy | 10:21 p.m. Dec. 30, 2007

Mitt Romney had a relative who died because of a botched abortion. As a result I would be careful of casting stones against him or his family for intially being pro-choice. How can anyone who has never had a family member die in such a way condemn their choice? A Sioux Indian Prayer. "O Great Spirit help me not to judge another until I have walked in his moccassins for two weeks"

As for voting for someone for because they are LDS that is ridicilous. I would never vote for Harry Reid. I have voted against Chris Cannon,and Mike Leavitt. Next year it will include Jim Matheson. The one thread is all these men are the same faith I am..

For those upset over Mitt and Moses's remark. Your are not electing religious leader Mitt but rather a President. For those concerned about Mitt's belief that is an issue for his Bishop and Stake President to worry about. Not the electorate..

One note to Dems: If you want Utah to go blue this year help the Republicans put Mike Huckabee as the Republican nominee..

Carol Warnick | 5:08 p.m. Jan. 4, 2008

We need to look deeper into the man, Mitt Romney. What are his qualifications, strengths, abilities? If we get bogged down with speculations and emotional judgments we will never see the man for what he can do for our country. Feelings toward his church has no place in this election. It's the man not his church that is being elected.

Caroline | 9:58 p.m. Jan. 4, 2008

Mr. Mitt Romney will forever be the great son of his father Mr. George Romney. His father will be so proud of what he had accomplished even through all the trials and tribulations around him. Mr. Romney still stand strong and immovable on his faith. He indeed is a success for NO OTHER SUCCESS CAN COMPENSATE FOR FAILURE IN THE HOME. With his successful home nothing really matter. He just want to serve our country. If the people won't accept it then he will enjoy his material, spiritual and personal wealth by serving in some other ways. Being a President of the US is a hard low paying job materially, with all the demands and requirements its not a very desirable job except for the most talented and capable. Mr. Romney has everything a nation can ask for from a leader. I will vote for him this coming California primary. MAY GOD BLESS MR. ROMNEY AND HIS FAMILY FOREVER!!!

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