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Romney ancestor fled Army, joined LDS Church
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??? | 12:32 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
CLOSE RELATIVE=RICH MORMON
That's a big assumption. I thought I read somewhere that either his wife or his mom is a convert.
That's a big assumption. I thought I read somewhere that either his wife or his mom is a convert.
Sam Hofer | 12:30 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
Oh, the irony. Still, the story seems almost too good, and yet not real value as
news.
That's where my romney support ends, however. I've seen what mormons do as elected officials.
That's where my romney support ends, however. I've seen what mormons do as elected officials.
Comments continue below
Red States Voter | 12:42 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
A vote for Romney, McCain, or Guiliani - is a vote for the left.
A vote for Thompson, Paul, or Huckabee - is a vote for the right.
A vote for Thompson, Paul, or Huckabee - is a vote for the right.
So, why is this newsworthy? | 1:02 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
So, who cares?
Jann | 1:24 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
who cares about mitts ancestery. no one would care about mine. there are quite a
few different people in my ancestry. What does this have to do with presidential
politics> Nothing. Go Mitt.
Sub-Odeon | 1:47 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
The sad truth is that people will bring up anything in a political fight, if
they think it will embarrass the opponent. Trying to get Mitt to defend his
ancestry or his religion is a perfect way for an opponent to deflect the
conversation or debate from real policy issues, and focus entirely on something
irrelevant; yet potentially still damaging.
And the even sadder truth is that the American public falls for this all the time. Very few Americans judge a candidate (especially a Presidential candidate) on whether or not he or she will make a good President. They judge the person based on a wide variety of nonsensical criteria, from their hairstyle to their favorite music to their spouse's hairstylist's favorite music.
Were it that the average America paid attention to what really matters, when it comes to picking the head of the world's lone superpower. Alas, most Americans (if they vote at all) are voting with their heads up their fourth point of contact.
And the even sadder truth is that the American public falls for this all the time. Very few Americans judge a candidate (especially a Presidential candidate) on whether or not he or she will make a good President. They judge the person based on a wide variety of nonsensical criteria, from their hairstyle to their favorite music to their spouse's hairstylist's favorite music.
Were it that the average America paid attention to what really matters, when it comes to picking the head of the world's lone superpower. Alas, most Americans (if they vote at all) are voting with their heads up their fourth point of contact.
Psuedo Historian | 1:51 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
Some historical context:
Desertion in the US Army was quite common place in the 1700 and 1800's. During the American Revolutionary War many of Washington's Army at Valley Forge deserted or went AWOL during the winter months. Deserters were often welcomed back with little or no punishment. Soldiers deserting in the Civil War was also common place. Soldiers often deserted to return home to help their families, see their sweethearts or just out of boredom with Army life, especially during the winter months.
Also, the US Govt. in the 1800's was generally in the moral wrong in its views and treatment of the Mormons. The govt. did nothing when Gov. Boggs put an extermination order against the Mormons. The Utah War was just another example of the govt. acting way out of line, Pres. Buchanan, one of the most inept Presidents ever, was dead wrong. It would have been great though if he would have used the same kind of zeal stopping the Southern States from seceding as getting the Mormons back into line.
This sounds like a man of courage. It doesn't sound like a gentleman who shirked from battle or was a coward. He left the Army because the people in it were immoral and their cause was immoral. Even in the Army, within a certain framework, soldiers can defy authority or orders, in fact. it would be their moral obligation. Probably at this time in history, this was his only option. I am also of the ilk that God should come before country and this gentleman did just that.
I agree with the others that this is a non-issue but I just wanted to add some historical context. Now Mormons are of the most patriotic ilk, ironic and amazing considering their treatment by the govt. back then.
Desertion in the US Army was quite common place in the 1700 and 1800's. During the American Revolutionary War many of Washington's Army at Valley Forge deserted or went AWOL during the winter months. Deserters were often welcomed back with little or no punishment. Soldiers deserting in the Civil War was also common place. Soldiers often deserted to return home to help their families, see their sweethearts or just out of boredom with Army life, especially during the winter months.
Also, the US Govt. in the 1800's was generally in the moral wrong in its views and treatment of the Mormons. The govt. did nothing when Gov. Boggs put an extermination order against the Mormons. The Utah War was just another example of the govt. acting way out of line, Pres. Buchanan, one of the most inept Presidents ever, was dead wrong. It would have been great though if he would have used the same kind of zeal stopping the Southern States from seceding as getting the Mormons back into line.
This sounds like a man of courage. It doesn't sound like a gentleman who shirked from battle or was a coward. He left the Army because the people in it were immoral and their cause was immoral. Even in the Army, within a certain framework, soldiers can defy authority or orders, in fact. it would be their moral obligation. Probably at this time in history, this was his only option. I am also of the ilk that God should come before country and this gentleman did just that.
I agree with the others that this is a non-issue but I just wanted to add some historical context. Now Mormons are of the most patriotic ilk, ironic and amazing considering their treatment by the govt. back then.
david | 1:50 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
I found this article most interesting,in the light
of the fact I left mormonism in 1985,and have ancestors from polygomist lineage, for more information may sugest reading a book entitled
A Banner Under Heaven, author Jon krakauer from your
local libary. Gives a real account of Mormon Histary from a objective point of view.
and dont foreget a Pesident Romney could pardon
Dan Laffferty and Mark Hoffman serving USP.
of the fact I left mormonism in 1985,and have ancestors from polygomist lineage, for more information may sugest reading a book entitled
A Banner Under Heaven, author Jon krakauer from your
local libary. Gives a real account of Mormon Histary from a objective point of view.
and dont foreget a Pesident Romney could pardon
Dan Laffferty and Mark Hoffman serving USP.
Anonymous | 1:55 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
This article makes me laugh. I do not care for Romney and I would not vote for
him. I am a ex mormon and know about all this garbage they are writing about
him. We were never told about all
because they feel it is not important. If we dont know history then how will we trust the man running our country and our freedom. It is what you are going to do for the people and keep that promise!! A vote for Romney would put our country in a position of theocracy with Harry Reid as Senate Majority Leader and orders coming from Temple Sqaure
like what happens in Utah government.
because they feel it is not important. If we dont know history then how will we trust the man running our country and our freedom. It is what you are going to do for the people and keep that promise!! A vote for Romney would put our country in a position of theocracy with Harry Reid as Senate Majority Leader and orders coming from Temple Sqaure
like what happens in Utah government.
Mitt Romney ,Iowa on Jan Mickels | 2:17 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
Interesting dialog from Mitt Romney on Iowa Talk Show of Jan Mickelson. Any one
here really nuetral or listening to the facts? If you had an open mind, someone
would probably come along and throw trash in it.
Mockelson was talking substance to his 350,000 listeners, was any one here listening?
Mockelson was talking substance to his 350,000 listeners, was any one here listening?
KC | 2:19 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
Anon at 1:55: Yeah, there's a cogent thought. Not. As a Nevadan, I can tell
you that Harry is far removed from LDS theocracy in his politics. You have no
clue about what you are saying.
Ivie | 2:24 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
WHO CARES! Kennedy's dad was a rum-runner! It doesn't matter what
happened with our ancestors, it matters what the person will do today!
Give me a break!
Give me a break!
Who Cares? | 2:26 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
Voters that are not Mormon and who are not defending Mitt here! Whether it
matters or not, there is a HUGE sales pitch here denouncing history. People here
become history revisionist, rewriting history to accomplish a vote for the U.S.
Presidentcy. If I didn't care before, I am suspicious now! If you are
marketing image and PR to First Graders, denouncing any and all negative issues
as not worth reading might work, but to educated voters, we wonder if what we
don't know will come back to haunt us later.
Then you "dis" those who chose to question or who want to research such issues further. To AP and staff writers of Deseret News, they wasted your time with these articles, but here you are making every attempt to tell voters, "nothing to read or see here". Obviouly there is or you wouldn't be here wasting your breath.
Then you "dis" those who chose to question or who want to research such issues further. To AP and staff writers of Deseret News, they wasted your time with these articles, but here you are making every attempt to tell voters, "nothing to read or see here". Obviouly there is or you wouldn't be here wasting your breath.
Kathryn | 3:17 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
Hey, it was nice to read that this Wilcken had some morals prior to joining the
church. That may be just what attracted him to the church in the first place.
And Anonyomus @ 1:55, give me a break, sounds like sour grapes to me. Did the
Pope tell Kennedy what to do? Wow, that is such an old argument I can hardly
believe you used it. If you don't like Romney don't vote for him its
that easy.
Carl | 3:27 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
I think Wilcken is in Colorado, on a train, faking a suicide, trying to outrun
Romney's sons before they can take him and "remove his memory" of
campaign contributions. Everyone has a something or other in woodpile. Many of
us came from folks that told King George to go to hell and we revere them as
heroes. Who give a flying leap on this one?
Nellie | 3:52 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
I am sooooooooo sick of the name "Mitt
Romney"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He would be interesting if he had a
backbone but unfortunately is the ameoba with the deepest pockets. Mormons
should be embarrassed to be represented by him because he stands for nothing --
every issue has been twisted and changed to pander to the ultraconservative
branch of the Repubs who, by the way, as a group discount Mormons as being a
cult. Think about it people -- is this what you want representing you?
GVS | 4:06 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
It seems strange to me that so many would comment on how useless this
information was, and imply that it shouldn't be printed yet they
couldn't help reading it. It is like the "wet paint" sign, you
know you shouldn't touch the paint, but you do anyway.
Julia | 4:15 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
Hmmm Mr. Bedohav, how much military service has Hillary seen? As far as
Krakauer's book being objective, HA!, I've read it and it's so
biased it smells. To you church deserters, who hurt your feelings? That's
usually why people leave the church.
Vote for the person you want for the right reasons. Then let's all have some whine with our cheese.
Vote for the person you want for the right reasons. Then let's all have some whine with our cheese.
Doug Barber | 4:30 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
This article is a fascinating example of the colorful history of the LDS, and
also of the interesting things that genealogical research can turn up. Anyone
who thinks that it either adds to or detracts from Mitt Romney's personal
reputation is missing the point and has a strange way of evaluating politicians.
ET | 4:30 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
Must be a slow news day for filling up column space with non-news. If I were
being a cynic, I say that this is a piece from the Romney media organization
trying to generate publicity and keep his name on the front page. I read the
headline, the lead sentence and say: "irrelevant".
A more significant story might be why Romney avoided the military during Viet Nam. Not that it really matters unless he has become a super-hawk during the presidential campaign. Then it's relevant to how he can decide to send other people's children off to die when he didn't consider it a necessary option for himself.
A more significant story might be why Romney avoided the military during Viet Nam. Not that it really matters unless he has become a super-hawk during the presidential campaign. Then it's relevant to how he can decide to send other people's children off to die when he didn't consider it a necessary option for himself.
Rich | 4:34 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
We libs luv Mitt 'cause he's unelectable. At least we hope he's
unelectable. His pandering to the rabid right ("I'd double the size
of Guantanamo", etc.), his incredible backflips on abortion, gay rights,
and other issues since his liberal days...I'd sincerely be frightened that
this fellow would continue his recent ways, and try to out-neo the
neoconservatives once in office. I find him just a nasty man, and am puzzled
what reasons besides a common religion (I know, that may be all you need) the
much more gentle, though still very conservative, people in this state have for
liking this chameleon in an expensive suit.
Tania | 4:33 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
Let us remember that when the early Federal government needed troops to secure
the lands of California, Arizona etc, in the face of Mexican hostilities they
asked the already strenuously taxed Mormon pioneers to take leave of their
families and form a battalion.
A battalion of approx. 500 was formed and they marched all the way to San Diego and were instrumental in maintaining the rights of the US in that part of the country.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mormon_Battalion
A battalion of approx. 500 was formed and they marched all the way to San Diego and were instrumental in maintaining the rights of the US in that part of the country.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mormon_Battalion
Bullrider | 4:39 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
Its all been said above. Just want to emphazize the out of tune articles which
are called journalism. I am simply disgusted with all the political trash. This
story should not have merited printing and is totally irrevelant to Mitt
Romney's candidacy. I personally don't know which of the entrants from
both parties that I would consider giving my vote. I will be watching.
Anonymous | 4:42 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
HA! Any geneology hunting or extensive background checks being done on other
candidates? Amazing.
Cindy | 4:54 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
What is the point in bringing something like this up? It happened 150 years
ago! No one really gives a crap!
longibson | 5:32 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
Of all People Mormons understand the significance of the history of ancestors
and how it may relate to their character. While this historical anecdote is not
reason in itself to judge a political candidate, it adds insight to his
political portrait. I believe this is a positive addition. Romney has in his
ancestry at least one example of courage, discipline and inspiration.
Mikw | 5:59 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
This is NOT news. Desnews, you are becoming just like all the other MSM--your
information is worthless!
Puzzled by Commentors | 6:08 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
Why study history at all? Why have conventions of historians? Why should the
media bother to report on such conventions?
This article is only one of three on the Utah State History Conference in today�s Deseret Morning News. Which, by the way, is hardly an anti-Romney or anti-Mormon rag. At the writing of this post, one of the other articles has no comments, the other, only one. This one has 77. Both of the other articles could be considered controversial in that they consider issues of race and religion on the American frontier.
This article reviewed a rather positive conference paper about one Charles Henry Wilcken. He was a couragous soldier who had been awarded the Prussian Iron Cross. Rather than submit to a war victor who wanted to unjustly conscript him into what for him would have been a foreign army, he left his homeland for America. Although it was not his intended destination, he was fortunate in many ways that this land of oppertunity become his new home. So improverished that he could not complete his journey, he used his wits and courage finding employment with the US Army. But this force was not all he hoped it would be and it was also preparing to engage in an unjust war. Because he was willing to follow divine promptings, he was lead to the true faith which he adopted and defended becoming an aid to his new religion�s highest authorities.
But this is not all, he has had distiguished decendents, two of whom headed major US corporations and ran for US president.
Almost all of the readers who commented on this article are outraged that the News would point any of this out.
Go figure.
This article is only one of three on the Utah State History Conference in today�s Deseret Morning News. Which, by the way, is hardly an anti-Romney or anti-Mormon rag. At the writing of this post, one of the other articles has no comments, the other, only one. This one has 77. Both of the other articles could be considered controversial in that they consider issues of race and religion on the American frontier.
This article reviewed a rather positive conference paper about one Charles Henry Wilcken. He was a couragous soldier who had been awarded the Prussian Iron Cross. Rather than submit to a war victor who wanted to unjustly conscript him into what for him would have been a foreign army, he left his homeland for America. Although it was not his intended destination, he was fortunate in many ways that this land of oppertunity become his new home. So improverished that he could not complete his journey, he used his wits and courage finding employment with the US Army. But this force was not all he hoped it would be and it was also preparing to engage in an unjust war. Because he was willing to follow divine promptings, he was lead to the true faith which he adopted and defended becoming an aid to his new religion�s highest authorities.
But this is not all, he has had distiguished decendents, two of whom headed major US corporations and ran for US president.
Almost all of the readers who commented on this article are outraged that the News would point any of this out.
Go figure.
Anon | 7:47 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
I thought it was a good human interest article but I happen to enjoy reading
about history. I think the man was a hero and should be recognized as such.
Does that make a difference in who I will vote for? No. I am not planning to vote for Romney but not because of this article.
I have an ancestor who deserted the Civil War but I certainly hope that doesn't make me a quiter. I like to think that I stand on my own merits and not some long dead ancestor and isn't that how we all like to want to be?
Frankly, if that is the worst that can be dug up on Romney then we should all be grateful. It means less dirt will be flying in this campaign.
Does that make a difference in who I will vote for? No. I am not planning to vote for Romney but not because of this article.
I have an ancestor who deserted the Civil War but I certainly hope that doesn't make me a quiter. I like to think that I stand on my own merits and not some long dead ancestor and isn't that how we all like to want to be?
Frankly, if that is the worst that can be dug up on Romney then we should all be grateful. It means less dirt will be flying in this campaign.
Bedohav | 8:17 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
Well Julia...what does Hillary have to do with anything? I said I don't
vote for draft dodgers...and that includes Mitty, Slick Willie (aka Mr. Hillary)
and Bush Lite.
Mitty is the rich and powerful son of a rich and powerful man who has had a privileged life handed to him on a silver platter. He can't help who he was born to, but by goddess, he could have served in the military during the Viet Nam conflict, just like I and others of our generation did.
Like the song says..."I ain't no senator's son, no". I do consider a senator's son to be a cowardly weenie if he gets out of military service (particularly during a war) due to being a senator's son.
Kennedy served, even though his older brother was killed in combat. Mitty weaseled out.
Mitty is the rich and powerful son of a rich and powerful man who has had a privileged life handed to him on a silver platter. He can't help who he was born to, but by goddess, he could have served in the military during the Viet Nam conflict, just like I and others of our generation did.
Like the song says..."I ain't no senator's son, no". I do consider a senator's son to be a cowardly weenie if he gets out of military service (particularly during a war) due to being a senator's son.
Kennedy served, even though his older brother was killed in combat. Mitty weaseled out.
Anonymous | 8:46 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
Using your Utah conservative values people were heroes for avoiding military
service after My Lai? Something tells me that not true. You condemned Clinton
and ether Rush or Rove for dodging the draft.
Conservative berated Kerry's purple hearts. You conservatives claimed Max Cleveland's wasn't injured in the Vietnam War because his legs and a arm were blown off after a grenade dropped from his web gear when he was being extracted from a hot LZ.
Only Mormon Mitt's family gets to pick and choose their wars after they enlist.
se conservatives don't stand for anything!
Conservative berated Kerry's purple hearts. You conservatives claimed Max Cleveland's wasn't injured in the Vietnam War because his legs and a arm were blown off after a grenade dropped from his web gear when he was being extracted from a hot LZ.
Only Mormon Mitt's family gets to pick and choose their wars after they enlist.
se conservatives don't stand for anything!
Mitt vs. Hillcrest | 9:11 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
Good thing his ancestor did not play football at Hillcrest or the Jordan School
District would just declare Mitt uneligible to run for President!!!
It's quicker that way and why should anyone consider anything else when choosing their next President.
Can we all just get over ourselves yet and address the real national and local challenges we are facing rather than the dealing with the stupidity of these distractions!!!
It's quicker that way and why should anyone consider anything else when choosing their next President.
Can we all just get over ourselves yet and address the real national and local challenges we are facing rather than the dealing with the stupidity of these distractions!!!
NevadaCoug | 9:39 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
I don't know about Mitt Romney, but I am sick and tired of people calling
Bush a draft dodger. He joined the National Guard at a time when Guard units
were being called up left and right. He didn't run to Canada. He
didn't use student status as an excuse. He put himself in a position where
he was HIGHLY likely to be called into action. Did he "dodge" the
draft? Only in that he volunteered before he had to be forced into the service.
Texas Mormon | 9:46 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
So, what religion are the other candidates? Who cares? Being a religious
person is a good thing, no matter what religion it is (in most cases).
Don't we always hear about every President going to church? What religion
is Obama? What religion is Giuliani? How about Hillary? Why must religion be
seen as a negative? There are so many more important things to focus on in the
election, than whether there distant ancestor did something wrong. Let's
get back on track.
Britt | 10:20 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
Ummm ... Ummm ... Dear Lord, it made mr nervous living in a country where they
don't know how to vote for the right reasons. Why is religion a factor in
deciding who to vote?! We ned to follow a clear conscience who to vote based on
how they dealt with past issues and how they do with foreign affairs. A
christian person has no place in an islamic country such as Saudi Arabia so
I'd like to see how each candidate react to that issue??
Anonymously Yours | 11:35 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
To ????
It is not a big assumption to think that Mitt's close relatives are either rich and Mormon or both. No way anyone in either category gets an illegal abortion. I am Mormon but not rich. My wife, at 42 faced a difficult pregnancy and her md recommended abortion but she would have none of it. we now have a healthy 3 year-old son. I cannot beleive any active Mormon would have an illegal abortion expecially a wealthy one. It seems as if Mitt lied for the polls.
It is not a big assumption to think that Mitt's close relatives are either rich and Mormon or both. No way anyone in either category gets an illegal abortion. I am Mormon but not rich. My wife, at 42 faced a difficult pregnancy and her md recommended abortion but she would have none of it. we now have a healthy 3 year-old son. I cannot beleive any active Mormon would have an illegal abortion expecially a wealthy one. It seems as if Mitt lied for the polls.
Reality | 11:43 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007
A coward is a descend of Rommey what a shame.
vegas ed | 12:44 a.m. Sept. 9, 2007
What a dumb article. No point to it. Something someone did forever ago. Talk
about something topical. What did Mitt do this week, etc.
Darwin | 2:43 a.m. Sept. 9, 2007
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
A Different Nelly | 2:49 a.m. Sept. 9, 2007
As a general rule, I do not speak up through this medium, however, after reading
Nellie's comments at 3:52 on 9/8, I just had to post ... I don't want
any mere acquaintance to think that was me saying something so absurd! Nellie:
Mr. Romney is not attempting to represent Mormons, nor do I (an LDS)believe that
he has been assigned to represent us. That is as ignorant as the assumption
that YOU, by sharing my name, also represent my point of view in your
commentary.
Obviously, on social issues, Mitt Romney will have the support of many from the LDS community, simply based on a belief system. However, I like to think that many of us of the faith are also wise enough to consider all other subjects, as well as experience before lending any candidate our vote. Now as I have watched the Republicans debate, I have changed my mind 2 or 3 times in regards to who I'd like to vote for ... does that make ME a "flip-flopper"? I must say, that Mr. Romney's explanation of his mind-change on abortion, while sounding sincere, satisfied my inquiry.
PLEASE all of you vote with your mind AND heart, but not before doing research, studying the issues, and if you are so inclined, making it a matter of prayer.
Thank you Puzzled bc, Tania, Longibson, Doug B, GVS, Psuedo, Ben, Alberto H, Boston T, Tumbleweed, Minnie, Joe and a few others for some intelligent points. Personally, I can appreciate a story of divine intervention and conversion. Do I recall correctly that the article referred to the historian with an adjective similar to "beginner"? Have any of you researched his credentials?
Obviously, on social issues, Mitt Romney will have the support of many from the LDS community, simply based on a belief system. However, I like to think that many of us of the faith are also wise enough to consider all other subjects, as well as experience before lending any candidate our vote. Now as I have watched the Republicans debate, I have changed my mind 2 or 3 times in regards to who I'd like to vote for ... does that make ME a "flip-flopper"? I must say, that Mr. Romney's explanation of his mind-change on abortion, while sounding sincere, satisfied my inquiry.
PLEASE all of you vote with your mind AND heart, but not before doing research, studying the issues, and if you are so inclined, making it a matter of prayer.
Thank you Puzzled bc, Tania, Longibson, Doug B, GVS, Psuedo, Ben, Alberto H, Boston T, Tumbleweed, Minnie, Joe and a few others for some intelligent points. Personally, I can appreciate a story of divine intervention and conversion. Do I recall correctly that the article referred to the historian with an adjective similar to "beginner"? Have any of you researched his credentials?
A Different Nelly | 3:08 a.m. Sept. 9, 2007
By the way, I also like to think that many non-LDS voters are wise enough to not
withhold their vote from Mitt Romney (if they believe he is the best man for the
job) simply based on his religion.
Misty | 7:15 a.m. Sept. 9, 2007
The point here ladies and gentlemen is that this same mentality that existed
back then in the church is the same today. The LDS are notorious for putting
their church above everything thing. I'm not talking about putting God
above everything, they put their church ideals above everything. If Mitt is
elected, his allegiance will be to his church, not the country.
offspring of a Democrat | 12:50 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
Yeah, my parents were proud Democrats, but they would turn over in their graves
if they could see what their party leaders and the press were doing to our
country now! Editor, you have opened a can of worms! Now that you have started,
why don't you report the backgrounds of ALL the presidential candidates? It
would be more than just 'interesting' to know what Obama has hidden in
his closet. Many of us already know what Mrs. Clinton has in her ancestry so why
don't you try the smear tactics on her, just her own past 30 years, would
sour any body's stomach, to see in your articles how she dislikes America,
our freedoms, our values, our families and the opportunities to make an HONEST
living! Come on, get to work--we all want to see your homework for the sake of
the country people like Henry Wilcken chose to settle his roots in. Is morality,
hard work and clean living so hard for you to handle, that you have to try to
dig 150 years back to try to find something to change minds about a Presidential
candidate who is, in all reality, too good, too smart and too respected to
represent people like you!
Josiah | 1:18 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
I think this is a great story. Misty you are wrong. I think you need to
re-visit the Kennedy years when everyone thought that the pope would rule
America. In any religion God comes first in that religion and the ideals that
are held are so that one can please God. I believe that a church is built around
beliefs to put God first. Some churches believe that a pastor is a job and
should be paid. Some believe that you need to confess to a priest. Others
believe that you need to pray in an angelic language to be heard. I don't
believe those things however I don't have the audacity to tell those people
that its just them putting their church first as if they do it in a blind or
malicious maner. In any case.
I liked the article because I like to read a good story. Does it have any bearing of what I think about Mitt? No. I just liked the story. I didn't catch any implications to the qualifications of Mitt. Am I naive? maybe. I just thought it was a nice story. I hope there was no offense intended. If there was be it upon their head. I don't want to judge either way.
I liked the article because I like to read a good story. Does it have any bearing of what I think about Mitt? No. I just liked the story. I didn't catch any implications to the qualifications of Mitt. Am I naive? maybe. I just thought it was a nice story. I hope there was no offense intended. If there was be it upon their head. I don't want to judge either way.
Great-Great | 5:20 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
Yeah grandpa!! This is the second time in the last ten years or so (that I know
of) that great grandpa Wilcken has been in the paper. Personally I can take
Mitt or leave him alone but now I really need to find out more about C.H.
Wilcken who was obviously a heck of a guy. The last time he was in the paper it
was a re-telling of an incident where he single-handedly captured a man who had
just shot a policeman. I don't remember if it was in this paper or the
Tribune. Anyway, I am grateful to Mr. Romney for running so people will print
articles about Great-Granpa Wilcken.
Misty's Point! | 8:54 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
Closer to my concerns, it is not Mitt Romney being judged here, but rather those
in the LDS church, that don't want readers looking here! No story here!
History is not important or so the faithful seem to be saying!
anonymous | 10:44 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007
I am shocked to see so many judging harshly this ancestor of Mitt Romney. I am
shocked that
Anericans are so rude and harsh towards others in any manner. His ancestor had essentially a transformation and a ephiphany of a spiritual experience.Would uoi want someone to judge your ancestors in the same fashion as is being done here.????
Anericans are so rude and harsh towards others in any manner. His ancestor had essentially a transformation and a ephiphany of a spiritual experience.Would uoi want someone to judge your ancestors in the same fashion as is being done here.????
Aragon | 1:22 a.m. Sept. 10, 2007
"This is hardly news. If the Deseret News going to carry this, let's
comb through the ancestry of all the other presidential candidates and find what
all their ancestors did. Some of the stories of how their ancestors came to the
country could be quite interesting."
WELL SAID...
WELL SAID...
martymall007 | 6:47 a.m. Sept. 10, 2007
Leave the man, run for President! God Bless!
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Mitt Romney is descended from Carl Heinrich Wilcken.
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His ancestor sounds like a man of great conviction and courage, whom any rational and intelligent person would be proud to have as an ancestor.
The voices of all those intent on labeling him a coward are muted by his distinguished military record.