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Politics and religion: Romney's speech, like JFK's, must be carefully crafted
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Alan | 7:37 a.m. Dec. 5, 2007
Ugh! "Romney's speech must be carefully crafted" says the
headline. Then others whine because Romney seems too carefully crafted.
He's too open about his faith. He's too guarded about his faith.
I've never seen anything like this, where people (especially in the media)
are so worked-up over one man's belief. The very same people who are
heaping this kind of treatment on Romney would be so incredibly offended if this
was done to them or a loved one.
Let the rest of the nation be on trial for a change. How will WE respond to Romney? Will we consider his candidacy with maturity and thought? Will we examine the Mormon faith with fairness and reason? Will we lecture to him about how Christian he isn't? Or will we show our own Christianity by rising above the religious elitism that Christ most often railed against? Will we choose a leader with the "correct" views of God, "acceptable" friends, and "orthodox" beliefs, or one with the experience, character and wisdom for the job? Will we vote with conviction and reason, or with prejudice?
We'll learn more about Romney's beliefs on Thursday, but we'll learn far more about the nation's character afterwards.
Let the rest of the nation be on trial for a change. How will WE respond to Romney? Will we consider his candidacy with maturity and thought? Will we examine the Mormon faith with fairness and reason? Will we lecture to him about how Christian he isn't? Or will we show our own Christianity by rising above the religious elitism that Christ most often railed against? Will we choose a leader with the "correct" views of God, "acceptable" friends, and "orthodox" beliefs, or one with the experience, character and wisdom for the job? Will we vote with conviction and reason, or with prejudice?
We'll learn more about Romney's beliefs on Thursday, but we'll learn far more about the nation's character afterwards.
David | 8:47 a.m. Dec. 5, 2007
Good Luck Mitt!!
God Bless!!
God Bless!!
Comments continue below
Cjem | 8:58 a.m. Dec. 5, 2007
My grandmother was a southern Utah mormon and my grandfather was a midwest
protestant. The first time my grandmother went to Iowa to meet the family her
mother-in-law kept looking at her in a funny way. My grandfather finally
noticed and started laughing, and he told his mother than his new wife had been
de-horned. One of my co-workers, a Cathollic, told a similar story about his
father. When his father, a southern Nevada native, went to a military base in a
southern state for training during WWII, people there expected him to have horns
because he was Catholic. When Mitt Romney gives his speech, he probably
doesn't need to get much deeper than that he doesn't have horns.
What's the Problem | 9:34 a.m. Dec. 5, 2007
If Mitt cannot be upfront an NOT "carefully craft" his speech, I
don't want him to be president. I want an openly honest man that can say
what he believes without worrying about the crazy religous freaks dissing him --
that is more respectable in my opinion. This is ridiculous...probably old news
but it has become so obvious that people really don't want religion and
state to act as seperate entities (maybe I am wrong?). Perhaps I am ignorant,
but I would hope that people would judge a man on his works and not focus so
much on whether he believes in a religous book called the Book of Mormon. I
guess that is an unrealistic thought, but I just wanted to vent on how lame this
has become.
Too bad, but... | 10:24 a.m. Dec. 5, 2007
Romney�s real burden is trying to convince Americans that
he won�t be controlled by the Church he belongs to. Unlike
Catholics who often disagree with their Church without any consequences, many
people know that Mormons have no such luxury. Just ask any of the BYU
professors who have been fired or excommunicated from the Church because of
their disagreements.
Mitt Supporter | 10:51 a.m. Dec. 5, 2007
Memo to Tom and Other Detractors:
Mitt Romney by any objective measurement is far and away the best candidate currently running bar none. What we need is a president who is principled and holds capitalist and moral values as does Mitt. He has most of the experience necessary. He understands the part he doesn't have experience in the international arena. The democrat detractors will always attempt to tar anyone who does not espouse their leftist/socialist agenda. Mitt will acquit himself well in his speech on Thursday. Anyone who is a principled republican and says they cannot vote for Mitt if and when he becomes the nominee is no republican in my book. Let's stay level headed. It's a longer campaign that normal. We need to stay focused. The other republican candidates all have their flaws. Religon unfortunately is an issue Mitt's oponents/media have raised, and he needs to clarify some apparent misconceptions and distortions not of his making. I am looking forward to hearing what Mett has to say. He is a forthright and articulate speaker and will do well.
I cannot understand why the speech is being held during the morning hours.
Mitt Romney by any objective measurement is far and away the best candidate currently running bar none. What we need is a president who is principled and holds capitalist and moral values as does Mitt. He has most of the experience necessary. He understands the part he doesn't have experience in the international arena. The democrat detractors will always attempt to tar anyone who does not espouse their leftist/socialist agenda. Mitt will acquit himself well in his speech on Thursday. Anyone who is a principled republican and says they cannot vote for Mitt if and when he becomes the nominee is no republican in my book. Let's stay level headed. It's a longer campaign that normal. We need to stay focused. The other republican candidates all have their flaws. Religon unfortunately is an issue Mitt's oponents/media have raised, and he needs to clarify some apparent misconceptions and distortions not of his making. I am looking forward to hearing what Mett has to say. He is a forthright and articulate speaker and will do well.
I cannot understand why the speech is being held during the morning hours.
Roger | 10:52 a.m. Dec. 5, 2007
Here are the facts:
1-The Christian base of the Republican Party is hung up on religious-based social issues. They want to government to promote their own religious beliefs. That is why they care so much about things like prayer in school, teaching that �intelligent design� is real science, and banning gay marriage.
2-Mormons send out tens of thousands of missionaries to convert Christians from their religion to Mormonism. This creates the distinct impression that Mormonism and �Christianity� (as they think of it) are at odds.
3-Thus, Christian Republicans who are so bent on integrating their religious views into the government have a real concern about a Mormon president.
Romney�s big mistake was running as a Republican. As a Democrat, he wouldn�t have had to change his position on certain social issues. He wouldn�t need to explain his religion�just state that he believes that church and state should be separate. He wouldn�t even have had to join the NRA.
The outstanding question is whether Utah Republicans will recognize that Romney�s failure should be blamed on the narrow-mindedness of Christian Republicans, or if they�ll make the media the scapegoats.
1-The Christian base of the Republican Party is hung up on religious-based social issues. They want to government to promote their own religious beliefs. That is why they care so much about things like prayer in school, teaching that �intelligent design� is real science, and banning gay marriage.
2-Mormons send out tens of thousands of missionaries to convert Christians from their religion to Mormonism. This creates the distinct impression that Mormonism and �Christianity� (as they think of it) are at odds.
3-Thus, Christian Republicans who are so bent on integrating their religious views into the government have a real concern about a Mormon president.
Romney�s big mistake was running as a Republican. As a Democrat, he wouldn�t have had to change his position on certain social issues. He wouldn�t need to explain his religion�just state that he believes that church and state should be separate. He wouldn�t even have had to join the NRA.
The outstanding question is whether Utah Republicans will recognize that Romney�s failure should be blamed on the narrow-mindedness of Christian Republicans, or if they�ll make the media the scapegoats.
Milt | 11:04 a.m. Dec. 5, 2007
Having grown up in the west and now as a long time resident of NH I can tell you
that the vast majority of people here are much more concerned about whether a
man's church will run him if he becomes President than they are that his
beliefs might cause him to try and "Mormonize" this great nation. In
numerous town meetings I have attended Mitt has been forthright in telling them
that he is not running to be a Mormon President but rather to be a President who
happens to be a Mormon and that his first priority will be to renew our great
nation and make sure that it remains strong and independent. I can also tell you
that Mitt is briliant and that we shouldn't be worrying about how he will
make this address; from long personal expoerience I have found Mitt to be
capable and ready to handle very difficult situations whenever and whereever
they might be.
Josh | 11:13 a.m. Dec. 5, 2007
I saw the republican debate and Mitt Romney was not just knowledgeable but
sincere and honest in his response. I did not see any well crafted speech at
all. He is all about just getting the work done and nothing else. I hope the
GOP gives him the chance to "fix the bush mess." His knowledge and
moral standards should keep Hillary Clinton from the presidency.
I am from Canada but if I were in the U.S, I'd say that if it's not Mitt, then Americans might as well just vote for a globally and economically "friendly" person like Hillary. Her husband would definitely play a big part in her presidency and he obviously was one of the best Presidents you guys have even had - EXCEPT FOR THE MONICA PART.
I am from Canada but if I were in the U.S, I'd say that if it's not Mitt, then Americans might as well just vote for a globally and economically "friendly" person like Hillary. Her husband would definitely play a big part in her presidency and he obviously was one of the best Presidents you guys have even had - EXCEPT FOR THE MONICA PART.
David | 11:32 a.m. Dec. 5, 2007
Mitt needs to answer some important questions that stem directly from his
position as a leader inside Mormonism. How does the racist doctrine of Black
men not being able to hold the priesthood fit in with his beliefs? Does he
still hold that somehow such a racist belief was inspired of God?
I am concerned how he answers that question. Not because he is a Mormon, but because of how such a belief may affect his policy decisions in leading the country. Last I heard is that the policy was done away with in 1978, however the underlying belief and racist actions still are in place.
I want to know what Mitt will do when his beliefs contradict science. How will he let his beliefs determine his policy decisions? Will he seek to imprison women who choose to have an abortion in the first trimester if his wish to have a constitutional amendment banning abortion happens?
I am interested not in Mitt's choice to believe what he wants no matter what I think of it. I am interested in knowing how those beliefs affect his decision and policy making capacities as the leader of the US.
I am concerned how he answers that question. Not because he is a Mormon, but because of how such a belief may affect his policy decisions in leading the country. Last I heard is that the policy was done away with in 1978, however the underlying belief and racist actions still are in place.
I want to know what Mitt will do when his beliefs contradict science. How will he let his beliefs determine his policy decisions? Will he seek to imprison women who choose to have an abortion in the first trimester if his wish to have a constitutional amendment banning abortion happens?
I am interested not in Mitt's choice to believe what he wants no matter what I think of it. I am interested in knowing how those beliefs affect his decision and policy making capacities as the leader of the US.
doubting paul | 11:57 a.m. Dec. 5, 2007
If you don't like us, that's OK. We still like you. But please, leave
Mormon doctrine to those that really know and have it in context, instead of the
Ed Decker way of making sure everything is distorted.
Mitt needs to address only that he is a LDS Man who is running for President. We already have a prophet - and it's not him.
Mitt needs to address only that he is a LDS Man who is running for President. We already have a prophet - and it's not him.
Mitt is John Kerry | 12:07 p.m. Dec. 5, 2007
I think that even if Mitt does deliver a watered-down, cheap rip-off speech of
Kennedy's, he still doesn't stand a chance. He's the "John
Kerry of the Republican Party," with more flip-flops than a fish on dry
land.
"Fraud Believer!" | 12:08 p.m. Dec. 5, 2007
When are Huckabee, Obama and the balance of the presidential canditates going to
give thier JFK Speeches? I thought the constitution said that there will be no
religious test for citizens? All of a sudden it appears that not only is there
a religious test but, now those who don't believe the same way as us
"Fraud" believers can forget public civility and open discourse.
Yes, Mormons are a peculiar people who to one degree or another, have a faith system that outsiders might not understand or agree with. But why is that a bad thing? Wasn't this whole continent at least partially settled by individuals seeking religious freedom? I am a believer. I also allow others the same freedom. So, does a particular personal faith disqualify someone from running for office?
What does "Enough Said" mean?
Yes, Mormons are a peculiar people who to one degree or another, have a faith system that outsiders might not understand or agree with. But why is that a bad thing? Wasn't this whole continent at least partially settled by individuals seeking religious freedom? I am a believer. I also allow others the same freedom. So, does a particular personal faith disqualify someone from running for office?
What does "Enough Said" mean?
deseretnews.com moderator | 1:13 p.m. Dec. 5, 2007
Please stay on topic: Mitt Romney's speech.
Mitt for President!!! | 1:14 p.m. Dec. 5, 2007
Mitt will deliver a fantastic speech that will take him to the White House!
Mitt epitomizes the 13th Article of Faith. His wife and sons are tremendous
examples of integrity and it would be marvelous to have them as the first
wholesome family in the White House. Mitt doesn't need to take all this
abuse that is thrown at him. He could enjoy a happy carefree life if he wanted,
but he knows this country is in a real mess and he knows that he can fix it.
His sons know that if anyone can fix it, it is him. They support him
wholeheartedly and so do I. Mitt to the White House!!!
Mitt for President!!! | 1:23 p.m. Dec. 5, 2007
Here is where you can watch the speech:
The speech will take place at 10:30am Eastern at the George Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas. You may watch the entire speech live on MittRomney.com.
The speech will take place at 10:30am Eastern at the George Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas. You may watch the entire speech live on MittRomney.com.
slmg | 1:27 p.m. Dec. 5, 2007
Why is everyone so amazed, surprised, offended etc. That the media and the
American People are so intrested in what Mitt Romney's religious beliefs
are? Romney had to know that by running for the presidency that he was not only
putting himself but the entire LDS Church and it's doctrine in the
spotlight. Love it or hate it, the questions and opinions are not going to stop
coming, we LDS are considered pecular people and that is not going to change.
People are not so afraid that Romney will be influnced by Salt Lake, it is
simply his being a Mormon that scares them.
John Swenson Harvey | 1:29 p.m. Dec. 5, 2007
Roger got it correct. The Republican party (at the national level as well as
here in Utah) is being driven by a small religious minority that wants to impose
their views on the larger population through the force of law. Since Mormons
have views that are at odds with most of that religious minority, that minority
doesn't like the idea of putting a Mormon in charge of imposing their
beliefs on the rest of the country. Hence Mitt must convince them he will do
their dirty work *in spite of* his personal beliefs.
In addition to that mess, Mitt also has the problem that he has turned his back on his own beliefs multiple times during this election cycle. Saying he isn't going to the temple, and agreeing that every word of the Bible is true. Basically he is paying more attention to the opinions of man, than those of God.
I doubt he could ever get the nomination due to the first problem, and even if he did I wouldn't want a person who has so callously betrayed his "core" beliefs to be the President.
In addition to that mess, Mitt also has the problem that he has turned his back on his own beliefs multiple times during this election cycle. Saying he isn't going to the temple, and agreeing that every word of the Bible is true. Basically he is paying more attention to the opinions of man, than those of God.
I doubt he could ever get the nomination due to the first problem, and even if he did I wouldn't want a person who has so callously betrayed his "core" beliefs to be the President.
Behold the Condemnation | 2:28 p.m. Dec. 5, 2007
I think I like the Idea of Mitt making this speech, even though there will be
people who will try to use it against him from every angle.
Re: John & Thomas & others
Thanks for passing down your judgement of Bro. Romneys unworthyness. Statements like "turned his back on his own beliefs" and "can't stick to his beliefs" are hypocritacal and reflect ignorance in regards to Mitt Romney and the doctorines and official positions of the LDS church.
You are not the people he should address in his speech, because your condemnation is personal. the people he should address are the ones who like the canidate Mitt Romney but have reservations about the Mormon Mitt Romney. He should assure them that he considers the Constitution a sacred document and that principles of faith guide his personal actions but that he alone will guide the country.
Re: John & Thomas & others
Thanks for passing down your judgement of Bro. Romneys unworthyness. Statements like "turned his back on his own beliefs" and "can't stick to his beliefs" are hypocritacal and reflect ignorance in regards to Mitt Romney and the doctorines and official positions of the LDS church.
You are not the people he should address in his speech, because your condemnation is personal. the people he should address are the ones who like the canidate Mitt Romney but have reservations about the Mormon Mitt Romney. He should assure them that he considers the Constitution a sacred document and that principles of faith guide his personal actions but that he alone will guide the country.
Different types | 4:20 p.m. Dec. 5, 2007
These postings support the long-held perception that there are different types
of Mormons.
The worthy and the unworthy.
And to be quite frank, some of the "worthy Mormons are starting to resemble what you might call an Aryan sort of attitude that is not very likeable.
The worthy and the unworthy.
And to be quite frank, some of the "worthy Mormons are starting to resemble what you might call an Aryan sort of attitude that is not very likeable.
Mahonri | 8:33 p.m. Dec. 5, 2007
Maybe he should take a long hard look at Gordon Hinckleys interviews and then he
can stand up and declare that he isn't quite sure what he really
believes... but is is probably good anyhow.
Ed Clinch | 10:04 p.m. Dec. 5, 2007
Interesting historical notes:
Joseph Smith himself was a presidential candidate and killed as such, a few months before the 1844 election.
He was anti-slavery and some of the mob resented him for that, I hear. At least many Missouri thugs...
Reed Smoot was the first Utah Senator, about 100 years ago. Latter-day Saints have been a strong fixture of DC ever since. Including Willard Marriott. Enjoy your night's sleep!
The evangelical movement has evolved a bit over time, and sometimes they seem a bit hostile to me. But we all believe that Christ is King, abortion is wrong except for reasons of danger to the mother or extenuating circumstances, and men should marry women and be faithful to them.
May the best man or woman win a year from now, for all of our sakes.
I am LDS from birth, my parents joined in 1968.
Grateful for it every day of life, as I am for being American, a citizen of the best nation to defend freedom in the world.
Peace and Happy Holidays, all.
Joseph Smith himself was a presidential candidate and killed as such, a few months before the 1844 election.
He was anti-slavery and some of the mob resented him for that, I hear. At least many Missouri thugs...
Reed Smoot was the first Utah Senator, about 100 years ago. Latter-day Saints have been a strong fixture of DC ever since. Including Willard Marriott. Enjoy your night's sleep!
The evangelical movement has evolved a bit over time, and sometimes they seem a bit hostile to me. But we all believe that Christ is King, abortion is wrong except for reasons of danger to the mother or extenuating circumstances, and men should marry women and be faithful to them.
May the best man or woman win a year from now, for all of our sakes.
I am LDS from birth, my parents joined in 1968.
Grateful for it every day of life, as I am for being American, a citizen of the best nation to defend freedom in the world.
Peace and Happy Holidays, all.
Ed Clinch | 10:19 p.m. Dec. 5, 2007
One last thing:
Gordon B. Hinckley is a prophet of God, and people make fun of all prophets in all times. I'm used to that.
Doesn't make it right.
A spokesperson of God deserves some special attention and respect, as do pastors and evangelists...
Best of wishes. And God bless you.
Gordon B. Hinckley is a prophet of God, and people make fun of all prophets in all times. I'm used to that.
Doesn't make it right.
A spokesperson of God deserves some special attention and respect, as do pastors and evangelists...
Best of wishes. And God bless you.
Steve | 12:30 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
Mitt gave a great speech this morning.
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