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DEL.ICIO.USMitt Romney in Atlanta: On naked dogs, immigration and his stock in embryonic stem cell research
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mitt Romney had an advance peek at the pop quiz.
The presidential candidate breezed into a packed room filled with hundreds of hotdog-eating Republicans at the Varsity on Wednesday, and was immediately put to the test.
House Speaker pro tem Mark Burkhalter, Romney’s highest ranking supporter in Georgia, hit him with four questions about Varsity lunch counter vernacular:
A) What’s a chocolate milk with shaved ice?
B) What’s a hamburger with lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise?
C) What’s a naked dog walking?
Romney aced the test. The answers were, in order, a P.C., or pure chocolate; a glorified steak; and a plain hot dog to-go. The candidate freely admitted the fix was in.
“If that wasn’t a set up, I don’t know what is,” he told the crowd — many of whom were obvious supporters.
But some in the crowd weren’t. They were among the large pocket of Republicans still without a candidate, and for them Romney’s test was a bit more serious.
At least a dozen or so supporters of the Fair Tax crowd showed up, though they weren’t able to question the candidate about his lack of support for a shift from an income tax to a national sales tax.
Pat Gartland, the former head of the Georgia Christian Coalition, also came to listen. “I just wanted to hear what he had to say. I don’t know anything about him,” Gartland said. The room was so packed that he was forced to stand outside.
And at least one spy from an opposing camp showed up. Rusty Paul, a former state GOP chairman who supports Rudy Giuliani, just happened to be driving past the Varsity at lunch time and decided to duck in for a hot dog. Really.
To the crowd, Romney delivered red meat — primarily aiming his barbs at Hillary Clinton, but also sending a few the way of GOP rival Giuliani. And he delivered a glancing blow to President Bush.
“The question is are we going to turn left, with the policies represented by Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards,” Romney said.
“When Hillary Clinton is talking about the economy, if you listen carefully, she’s saying she wants to raise taxes on individuals and raise taxes on corporations.
“She’s says we’ve been an on-your-own society. She wants a shared society, a we’re-all-in-this-together society. So it’s out with Adam Smith and up with Karl Marx,” the former Massachusetts governor said.
Romney promised to “end the death tax forever,” and declared that “people of moderate and middle income” ought not to be taxed on their savings.
On the issue of health insurance, he condemned Democrats for wanting to increase government involvement, but his comment also appeared directed at the current administration: “I don’t want the guys who managed the [Hurricane] Katrina clean-up running my health care system.”
Romney also kept up his running war with Giuliani on immigration, though he didn’t mention his Republican rival by name.
For the last week, Romney has pointed to a New York City policy adopted by Mayor Ed Koch in 1989 but extended by Giuliani during his terms as mayor, in which city workers did not provide information about illegal immigrants they came in contact with federal authorities.
“Let’s end this sanctuary city thing,” Romney told the crowd. The Giuliani campaign has pointed out that three Massachusetts cities have similar policies — and that Romney has expressed no objections about them.
“As a governor, I’m not responsible for what cities do,” Romney told reporters after he’d finished shaking hands. He accused Giuliani of trying to “obfuscate” the issue.
On other topics:
Romney said he wasn’t ready to commit to the CNN/youtube debate. The Democratic version this month featured questions from real people — and one, about global warming, from a snowman.
“I think it’s fine to have questions from the public. I think the snowman is a little less than the level of dignity you expect in a presidential televised debate,” Romney said.
The candidate also addressed a story in today’s Boston Herald, which had this first paragraph:
“Despite his “pro-life” campaign pitch, former Gov. Mitt Romney owns stock in two companies involved in embryonic stem cell research, a controversial field of study he previously cited as the reason for his rightward shift on abortion.”
Said Romney in Atlanta;
“My investments have been held in blind trust. Which means I have not directed where they invest, nor do I know where they invest,” the former governor said. “I did not direct my investments, nor did I know of my investments. The trustee of the blind trust has said that he will endeavor to make my investments conform to my positions.”
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By HELLINAHANDBASKET
August 15, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this
I don’t know how I feel about this guy yet. So far none of the candidates Dem or Rep are going to get my vote, but I am still researching and listening. Too this whole thing with the investment in the stem cell thing, it’s true so far as a blind trust and not knowing what they invest in for you. Just ask Micheal Moore, he was invested in lots of stock including Halliburton and he swears he has never and will ever own one stock…hmmmm….
By janey
August 15, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
If we are looking for a morally conservative, family-oriented, intelligent man for president, I think Romney is as close as we are going to get. The longer these primaries drag on, the more he shines. He’s proven himself to be a fabulous leader and will hopefully do the same for our country. I say GO ROMNEY!
By Ross
August 15, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
I heard Romney speak in Holland Michigan early this morning. He must have gotten on a flight and flew to Atlanta in time for this event. Mitt Romney is the best choice for President for certain!
By Funny Truth
August 15, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this
Bfore you eat EMPTY POLITICAL SPIN WORDS FROM THOSE WHO FLIP FLOP, Ponder this, on Immigration.
Look at the States that oppose and are against these poor Humans? They’re all the states that give the least to our nation in Revenues. FACTS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS There were over 2000 murders this year by Us CITIZENS, and the media is blasting spin on one “ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT” ?? What about the 5 million US CITIZENS IN JAILS? HOW MUCH DO THEY COST OUR ECONOMY? I am a proud New Yorker and love our nation as much as anyone else, Yet being a New Yorker has tought me to accept every HUMAN AS A CHILD OF ALMIGHTY GOD :) REGARDLESS OF WHAT SOME PICE OF PAPER SAYS. “STOP PLAYING GOD”.
THE POLITICIANS THAT ARE PLAYING THE “ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION” CARD, WILL LOSE, BECAUSE OUR NATIONS WOES ARE NOT ON these poor migrants looking to work, its on WORLD GLOBLAZATION WE MUST STEP UP, STARTING WITH EDUCATION for todays marketplace and job requirements, take care of TRADE DEFICITS , Stop the exporting of American factories overseas.
ARE YOU WILLING TO PAY MORE TO BUY “MADE IN USA” and stop buying made in china? This will stop the bleeding of our nation.
Please get educated on todays realistic job place requirements, take steps to enhance your / children’s education so you will never fear poor migrants. Stop the hate and “LOOK FOR SOLUTIONS, WHICH NO POLITICIAN HAS GIVEN US YET?
By jaytee
August 15, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this
I attended the event with Romney this afternoon, and he really had his message together. This guy is not just another candidate up there talking. He’s proven himself when he was governor that he’s a candidate that will really act… actually do something about health care, immigration, etc. He went to Harvard business and law school and lead companies that accept only the most brilliant of people. That’s why I think he’s different than the other candidates. We need action from someone who has enough real-world executive experience to fix real-world problems. None of the other candidates have the same level of real-world experience. Just ask yourself who you’d like in the white house, another politician, or a leader? Mitt Romney is the best guy out there, the record proves it.
By Bubba
August 15, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this
Hey, “FUNNY TRUTH”:
Liberals hate importing foreign goods, but love importing foreign workers, because they think they think foreign workers are so stupid they’l vote for higher taxes. (And then liberals accuse conservatives of being “racist.”)
But here’s the thing, Funny Truth: My Korean-made car doesn’t ask for food stamps, welfare or Medicaid. My car doesn’t pee in the parking lot, throw beer bottles in my yard, cram 8 people into a 2-bedroom apartment or throw loud parties that go on until 3 a.m.
Import cars. Deport illegals.
By Chris
August 15, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this
In reading this quote “As a governor, I’m not responsible for what cities do,” Romney told reporters after he’d finished shaking hands.” all that came to mind was that, you are wrong, you are indeed as governor ultimately responsible for what transpires in your state. That means every city, every town, etc. This just seems to be a cop-out and this is not the kind of attitude I want leading this country.
By bob
August 15, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this
yo mitt
why didn’t HBO cast you in the lead role in their series BIG LOVE instead of bill paxton ? why should they hire an actor when if they were to hire you they would have the real mc coy? you wouldn’t have to act cause you are one! heehee
By Dante
August 15, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this
This man equated his son driving a winnebago through Iowa to what soldiers do in Iraq. Don’t tell me that’s serving your country. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far when it comes to serving yourself—the kids who support the war but won’t fight in it get that mentality from their dad. End the death tax? Well, with $250 million to your name, you better end the death tax. Blast the same health care system that our own congress and president entrust their health with? He has no idea what working people go through to support their families and keep them healthy. Health care is a human right, for God’s sake, not a privilege for those who can afford it or aren’t denied coverage for already being sick. btw, bubba, promoting stereotypes about immigrants IS racist. Saying they should be treated as human beings is not.
By Britney
August 15, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this
I don’t like candidates that hate people. Romney says he is religious - what of hate religion?
By Wake Up
August 15, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this
A vote for Romney is a vote for pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies, and banks, all of which have shown record profits for the last 6 years, and all of which Romney has invested over 100 million with, while publicly claiming to be against their practices.
Romney is worth over $250 million. Almost as much as Cheney. Both claim that they have no control over their investments or earnings. This just ignores the fact that it is still their money. Zero-sum gain. They win, Americans lose.
Anyone who is worth less than $10 million dollars and votes for another elitist like Romney deserves what they get, but unfortunately, they drag the rest of middle class America down with them. Are you really naive enough to believe that someone who is worth $250 million and is seeking even more power cares about you and your pathetic lives?
Lesson: Research these people before you vote for them. Follow the money. Learn about the Mormon religion and its desire for power and control. realize that Romney has a million dollar contract with a public relations firm who tells him what to say and how to say it. It’s all coached delivery!
Don’t be the mesmerized moron who watches someone at some event and succumbs to a snake charmer who looks good or sounds suave! It’s an act and it is well rehearsed. On with the show!
By Ankhorite
August 15, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this
He’s a liar and a hypocrite. To compare his FIVE sons sitting around on tour buses in Iowa to help him get elected to my nephew carrying an 80-pound pack on foot in 130-degree weather in Iraq with people shooting at him is unforgivable.
To attack “sanctuary cities” is just stupid. Illegal aliens need to be able to contact the police about ongoing crime without fear of being deported. It’s foolish to deny police access to these witnesses because he wants to score points now — now, after he didn’t do anything about sanctuary cities while he was a governor.
I don’t believe him about the stem cells. He is a “flipper” on abortion. I believe he has no REAL belief about abortion either way — he’ll just say whatever he thinks it takes to get elected.
I think he’s a bad man, and would make a very bad president. I want a decent human being in the White House, and Romney fails that test.
By WakeUp Call
August 15, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this
A vote for Romney is a vote for pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies, and banks, all of which have shown record profits for the last 6 years, and all of which Romney has invested over 100 million with, while publicly claiming to be against their practices.
Romney is worth over $250 million. Almost as much as Cheney. Look at what Cheney has done for America. Both claim that they have no control over their investments or earnings. Gee whiz! Too Bad! This just ignores the fact that it is still their money. Pleading ignorance is the modern defense for illegal and immoral behavior. Wealth is a zero-sum gain. They win, Americans lose.
Anyone who is worth less than $10 million dollars and votes for another elitist like Romney deserves what they get, but unfortunately, they drag the rest of middle class America down with them. Are you really naive enough to believe that someone who is worth $250 million and is seeking even more power cares about you and your pathetic lives?
Lesson: Research these people before you vote for them. Follow the money. Learn about the Mormon religion and its desire for power and control. realize that Romney has a million dollar contract with a public relations firm who tells him what to say and how to say it. It’s all coached delivery!
Don’t just be the mesmerized moron who watches someone at some event and succumbs to a snake charmer who looks good or sounds suave! It’s an act and it is well rehearsed. On with the show!
By douglas
August 15, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
Does anybody realize that as a practicing Mormon Mitt Romney supports a church that held women and minorities (especially blacks) as second class citizens. He supports the exclusion of these people from church office (except with specific approval) and used to believe (until 1982?) that blacks couldn’t get into heaven. I don’t know how you can look past that. Of course there are other issues but he’s only human. He just happens to be a racist, mysoginistic, position pandering human.
By John
August 15, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this
Yo Dante, Newsflash, healthcare is a human right for those that work…not for everyone. The system is flawed, but socialized medicine is no solution. Socialized medicine would make hard working people have to wait six months to just see a general practicianor…meanwhile they would be waiting in line behind the IV drug using bums on the street corner.
By Rachael
August 15, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this
The fact of the matter is that illeagal aliens do take jobs away from American workers, If you are a caucasion from the ages of 18 thru 45 and you don’t speak a second language that is previlant in your area then you are less likely to obtain good emplyment than a person who does. I am not sure why I should be forced to learn a second language just so that I can make more than minimum wage flipping burgers or selling clothes. For the person from New York I agree that we should be tolerant of all peaple without regaurd to thier race but I also think that those coming into our country without the legal documents to prove that they are able to work here, pay taxes here, and obtain legal residence here should have respect for our country and the laws thereof. As for the thousands of Americans in our prisons do you think that possibly the afore mentioned inability to obtain proper employment that illegal immigrants cause could possibly be a contributor to this problem? Hmmmmm……. When people can’t afford to put food on the plates of thier children because the states and Fedral Gov don’t have money to help them because the illegal immigrant is eating up all of our social services people tend to get a little desperate. Don’t get me wrong I am in no way advocating breaking the law for any reason but that is true of a legal citizen or illegal immigrant. We could stop a great deal of crime if the immigration issue were to be taken really seriously and not just smoke blown up our chimneys.
By Redneck Herder
August 15, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this
Yo JOHN, Newsflash - Guess you are saying that only people with jobs have human rights. A statement only a complete idiot would come up with. What about children, the retired, stay-at-home moms and the 30% of society that does not have a job?
Socialized medicine is no solution. Guess we have to take your word for that. Never mind that the US is ranked 34th in the world for health care 5 years in a row. Never mind that the infant mortality rate in the US is higher that 62 other nations. Never mind that most European countries have government health care programs that have worked wll enough for decades to put them above the US in every health care category except plastic surgery. I have been to Europe and have seen how well their health care works, and it does work.
JOHN, what are you basing your statements on? I guess you think if the government provides it, it is worthless. Well, thank God the US does not have socialized police or socialized fire departments or socialized water departments! Just think how horrible they would be run! Don’t you remember when Atlanta tried a PRIVATELY OWNED water provider?
Before you bash anyone else’s post here - JOHN - READ more and talk less until you know what you are talking about!
By TN
August 15, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this
Hey Dante, don’t blame Rommey for being rich. Put your jealousy aside and talk like an adult. He just tries to do things with common sense. Typical liberals want to be given and take it for granted. You should encourage people to work hard to earn instead of begging for it. Look at European countries. Socialism and communism completely ruin their countries. China has been making great progress because they had learned that lesson.
By Colby
August 15, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this
Hey, Youse Guys:
WakeUp, Dante, Ankhorite, douglas, Funny Truth, and Chris WON this debate, hands down! We’ve had enough Republican rule to damn near ruin this country. It’s time for a change in the White House, too. I am not that enamored with the Democrat candidates, either. Still waiting for one to stake out a get-real position on many things. Who will it be?
By warren dowdle
August 15, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this
When in doubt, just attack areas in which you have no clue about. That is what I am reading from some. Why doesn’t Mitt join Big Love? Learn about the Mormons and you will find corruption and power. Are you kidding me? How many mormons do you know? It is the typical, bashing of a smart, religious man who, through industry and wise business practice made alot of money. So trash him and vote for Hillary. There is a smart choice for socialism.
By Ric Mayfield
August 15, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this
I’ve posted videos of the event over at my blog.
Georgians for Romney
It was a wonderful event with an overflow crowd.
By bill
August 15, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this
Mitt is not my kind of guy although he looks clean and upright. His position on health care is terrible. He is also concerned that America is turning left. What does he expect after the Bush debacle? He is not concerned about the real life situation most Americans have been putting up with for the past several years.
By TK3
August 15, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this
By Dante
August 15, 2007 7:32 PM Health care is a human right, for God’s sake, not a privilege for those who can afford it or aren’t denied coverage for already being sick.
God save us from the many Neo~Fascists & socialists who want the power to control us, under such pretext, for our own good of-course. How will they ever learn history from other than Government run schools!
By Frostbite
August 15, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this
Dear misinformed bigots, I am a mormon, while I am not voting for Romney because of some differences in policy, I think everyone needs to actually find the truth about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints before they start bashing it ans saying that there was a belief that “blacks couldn’t get into heaven” or the “woman were a minority” or that there is “corruption” and the “church is power seeking”. Why not try to do some research and find the truth instead of reading anti-mormon literature. Why not read our books were it states what we believe instead of listening to Joe Shmoe who hates mormons so wrote on his website that they are devil worshippers. I think Romney is a fine person with many good ideas, and if you want to bash on him and call him a bad person because of his faith, well then I feel sorry for your ignorance about this church because you have no idea what youre saying. My only advice is get the facts before you start spouting your mouth about things that aren’t true.
By rhowtpm
August 15, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this
Amazing the amount of ignorance about Mormons (if not blatant hatred/intolerance for them) that Mitt has brought to the surface in America, especially from alleged Christians.
I think the statistic is that 35% of Americans would not vote for a Mormon under any circumstance. That’s probably the same 35% who still think Bush is doing a good job. That’s around 105 million people, which is a LOT of ignorance.
Yes, this “power and control-crazed” religion of what—8 million in the entire USA? (.02% of the population)—poses a huge threat not just to America but the world; those squeaky-clean guys in white shirts and ties are the epitome of fascist world dominators.
What hate group are you getting your propaganda from, Mr. (or Ms.) Wake Up? Here’s a tip: if you want to learn the truth about Republicans, don’t ask Howard Dean. And if you want to know the truth about Mormons, don’t ask your Protestant minister, or some organization whose sole existence is to spread disinformation about them (I know, I know: they said they were “exposing the truth” about them).
Ooh, and kudos to bob for basing his understanding of Mormons on an HBO TV show; i admire both your depth of research and your desire to perpetuate an archaic stereotype.
My sincere compliments to those who can speak of Mitt solely as a political candidate—good or bad—instead of as the subject of religious ignorance and/or intolerance.
oh wait! One more. Wake Up counsels us “Don’t be the mesmerized moron who watches someone at some event and succumbs to a snake charmer who looks good or sounds suave! It’s an act and it is well rehearsed.”
So tell the truth: were YOU convinced Bush was telling the truth about WMDs and Hussein’s non-existent ties to al Qaida? bet you were. Bush is the smoothest liar in your lifetime, and I’ll bet you voted for him TWICE.
By Mel
August 15, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this
Romney quote:“I don’t want the guys who managed the [Hurricane] Katrina clean-up running my health care system.”
Is Mitt Romney saying that the US government is terminally incompetent? The US government that runs the military, the national parks service, the FDA, the FBI, the postal system etc. is fatally and irredeemably flawed? Then in the next breath he will say “put me in charge of it”.
Romney’s PR people should be more careful about the bumper sticker phrases that they give their candidate to say.
Seriously, this guy and John Edwards are just empty suits, running on their looks and their money.
By Mel
August 15, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
The truth about the Mormon religion is that in 1830 a scam artist named Joseph Smith pulled the whole idea out of his butt as a way to gain money, power and loads of “wives”.
The Smith story, even as told by Mormons, is so full of holes it is difficult believe any grown adults swallow it whole, much less some rich guy who is running for president.
By okie
August 15, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
He accuses Hilary as promoting a-“were-all-in-this-together” society. How un-Christian can you get!
By Jeff
August 15, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this
Mitt, learn something about the Fair Tax, you’re completely IGNORANT.
By Michael
August 15, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this
About these poor illegal aliens, oh sorry migrants. If the govt. doesn’t enforce the laws on the books about immigration how can it enforce laws on anything without being hypocritical, therefore rule of law is compromised. Also why can’t immigrants try harder to assimilate to U.S. culture rather than trying so hard to make this more like “home”. I have no problem with anyone coming to The U.S. just don’t expect me to learn your language to converse with you. Everyone should do what it takes to improve themselves and their situation in life, but when you do it illegally expect to be punished accordingly. Now about abortion, U.S. citizens in prison and health care. Make abortion mandatory for people who do not have at least a high school diploma, and or criminal records. That’s not saying that there won’t be any crime still, but if children are raised in better environments chances are they will have a better future. That means we all have a better future. Something would have to be done to ensure that personal responsibility is taught to children also. To many parents could care less what their kids do as long as they don’t drive them crazy. If a child is a problem at school fine the parents. Make the problem of dealing with problem children the problem of the parents again. I personally don’t like abortion, but its here and here to stay so why not use it as a tool to root out problems while they are still masses of tissue, and not human.
By JP
August 15, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
While Mitt stands there with his huge bank account, typical mormon family (5 kids?!?), and his rehearsed (but never acted upon) flip-flop rhetoric you cant possibly think this guy is for real! His current “front runner” status is only because of his money so far. If you want to see a man who stands by his word and acts upon his beliefs, ask yourself this question:
Who is Ron Paul???
By bad dog
August 15, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
Funny how most of you who are bashing the mormon religion and Mitt Romney sound as if you know him and his religion personally. Yet I don’t here any negative comments about catholics and how that religion was just made up by some people who wanted to have money and power and that there whole religion is full of holes as well. And I have’nt heard or read any stories about mormon priests sexually molesting any young boys ever, they can’t be all that bad. As for Hilary and the better part of the democrats they stand up for everything that this country was against when it was first formed. Take healthcare for example if we socialize it we take ourselves right back to the tea tax, it will just give the government another excuse to take more of your wages, if you don’t believe me do a little research on Australia and their healthcare system, and Canada, think about why Canadians come to the US to have life saving operations that they might have to wait for years to get in Canada because everyone is equal. Personally if I need an operation to save my life I will find a way to pay for it. Don’t bash the insurance companies for raising prices. Think about it if you have an auto claim your rates are going to go up. Its the same with health insurance,and all the people who run in to the doctor everytime they have a stomach ache just because they have insurance provided by a hard working entrepreneur like Romney, that is who needs a bashing. The death tax needs to be removed and done away with not because Romney is rich but because we go our whole lives paying taxes, everything we accumulate has been taxed numerous times we should not have to pay taxes on them again. As for Romneys stance on abortion he probably does not have a real stance on it, then again who does, I don’t know everyones situation and I never will but we still live in a country that is free and people can make their own decisions and they are the ones that have to live with them. It would be nice to live in a perfect world but we don’t. Romney is clearly the best choice out of all the candidates. We need an intelligent businessman to run our country, after all that is really all the government is, a business and it has been run poorly for a long time.
By John
August 15, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
Redneck Herder, I’m glad you jumped to all the wrong conclusions concerning my last post. Of course children, retirees, and stay at home mom’s should have healthcare. I don’t think anyone is debating that. my intended point was that Having everyone covered universally is a bad policy because: 1. Unemployed IV drug users who don’t try to aid our society in any way should not be provided with the same medical coverage as the hardest working middle class american who keeps himself and his family’s noses clean. 2. There are not enough doctors in this country to provide all the services that are required for every person in this country…THUS the hard working middle class american has to wait behind the unemployed IV drug user for extended periods of time just to get an initial visit to the doctor. IS THAT FAIR, OR JUST??????? Socializing medicine is not the answer to our problem. The whole system is screwed up because our system is not preventative medicine, but an attitude to fix the problem at the last available moment. I don’t know the answer to our healthcare system, but socialized medicine is definately not the answer.
As for why our country is in horrible health…I blame obesity, and the modern american diet for a large increase in many health problems…Will socialized medicine solve that epidemic???
And as for the infant mortality rate, child birth is EXTREMELY dangerous, no matter how good healthcare is.
By WakeUp
August 15, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
rhowtpm- Wrong on all counts!
Bush is not a smooth liar (Just a compulsive one)and about as mesmerizing as a chimpanzee. I helped campaign AGAINST Bush in 2000 and 2004. What idiot would think that a vote against Romney would be a vote FOR Bush? That makes no sense, as they are cut from the same piece of cloth. They have the same big business agendas, just with slightly different business industries. Bush-oil & weapons; Romney-insurance, banks.
I knew about the Bush - Carlyle Group connection in 1992 because of Bush Sr., who I also voted against because of his ties to big oil and arms manufacturers. Look up Romney’s corporate connections and educate yourself about HIS loyalties - there is not enough time or space to do it here.
I am not jealous of Romney’s wealth, but someone who is worth $250 million and wants to keep it and make even more is the voters’ worst choice for a job as a CIVIL SERVANT and a servant of the people.
Now for the Mormon issue. I never said crazed - rhowtpm did. Don’t put words in my mouth.
I’m not Protestant either. Wrong again rhowtpm!
Assuming rhowtpm is right about having 8 million Mormons in the US, that is about 3% of the population, not “(.02% of the population)” which is two hundreths of one percent, so rhowtpm’s math is (way) wrong.
It also doesn’t take a majority of the population to ruin a country, look at what Bush and his group of less than 100 neocons managed to do. Position, not population is the danger.
Mormons aren’t all bad people, of course. But some are. Look at the fundamentalists. Then look at the religion itself. I don’t know if I buy the premise that the reason that we all need to have 12 children is to provide human hosts for all the “spirit babies” floating around in the air without bodies to go into. Yes, that is in the teachings. Go read it for yourself.
As far as rhowtpm’s statement: “What hate group are you getting your propaganda from, Mr. (or Ms.) Wake Up?”
Wrong yet again!
I lived and worked among Mormons for many years. Some propaganda, huh?
I was engaged to a wonderful woman whose family, friends and neighbors were all Mormon. I was almost the only “outsider” in the family. I know more about Mormons and the Mormon/LDS religion from personal experience than “rhowtpm” will ever know. While it is not for me, I do respect how they care for and help each other. (Fellow Mormons)
But, I also saw first hand on a daily basis what some over-achieving wealthy Mormons were doing and thinking, and it is pretty profit-oriented and xenophobic. Some still feel persecuted by the US government for events when Utah gained statehood.
How many Mormon charities can you name that help people outside of their faith? For hypocrisy examples, many Mormons own businesses with products that their own religious teachings prohibit partaking in, like Coke and Starbucks, but it is OK to profit off of the non-believers. I also know people in Idaho and Utah who were refused jobs or business contracts with Mormon owned businesses because they were told that they are not Mormon. Illegal, yes, but it still happens.
There are even Mormons who despise other Mormons for some of these activities. There are Mormon people who believe that religion should not be about profits.
Anyway, to rhowtpm, I will say this: I am glad you are against Bush. Kudos for that.
I am against anything or anyone that moves this country closer to being a theocracy, regardless of the religion.
I am also against anyone who moves this country closer to aristocratic reign by virtue of their money and powerful corporate connections. That is why I am against Romney.
By John
August 15, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this
Kudos WakeUp
By paulstrovsky
August 15, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this
Very well said, WakeUp.
By Poetic*Justice
August 15, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this
Speaking of “blind trust” … the far righteous faithful are about to support another hack politician who’ll say anything to get elected, even when what he says directly contradicts what he does.
Mitt Romney, like George W. Bush is a shameless liar. Romney’s record of flips, flops, flubs and flat-out fabrications is astounding. And you have to wonder why so many otherwise rational adults are attracted to this sort of person.
Mr. Romney has openly declared he’s too busy getting rich to know he’s making money from something he deeply opposes. How could anyone blindly trust a man to take care of the nation’s business — when he admits he has no clue about his own?
Red-Stater republicans and the religious right apparently WANT to be lied to, and the bigger the liar — the bigger the love.
By Fair Minded
August 15, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this
I can see why there is so much hatred against Romney.
He is the Republican version of Bill Clinton (sans Monica). He is very articulate, smart and political. He will make some mistakes, but I think he is going to be a great President.
As an Army veteran, I am not offended that his sons did not serve. It is still a free country. They are serving their country in their own way - just like many other citizens. I suspect that many of his critics did not serve in the military, so they should not criticize others who also did not.
By xgirl360
August 16, 2007 2:08 AM | Link to this
As a Mormon, I’d like to respond to the comment that our charities are only for Members. Any family can access the Bishop’s Storehouse. All of our meat is kosher/halal in case of desparate need in the middle east. In fact, we partner with Islamic charities during crises like the Tsunami and the Lebanese-Israeli war. We provide the supplies, and they provide the transport and distribution. That way, victims are not forced (as in some Evangelical Missions and Charities) to listen to proselyting while they are receiving aid. So, our charities are not for members only. But we do stress community and brotherhood. So, yes, we are very helpful to each other. We are also persecuted regularly by people just like the ones on this board. What about the 1st Amendment? Huh? So, I’ve found since my own conversion that many in the church are wary of outsiders. I get harassed by my own family, why would I trust that strangers would be any different.
As for Mitt. I don’t like his policies. I dont’ have a problem with his sons not serving. There are more civilians than soldiers. Its easy to judge, but when these boys chose their paths, the Iraq war and the bogus war on terrorism were not even in the psyche of America yet. Judge the man on his policies and his platform. Not on bigotry about a faith that stresses family unity, strong moral characters and charity. I don’t care if you’re Muslim, Christian or Jewish. What I care about is what you are going to do when you get to Washington. So, Mitt does not have my vote, I’m not sure who will. I haven’t liked anyone yet. I want a “Redo” box on the ballot so we can send them back to the drawing board.
By The Dude
August 16, 2007 2:17 AM | Link to this
There is no such thing as a flip flopper,get over yourselves.This guy has no chance.Hil’s will trample in a landslide on both the primary and then the election.His religion does’nt matter ,as ALL Religions hate women (Before you argue read a text or Two). Bottom line Rudy,Thompson,Mitt-They have no chance.The President has so much garbage on his hands,this’ll be a cakewalk,period.
By Spinal Cord Injured
August 16, 2007 5:07 AM | Link to this
I had always been wary of Canadian medicine until I was sent to Toronto by specialists at the Univ. Of Washington. What I found was the best medical are in the world. Five of the people who were in the department who saw me are now at Johns Hopkins. I am glad to see Romney speak of making sure everyone is covered, and even more impressed that he actually did this in Massachusetts.
This talk about Mormons being different from anyone else is silly. It is mainstream and the only church where there is no paid ministry, so the accusation it exists to promote welath for leaders is ill informed. Harry Reid, the Democratic head of the Senate is Mormon and has very liberal views. Mormons are free to act and think as they choose politically.
Favoring stem cell research but opposing liberal abortion is not flip flopping. The issue deserves serious discussion, not knee jerk rejection. Stem cells come from embryos at infertility clinics when a mother has already conceived and does not need the extra embryos. We have no way to grow these embryos so they would be discarded. It seems closer to organ donation. This is different from abortion, it would seem to me. All of us with spinal cord injury hope for ways to regrow nerve cells and cure disease. I am opposed to abortion, but for responsible stem cell research, it seems different, compassionate even, to allow work to proceed.
By Unaffiliated Voter
August 16, 2007 6:37 AM | Link to this
It is VERY disconcerting that Mitt does not promote the FAIRTAX. Unless he does he will not get this vote.
www.RonPaul2008.com
www.RonPaulPlanet.org
Dr. Ron Paul DOES support the FAIRTAX, and needs YOUR vote!
By Craig also
August 16, 2007 7:11 AM | Link to this
Perhaps Mitt is smart enough to see that the national sales tax will only shift the tax burden to the middle class.
Well said, spinal cord.
By gochaz1
August 16, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this
I grew up as a protestant, but have been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for several years now. My personal experience regarding the Church in public affairs is that it maintains a position of neutrality in political contests. The idea that Mormons are secretly striving to build a theocracy is absurd. The Twelfth Article of Faith states: “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, governors and magistrates; in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.” As Jesus Christ stated: “Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s, render unto God that which is God’s.”
By flip wilson
August 16, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
Funny that Gov. Romney would attack the Democratic health care proposals. The Edwards and Obama plans are both similar to the law he signed as governor of Massachusetts. Maybe he forgot.
By Michael
August 16, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
I do not trust Romney. He’s too slick. With his money, no wonder none of his sons are in the military but all in business. Wish my kids could take off for 1 year to support me or go to college/university without military bonus. Hail to the Rich. Keep all others stupid. Worked in Rome, still works now. bread and games for the common people. If they are ignorant enough, we (politicans) can do as we please.
By Smarter and Greener
August 16, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
I really don’t care what religion candidates propose to be. There’s supposed to be a separation of church and state, people. Those of you who vote for a candidate because he’s “Christian” or “Mormon” or anything else for that matter need to do some reading about their own constitution. You are the same people that voted Bush and his cronies into office and look how well that turned out. If you still believe he’s “Christian” then you obviously are not paying attention.
Stop voting on what a candidate says he/she “is” and start reading about what they truly stand for - not just what they profess to stand for. And BTW, you need to read both sides of the issues to be truly informed, not just what the conservatives or liberals write. Until everyone in this country starts actually participating in the political process, instead of just voting according to what someone says, we will continue to be ruled by those who are only interested in gaining more power.
Wake up, people, this country and YOUR rights are going down in flames and you continue to remain ignorant of what is really going on here.
I, for one, am not telling anyone who they should be voting for. I just wish you - and the candidates - would all stop living off the latest sound bite and actually begin educating yourselves in order to make a truly informed decision.
By James Sibold
August 16, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
Fear the President who can send your children off to die in a war but won’t send his own. Because that’s exactly what he will do if you give him the chance. Both Duncan Hunter and John McCain have sons in Iraq. But then again, neither of them ran away from serving their country in Vietnam. If the last five years have showed us anything, it’s that Presidents who have never taken up arms for our country make terrible commanders in chief.
By wifey
August 16, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
Why do Mormons insist on converting dead Jews to Mormonism? What’s up with that?
By Will Jones
August 16, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
The Roman Catholic Church, with the documented help of Bush, Rockefeller, and the rest of their Fifth Column in America, figured “the only good Jew is a dead Jew,” so they committed the Holocaust (viz. “A Moral Reckoning,” Goldhagen). That isn’t “good enough” for Mormons.
By TJ GRISWOLD
August 16, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this
BOTH PARTIES SLEEP IN THE SAME BED, DON’T LET THEM FOOL YOU. YOU HAVE TO HAVE ALOT OF MONEY TO BE IN POLITICS, THE COMMON FOLKS DON’T RUN BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY ARE ALL CROOKS, PLUS THEY CAN’T AFFORD IT.
By Tyler
August 16, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
I happen to be Mormon and regardless of what your personal beliefs are towards Mormons all I ask is that you respect what the Mormon’s do and what we try to represent and another thing is that just because Romney is Mormon doesn’t mean he has my vote. Obviously I must do my research to decide who to cast my vote for.
As for some earlier comments, 8 million Mormons in the US does equal .0267 percent (8,000,000 / 300,000,000 = .026667). So as good as your comments were your math was wrong.
As for his sons not going to war big deal that was their choice and because they choose a different lifestyle than that of the military is that wrong? Can you not love your country without serving in the military? I’d argue you can. Did you know that Bill Clinton moved out of the country strictly so he wouldn’t be drafted? That is obviously someone who loves his country right? Hardly. Now I believe he did a good job as a President in many things but morally he obviously isn’t straight and don’t’ we need someone with some morals to run this country? Obviously that isn’t the only qualification but it is a good start.
Frankly, the democrats scare me with their healthcare policies, immigration laws, and tax changes. A bigger government doesn’t mean better. Remember it’s not size that matters
By Man in the Middle
August 16, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this
Romney= Republican Kerry. “Flip Flop, Flip Flop.” Oh….and I think he had it backwards—He should have said it was below the SNOWMAN’S DIGNITY to be involved with these Presidential debates—just wait until it gets closer to election time and see how dignified these candidates are!!!
By Smarter and Greener
August 16, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
Just out of curiosity, Tyler, who is going to decide who is moral and who is not? You?
Unless you know these politicians personally - and even then you can’t be too sure - you have no idea how moral any of them are.
Have you never heard the saying “wolf in sheep’s clothing”?
By Jorge
August 16, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
Tyler…you forgot the x100% part of your calculations. 8 million/300 million = .0266666 x 100%= 2.66666%
By Scott
August 16, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this
Doug, Get the Mormon thing right! Black’s have always been regarded by the Mormon Church as being able to get into Heaven. That’s what baptism is. I wish people would do a little research instead of guessing on these religeous issues.
By More
August 16, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
For xboxgirl
Mormon women are considered property. In 1830 and now.
“I think no more of taking another wife than I do of buying a cow.”
Early Mormon apostle speaking on polygamy.
For Scott
Sure blacks can get into Heaven, they just have to go to the back of the bus!
According to Mormon Doctrine, we are not punished for Adam’s transgressions, but some are born into this world with other sins they comitted in the pre-existence. These born-sinners get black skin and are born as the decendants of Cain.
According to the church I am to turn “white and delightsome” when I become pure. http://www.exmormon.org/mormon/mormon402.htm
By Anonymous
August 16, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this
I know most of you folks believe that your postings are anonymous. When you post on a blog you leave a trail just like on any other site, your IP address. I strongly suggest that the political operatives trashing for the sake of their candidates (read “smart a* white boys”-thank you Andy) consider that the defamation wounded have one year to file a defamation suit. Think about it you girlie boys who are wondering just who I am at this very moment. I don’t get mad, I just get even. As the Democrats are fond of saying, “Help Is On The Way”!
By CMartel2
August 17, 2007 1:31 AM | Link to this
THE POLITICIANS THAT ARE PLAYING THE “ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION” CARD, WILL LOSE, BECAUSE OUR NATIONS WOES ARE NOT ON these poor migrants looking to work, its on WORLD GLOBLAZATION WE MUST STEP UP, STARTING WITH EDUCATION for todays marketplace and job requirements, take care of TRADE DEFICITS , Stop the exporting of American factories overseas.<<<
Interesting you mention this. You saw that Romney addressed Hillary Clinton wanting to raise taxes on corporations? Are you aware of the fact that only Canada and Germany have higher rates of corporate taxation than the United States? Is it any wonder these corporations take flight and go elsewhere? Even in the UK, corporate taxes are 25% lower. Why stay in the US? We’re not that competitive.
As for poor migrants, yes, they are part of the problem. They are killing our hospitals, overburdening our schools (which already operate on a lowest denominator level), and will burden our social system for decades to come if something is not done. The United States is competitive in the world because it can compete technologically—an advantage I see fading to some degree. Our enormous nation only produces 60,000 engineers per year. Germany produces 80,000 with a much smaller population.
Those are the people we need to be letting into our nation. Skilled individuals who will drive us forward. Anyone can landscape. Not just anyone can solve engineering dilemmas and push industry forward.
By Susan
August 29, 2007 1:41 AM | Link to this
Ron Paul is the only sensible candidate running for President in 2008. He is hope for the future and hope to restore the constitution and the republic. He is honest fair and has been voted the tax payers best friend. Why not elect the only honest politician running? Check out Ron Paul and you will find he makes sense. His message freedom.