Romney's Misguided Belief

In his attempt last week to soothe concerns in some corners over his faith, Mitt Romney turned out to be no John F. Kennedy.

[DLounsbury]

I am no political pundit, but while I was listening to Romney's speech I knew I was witnessing greatness. When I read Romney's speech I knew his speech would be studied for decades to come as a rebuttal to Kennedy's illogical and historically bereft church/state absolute separatism. When I read nit picky attacks like this I feel they reinforced my belief he had done something special. When you argue you can have freedom without Religion you are arguing against all the founders, not just Mitt Romney. Adams said that without religion constitutional government would not work. Look at the quote in the Romney speech, your selected out of context quote missed it.

George Washington also said,
"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain that would man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens." The Writings of George Washington, John Rhodehamel, 1997, pp 971.

Romney only called out the secularists who, as Washington warned, are intolerantly subverting or attacking religion's role in American history, culture and politics. It is these intolerant secularists who, after having been given quarter to not believe want to forcefeed their version of absolute church state/separation on the rest of us. It was these folks, who howled the loudest speech about the speech, proving Romney's point on the spot. Romney didn't say it was time to bring back the rack for the irreligious,(which is what one almost had to assume by some of the histrionic articles I read). Instead, in simply calling these folks "wrong" Romney was far more tolerant than was Washington who said such folks are not just wrong, they are not patriots.

[Skyward]

"It's hard to imagine John F. Kennedy finding it necessary to proclaim that in a presidential campaign."
COMMENT: Kennedy was also a Catholic and wasn't under attack for being "non-Christian"

[David]

1) "Freedom requires religion just as religion requires freedom." Here's what it means: to the extent people are religious, freedom requires religion. To the extent people are gay, freedom requires homosexuality (recall Ahmadenijad's statement that there is no homosexuality in Iran?). To the extent people are white, black, asian, or whatever, freedom requires race. I don't think it's any more complicated than that.

2) Religion, he said, should not be seen "merely as a private affair with no place in public life." That is what the Constitution provides for. Religion shouldn't dictate what happens in government, and government shouldn't dictate what happens in religion. But that doesn't mean religion should be taken out of the public sphere. And I'm sure Romney would be just as supportive of public displays of "The God Delusion" as he would of displays of The Bible or the Book of Mormon.

[shoreliner]

I am not sure why The Courant is printing this editorial except for the fact it is another opportunity to hammer a Republican candidate.

It seems that The Courant is stuck on this line,

"Freedom requires religion just as religion requires freedom."

It appears to me that Governor Romney was discussing religion freedom which is guaranteed under the Constitution.

Governor Romney is a mormon who practices his faith and tries to stay true to it. Thank goodness, Governor Romney is not like other politicians who violate the 10th Commandment frequently but still pose for a photo op leaving church each Sunday.

The Courant's bashing of religion is well-known. Consider all of the negative articles on the Roman Catholic Church over the last five years. You would not know that the Roman Catholic Church does lots of wonderful things if your only source for news is The Courant.

Governor Romney has enjoyed success in nearly everything he has been involved in and that is the bottom line. Most Americans can not say that.

[Weshusky1]

With all the hand wringing over what he said or what he meant the real reason he made this speech is overlooked.
What makes the speech so obnoxious is that it was deliberate pandering to a group of right wing whackos who
do want to make our nation a Christain theocracy. Kennedy had the courage to look in the eye those who questioned his ability to say no to the vatican. Romney didn't have the courage to do that. Instead he isolated himself a thousand miles from rthose he was trying to reach. But have no fear. He will find some way to flip flop on this as he has on most major issues.

[DOGMA]

It would appear the Courant was drawing a political parallel between Kennedy and Romney. Where Kennedy was somewhat successful in allaying the fears of Catholicism's influence on the Presidency and perhaps Romney was less so with Mormonism (where many Protestants liken it to a cult status).
I don't see where religion is a necessary component to establishing or maintaining freedom. Any attempt to marry the two tends to make me nervous and suspicious. I would much prefer where religion and ethnicity are not essential considerations for public office. Quoting historical figures is no more compelling, nor does it supply added assurance for being morally or ethically correct. These are the same people, who despite their "sound and pious" religious beliefs, maintained slaves without any reservations.
Overcoming the negative image of the Mormon Church, for some, is a daunting task and one that may prove to be Romney's undoing. This would be most difficult, irrespective of his individual talents and qualifications, as he must appeal to the ultra-conservative Republican base. That base is rapidly shifting towards a "religiously acceptable" Governor Huckaby. It would seemingly appear that freedom for Republicans is sanctioned and paid for by the Religious Right.

[Testing]

Yeah AMEN, Wee need 2000+ year old myths in our goverment... that sounds great... bring back an eye for an eye... Legalize genocide... rape... pillage... draw the world back into a dark age! YEAH MAN!
F'N Tools

[Fran]

Romney was pandering to the religioud right in order to boost his chances to win in the primaries. His speech did not show that he believes in separation of church and state. Contrary to what he said, the US was founded as a secular nation. I don't care what one's religious beliefs are so long as they don't push them on others. Historis filled with wars waged by religious zealots.Relgion should be a private matter. I'm sick of public displays of piety by people who are personally ethically challenged.

To attack the Courant or any paper for reporting law breaking by organized religion is stupid.

[swhosley]

Most National politicians who are Catholic politicians are 'Convienent Catholics". They want the Bishops, priests, and the Catholic Church to speak out against the War, but they also want the bishops, priests and the Catholic Church to be silent about Abortion or politicians efforts to force the Catholic hospitals to facilitate abortion!

[Unbelievable]

This is what happens when you start mixing religion and politics. We have many many different religions in this country. Ok, now he's pandering to Christians, later on, Jewish people are going to start to feel left out, and then some other religion. Personally, I don't care about a candidate's religious preference. I'd prefer a candidate who is interested re-tooling our education system, making it easier for my children to get college loans so that they can build lives for themselves, bringing the troops home, health care reform, eliminating mandatory minimums in prison sentencing (create it for murderers and child molesters). Out of all the things that we need to be focused on, for me, a candidate's religion isn't in the top ten, unless or until he wants to restrict my rights as a woman.

[Homer Simpson]

A person who votes for somebody because of their religion is just as big a fool as the person who votes against someone because of their religious beliefs ... I personally do not care what religious denomination a candidate belongs to , the real question is .... can he/she do the job better then the other people ... thats it

[George Carlin]

The 11th Commandment:

"Thou shalt keep thy religion to thy self!"

[hartfordisadisas ter]

Maybe we should ask Teddy Kennedy for his opinion. He is a great example of the quintessential Catholic politician: Drunkard, Pro-Abortion, Pro-ILLEGAL Immigration, Killer.

Gee, maybe "not being like a Kennedy" is a good thing for Romney.

[rev3-6]

Homer Simpson wrote:

A person who votes for somebody because of their religion is just as big a fool as the person who votes against someone because of their religious beliefs ... I personally do not care what religious denomination a candidate belongs to , the real question is .... can he/she do the job better then the other people ... thats it

Yes some people believe they can do a better job by ruling with values they know that is closer to their own. I know when my child was younger and I needed a babysitter I much rather have someone closer to my own religious background to watch over my child. Why would I be foolish to vote for someone the same way, to watch over my child’s future? There are many aspects to look at when voting for someone in office especially the President we all look for things that are in common with our own beliefs. That’s not foolish, that for some is just prudent.

[Testing]

hartfordisadisaster wrote:

Maybe we should ask Teddy Kennedy for his opinion. He is a great example of the quintessential Catholic politician: Drunkard, Pro-Abortion, Pro-ILLEGAL Immigration, Killer.
Gee, maybe "not being like a Kennedy" is a good thing for Romney.

Or better yet ask Bush,
Born again "Cristian", war criminal, Human right violater, murderer (What to do call starting an illegal war based on his own fantasies?)
Accessory to murder (Ask his wife about her driving habits and ex-boyfriends)
pro-life (have that baby no matter what,even if it kills you)
cocaine addicted,
Drunk... and not just on power
Great qualifications.

[Testing]

rev3-6 wrote:

<quoted text>
That’s not foolish, that for some is just prudent.

And for teh rest of us it is assinine

[Ginger]

shoreliner wrote:

I am not sure why The Courant is printing this editorial except for the fact it is another opportunity to hammer a Republican candidate.
It seems that The Courant is stuck on this line,
"Freedom requires religion just as religion requires freedom."
It appears to me that Governor Romney was discussing religion freedom which is guaranteed under the Constitution.
Governor Romney is a mormon who practices his faith and tries to stay true to it. Thank goodness, Governor Romney is not like other politicians who violate the 10th Commandment frequently but still pose for a photo op leaving church each Sunday.
The Courant's bashing of religion is well-known. Consider all of the negative articles on the Roman Catholic Church over the last five years. You would not know that the Roman Catholic Church does lots of wonderful things if your only source for news is The Courant.
Governor Romney has enjoyed success in nearly everything he has been involved in and that is the bottom line. Most Americans can not say that.

Obviously the Courant sees Romney as a threat to their liberal agenda. Yesterday, liberal, Bill Curry attacked Romney in his column. All this negativity by the Courant on Romney boosts him in my mind. He's his own person, and the establishment media can't handle that.

[help me understand]

i don't understand what ones religion has to do with them running for predidnet. we need to look at what he has already done for his state. that should be his test not his religion. yes people that belong to The Church O Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are Christians. we beleive in god and know that he can help us when we ask. Our church is based on the savior and his live and example to us. and we try to be like him,

[JMF]

OWNED, OWNED, OWNED.

The author of this pathetic article just got owned.

[Pandora]

help me understand wrote:

i don't understand what ones religion has to do with them running for predidnet. we need to look at what he has already done for his state. that should be his test not his religion. yes people that belong to The Church O Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are Christians. we beleive in god and know that he can help us when we ask. Our church is based on the savior and his live and example to us. and we try to be like him,

Well, in this day of "religious" fanaticism people are concerned about a person putting religion before the individual freedoms that this country is based on. There is a separation between Church and State for a reason. Just look at the middle east if you need further explanation. Men like Warren Jeffs and the covert support for polygamy out west make questions about the Church of the Latter Day Saints relevant. There are always people out of the mainstream who don't operate their life in the true spirit of faith. Questions need to be asked. This does not mean that Romney should be excluded because of his faith. It is just another question that needs to be answered as we get to know him and his agenda better.