Mitt Romey is a corporatist plain and simple.  Whatever is good for the corporations and the wealthy will be what he champions.  The Republicans are for corporations not people...the general welfare is not important.  Lining the pockets ofthe wealthy is.  You just have to look at the last 7 years to see that is true.  The conservative values thing is just a sideline that Romney has to address and pretend to be on board with.  Our country is headed for a financial collapse because of the policies of this administration.  The dollar has sunk to new lows against the Euro and still sinking.  

Mike, you are so right about Mormon politicians having to check with Mormon church headquarters before they can vote or spit.  Mitt Romney isn't a conservative who happens to be Mormon.  He's a Mormon who is trying to play conservative in order to be president.  Ironically, it's the best revenge the Mormons can get on the US who they feel has persecuted them through the years.  After all, they feel they were chased by the US from Missouri (Joseph Smith said was MO was their promised land and the original Garden of Eden) to Nauvoo, IL to Salt Lake, and on top of all that, the US made them give up polygamy to become a state.  Mormons feel that if Mitt is elected president, it will legitimize their religion and be a vindication of their history.  It's personal.

If Mitt Romney's Mormonism wasn't a problem, he would be more open to talking about it, but he knows it's the potential albatross around his neck.  Ask yourself why, then research what the Mormons believe and how they operate; i.e. what corporations they own and how their control works.  This isn't a prejudice against all Mormons. I personally know some fine Mormon people, and they can believe what they want, but take a good look at the Mormon heirarchy and you'll see the strings attached to Mitt the puppet.  No good Mormon, as rich and influential as Mitt, goes without them.

 

I'm certain republic Dave has never taken advantage of any "socialist" programs.  Surely he's never used any of any benefits for which he's eligible.  I even bet he will refuse his social security if he's still alive to receive it.  No GI bill, no student loans, no small business loans,no public education,no medicare for him...a totally self-sufficient guy Dave is.  REPUBLICS NEVER TAKE A DIME FROM THE U.S. TREASURY.  You can count on that as surely as you can count on the republics being the party of fiscal responsibility and compassionate conservatism...NOT!

Amazed in Atlanta,
That is exactly the type of person we want running our country. If you take a look at what he has done with his businesses, you will realize that is exactly what needs to happen to the federal government. First of all the government has too much control on what happens, there are too many government jobs that are not necessary. The budgets need to be cut up, revamped, and simplified. I think any genuine republican would take a look at what Mr. Romney has accomplished in his business and realize that this is exactly what our country needs. If anyone disagrees with this, I would love to continue the debate in more detail.

Ashley, I also lived in utah for 40 years and yea there were a few elected Democrats, but very few. But the majority of the State legislature are Republican Mormans. Now who do you think gets their bills passed. Get YOUR facts straight. The Church runs the state and if Romney wins he will get approval from the church leaders before he makes any decisions. All the crazy laws and decsions are made by the church, check out the liquor laws which is ran by a state licensing committee ran by all non drinking Mormans, retail closed on Sundays, public facilities closed on Sundays, lack of hate crimes legislation, the list goes ont. These decision are based all on the the Morman idealogy.

Joan from Ohio, just another crazy left, anti-religion quake. People hate Mormons because of all the religions they are pegged as the most religious...I am not saying most correct but most religious. To say the President of the U.S.A will go to a church leader for policy is so stupid I wont comment on it. Leave Romney alone...attack him for something meaningful not religion

He is an idiot period. He acts like a stuffed Ken doll./

To kathy in San Diego

Mormonism is as much a cult as Catholicism as the Bible thumping hypocrites like Dubya and his wars, Tom Delay, Larry Craig, whore mongering Congressman from louisiana, Richard Roberts, ad nauseum.  Running for president is not the same as running for Pope, Head Rabbi, Chief Imam, presidnet of the Baptists or any other religion.  This is a job for someone who can get things done.  Look at Bush the values guy: war in Iraq, sub prime mess, oil prices, purchasing power for the average Joe at an all time low over the last 50+ years, environment going to hell, a superficial unsuccessful education initiative, unsuccessful war in Afghanistan that was justified, loss of respect for the US internationally because of his policies, two of the three legs of his axis of evil with nukes while the one he attacks with none.  The US needs someone who understands the national and international problems and get people to work together to solve them.  I do not worry about gay people getting married or the gay hordes invading our borders, or whether kids have sex (they have been doing that for centuries) or whether someone chooses to have an abortion (their choice which is what the Repubs are all about, choices and it is legal).  We need a leader who can protect us not who has the best religious bio.

Forget his religion!

He's a draft-dodging chicken hawk who is already "poised" to attack Iran, but none of his FIVE sons is in the military!

Buy a clue!

Wait - if Mitt is supposed to be this slick politician who will say anything to get elected, why doesn't he renounce his religion?  That would clearly be the best option for him if he wants to win over the closed-minded Christians.  My guess - his 'flip-flopping' is a genuine change of heart.  Obviously, he's ok with fighting against the current if he's willing to stand by his religion.

When I first heard that he was running, I thought I'd never vote for him because of his flip-flopping.  After hearing his explanation, I can say that it's at least possible that he had a genuine change of heart.  I haven't crossed him off.  In fact, he seems to be growing on me.

Ashley in Charlotte, I lived in SLC for 25 years, not two.  Mike is 100% correct.  I left because I was tire of "the one true church" running the government and all politicians & 80% of voters needing their bishop's guidance before making a decision.  Mitt will be no different.  If he believes in his religion, he will be required to follow the orders of the Gordon Hinkley, the "prophet", without question.  After all, it would be the Word of God.

Dennis from Phoenix - yet another person who needs an education.  There is no denying that in Utah there are more Republicans in office than Democrats.  The reason is that by and large Republican ideals (strong family, strong military, smaller government, etc.) align with Christianity as a whole, not exclusively the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  You can find this same Rebuplican/Democrat ratio in predominantly Christian states elsewhere.  You also cite that "Morman" (By the way, learn how to spell!  How can you have lived in Utah for 40 years and not know that it is spelled M-O-R-M-O-N) lawmakers keep retail and public facilities closed on Sundays.  I'm sure that you can walk into a Utah Target store on any given Sunday.  Being that your entire argument is ridiculous and easily defeated, your assertion that Gov. Romney would check with Church Headquarters at every turn is equally laughable.  Again, M-O-R-M-O-N.  Practice with me now...

Dennis, I can't believe you're so ignorant about local politics.  Of course if a community wants to pass a law, they'll pass it - crazy or not.  It has more to do with the desires of the voting public than the religion of the policy makers.  As many people have mentioned, Harry Reid is in opposition to many of Utah's politicians and laws - but he's an active Mormon.  Stop spreading the hate to satisfy your own personal vendetta against Mormons.  They're good people, in general.  I've had great experiences with them.  If you don't want to live the same laws that a specific city or state wants to uphold, then move.

Also, if you're going to claim to know so much about Mormons in politics, at least try to appear knowledgeable - it's "MORMON" not "MORMAN".

"To say the President of the U.S.A will go to a church leader for policy..... is so stupid ......I wont comment on it. "

Dennis Phoenix, democracy by definition is where the opinions and values of the majority rules. In Utah, the democratic system is working as it should. If this bothers you, you might consider getting some diversity and tolerance training.

Would President Romeny direct NASA to begin space explration for the star KOLOB? The LDS God lives on a planet that orbits KOLOB.

I have no problem with Mitt's being a Mormon, he could worship me for all i care and i still wouldn't vote for him. He's a a warm plastic canidate. Warm so he is still pliable and plastic because he is sooooo fake.  I've watched all the republican debates and some of his advertisements online.  If you think our country is too polarized now just wait til Mitt takes office, he'll have pubs and dems fighting til the death.  And as far as the whole argument that being a good ceo makes a good president all i can say is what have u ppl been smoking, and do u have any left?? CEO's are the worst, everything comes down to bottom line. The insurance for their employees, the safety of the customers, the environment all subject to a cost effective analysis. So far the only republican canidate that seems to be genuine and actually thinking in the best interest of the whole country and not just the social conservatives is Ron Paul. You may not agree with everything he says be he's speaking the truth and now some well rehearsed sound bite like Mitt.

This debate about presidential candidates' religion is frustrating to someone like me.  As a non religious person all of my life, it's more than interesting to observe the carping and backstabbing among the various religious folks of this country and the world.  As most of the woes of the world today are caused by people of different religions killing and maiming one another, it's hard to not hold all of them in contempt.  When I meet someone new and the first thing they do is flaunt their religiosity, the first thing I do is grab my wallet, check on my loved ones and always make sure I'm facing them.  I'm sorry to say it, but if pollution, germs or climate change don't get us, a religiously inspired nuclear Armageddon probably will.  And it will, no doubt, be launched by an elected, religious person or persons.      
 

Utah is a theocracy run by Mormon Republicans.  If this is what America is looking for, the may I suggest voting for Willard M. Romney, aka. Brother Mitt Romney.

Utah is a theocracy run by Mormon Republicans.  If this is what America is looking for, the may I suggest voting for Willard M. Romney, aka. Brother Mitt Romney.

blah blah blah, that old answers doesnt work any more, what ever happend to freedom of religion that means from it also, I believe in God but not in to fake relgions. Dont appreciate having their religious beliefs forced on me.

Lisa - Fort Worth...you are so correct.  These Republicans hate socialism but they're right there with their hand out for all the services that they espouse to hate.  Hypocrites all.  As for running the government like a corporation.  Let's look at that for a minute.  For a coporation, profit is the bottom line.  So rather than give the service that benefits the people the most, what the people will get is a service that benefits the bottom line the most.  The people are not served well by the greed that comes from profit motivation. The reason our health care situation is on the verge of imploding is because of the profit motiviation built into the system at every level.  In the end it certainly isn't more efficient, and it could very easily be immoral.  It's a never ending quest for profits that drives the prices ever higher and higher for health care and drives more and more people and companies out because of ever increasing premiums, co-pays and deductibles.  Could you just imagine if Social Security were run by a private company.  It wouldn't be long before you would see dwindling numbers of seniors on social security as eligibility is restricted and the checks become smaller.  How would we as a society feel to see thousands of seniors homeless on the streets.

Boy the truth sure upsets alot of you and as far as tolerance well why dont you ask the Morman leaders and their members to look up the word tolerance. I was raised in utah as a non Morman and have never expereinced more blatant discrimination like I did growing up just because I wasnt Morman.  Also ask the gay community In utah how they are treated, or their gay members, oh I forgot their to scared to come out.
And as far as my typo of the word 'morman' excuse me, and grow up.

Republican ideals don't "align with Christianity as a whole" at all.  Jesus would never condone the actions of most Republicans including those on the religious right. Jesus would more align himself with the ideas of the progressives and liberals.  Jesus would be the first to say we should have universal health care for all.  He would treat women, minorities and homosexuals equally and fairly.  He would not condone the death penalty.  He would never have allowed religion and politics or religion and business to walk hand in hand.  He cared about the masses of people.  It's a joke to say that Christianity aligns itself with the Republicans.  What you really mean to say is "organizaed religion" aligns itself with Republicanism.  That's a very different statement and much truer.  And organized religion has nothing to do with Christianity.  They are all wolves in sheeps clothing.

Do we really want a president who would follow a religion (cult?) that was made up by an uneducated racist?  The Church only began ordaining people of African decent to the priesthood after 1978 - only 29 years ago!!!

And he had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity ... wherefore, as they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them. And thus saith the Lord God: I will cause that they shall be loathsome unto thy people. 2 Nephi 5:21-22

I am a liberal Christian, a Democrat and have Christian values, the poor, elderly and children. Most Christians do not consider Mormans to be Christians so I doubt that they would vote for him.  It seems to me that Mitts "real" views are much closer to the Democrats Christian values as opposed the the GOP Kristian values.  My issue with him is that he totally abandoned EVERYTHING he believes in just to get the nomination.  I don't trust him.  It has NOTHING to do with being LDS.

The Republican Party is in trouble.  It appears that many Republicans are viewing current candidates based on religion rather than their political platform.  By ignoring a candidate’s platform we are failing our responsibility as citizens to search for the best candidate to lead our country.  Whether or not Mitt is the most qualified to lead is for each of us to decide.  But in making our decision we would be wise to focus on a persons platform and leadership ability not their religious beliefs (whether we are in agreement with those beliefs or not).

It would be neat if we had a black mormon woman running for office

Alert to MSNBC:
Once again this site is being used by dirty tricksters posting multiple posts with phony sigs but coming from the same person.  This time they are coming in bunches, all signed with UT. as the state of the poster, all attacking one poster who dared to suggest that Romney is beholden to his church.  Can't you at MSNBC do something to stop this kind of trash--limiting one sig from the same computer.  In the past we have seen this repeatedly from one lone loser supporting Ron Paul.  Note: its only repubs who do dirty tricks!

And to "Ashley" who may be behind these phoney posts:
"Mitt Romney is the only candidate in the field who has signed both the front and back of a pay check."

You failed to mention that Mitt was on both sides of these checks.  He never has worked for anyone but himself, except when he was in that mormon missionary position.  Being a vulture capitalist doesn't qualify as a job.  He was basically a predator who preyed on inovators and entrepeneurs.  Romney doesn't pray for America, he preys on America.

This debate about presidential candidates' religion is frustrating to someone like me.  As a non religious person all of my life, it's more than interesting to observe the carping and backstabbing among the various religious folks of this country and the world.  As most of the woes of the world today are caused by people of different religions killing and maiming one another, it's hard to not hold all of them in contempt.  When I meet someone new and the first thing they do is flaunt their religiosity, the first thing I do is grab my wallet, check on my loved ones and always make sure I'm facing them.  I'm sorry to say it, but if pollution, germs or climate change don't get us, a religiously inspired nuclear Armageddon probably will.  And it will, no doubt, be launched by an elected, religious person or persons.      
 

Ken you are correct.  Mitt the moron is not a good person.  He is all about Mitt and he says what ever you want to hear for what ever serves his purpose.
He can not be trusted. Slime is his middle name.

This debate about presidential candidates' religion is frustrating to someone like me.  As a non religious person all of my life, it's more than interesting to observe the carping and backstabbing among the various religious folks of this country and the world.  As most of the woes of the world today are caused by people of different religions killing and maiming one another, it's hard to not hold all of them in contempt.  When I meet someone new and the first thing they do is flaunt their religiosity, the first thing I do is grab my wallet, check on my loved ones and always make sure I'm facing them.  I'm sorry to say it, but if pollution, germs or climate change don't get us, a religiously inspired nuclear Armageddon probably will.  And it will, no doubt, be launched by an elected, religious person or persons.      
 

Too many people are concerned about Mitt's "stance on everything" methods. At least he has a stance. No other candidate has taken strong stances like Mitt has. All of the other candidate's have flip-flopped just as much, if not, more so than Romney.
Does it really matter that he is a Mormon? Are you all so stupid to let this one small thing sway the way you think? What's so bad about it anyway? Is it the fact that he has only been married once? Is it the fact that he is a great husband and father? Is it the fact that he believes in something? J. Edgar Hoover once said that "if any person turns his back on his upbringing and home teaching, he will easily turn his back on his country." Why can't you all admire him for his integrity and count that as one of his strengths he will take to the White House? The Presidential Office is in great need of integrity. NO candidate from the democrats will bring this quality.
Mitt has my vote hands down.

CFL, Texas-I grew up in Arizona around Mormons, cousins, aunts, etc. You are absolutely correct about this cult they pretend is a religion. Research their beginnings and how only within the past 30 years they have even begun to mention Jesus Christ in their attempts to legitimize themselves. Romney will have a Mormon agenda and it is vindication.

"45% say they are less likely to vote for Romney because he is Mormon"  Nice job media.... What this really says is that the other 55% don't care about the man's religion and will vote for the best candidate regardless of his beliefs.  This is why Mitt doesn't address his beliefs, because they're not that big of a deal.  Look at most of the polls and you'll see that the minority (<50%) have an issue with his beliefs, the majority of the people don't care either way.

The last thing on my mind is Romney's religion.  What I care about are his views on the economy, the war in Iraq, social security and education.  Why doesn't the media spend time on that?

Oh... CFL, Texas, like you I know many LDS Church members and none of them have strings attached to the leadership of the church and many of them are prominant in our community.  How come nobody asks about Guiliani's or Hillary's religion and about the strings they have attached?

Chad, SLC, Utah - Please...no candidate from the democrats side has integrity?  You show your stupidity when you make such obviously partisian statements.  How can you be taken seriously. Are you that ideoligically fixated so that you don't have an independent thought in your head???

Ashley - The only politician in Utah that is a democrat is the SLC Mayor and 1 Congressman.  If you would like I could send you the list.

If you don't believe that having a Mormon as President is a bad idea, check out the statements on this site by Mormons who have seen the light.

http://www.exmormon.org/

Not only does Mitt's God live on a planet that orbits KOLOB, at one time he was human like us and worked his way up to being God.  Mormons believe our universe was given to this God to populate with "spirit babies" that he makes with his God-wife.  (That's why Mormons call God "Heavenly Father.")  The Heavenly Mother is eternally pregnant, and this is why Mormons don't believe in birth control.  They must make all the human bodies they can for the "spirit babies" to inhabit.

Mitt, as a male practicing Mormon (who went on his required mission and was even a stake president at one time), believes that if he is good enough and keeps all the Mormon commandments, he, too, will one day have his own universe where he and his God-wife will make "spirit babies" for eternity.  This is Mormon paradise or heaven.  (A Morman man gets to have sex forever while his wife is eternally pregnant.  Sounds like Mormon women got the short end of that deal.)

So, Mitt must keep in good standing with the LDS leadership or risk losing his "priesthood" that all compliant Mormon boys are given.  The LDS leadership have total control over his "salvation" and future paradise.

This is where there will be a problem with separation of church and state.  To a Mormon, there is no such thing.  The Mormon church is everything; the doctrines of Joseph Smith are everything.  They control the Mormon's life because they control their afterlife.

Joseph Smith was a racist - not only to blacks but also Native Americans.  He could not believe the were responsible for the ceremonial mounds in upstate New York and down the Ohio River.  He thought there had to be another explantion, so he made one up.  In the Book of Mormon, he stated they were the piles of bodies from cataclysmic wars.  Archaeology has proved him wrong, but it was the starting point for his fable.

Those of you who have never lived in Utah have no right to defend Mormon life or politics.  You don't know what you're talking about.  Utah is a separate country within the US, and is governed by Mormon theology.  If you want someone who believes in that theology, then by all means, vote for plastic Mitt.

This isn't about Mitt's religion.  It's about what he truly believes and how that will affect him as president.  Right now, he's AFRAID to state what he believes.  Ask yourself why that is.  Be informed.  Research it yourself.  Don't take my word or anyone else's word for it.

By the way, Joseph Smith said God told him polygamy was a commandment, not a choice.  The word of the Mormon prophet supercedes all other everything and all scripture.  How will Mitt Romney react if the current Mormon prophet tells him to nuke Iran?  He can't disobey.

JD in California- While I am flattered that you think I could be posting under multiple signatures, I assure you that I have been posting only as Ashley, Charlotte.  Just goes to show that the lack of evidence never stopped a liberal from making accusations.  What I was saying with regard to Mitt's paycheck signing is that he signed as both an EMPLOYER and an Employee.  You obviously didn't get the point.  As far as his employment as a "Vulture" capitalist, what evidence do you have on his "preying on innovators and entrepreneurs?"  None?  but yet you post anyway?  Come back when you are ready to debate like a big boy (or girl, your signature is ambiguous).

It's amazing to me, what other religion in the world is it so acceptable to ridicule, like G.P.'s comments.

Mike SLC - I know who they are.  It doesn't matter.  They were elected by the populace.  If more people in the area thought like Democrats, then more Democrats would be elected.  Bottom line, end of story, thank you for playing...

I don't really care about Mitt's religion.  I do care that he said he believes it's the right of the President to lock up anyone at any time for any reason with no rights or recourse on the part of the imprisoned.  It bothers me that he feels the President can move money from one part of the budget to another to fund his own priorities.  It makes me laugh that he claims to be the agent of change but wouldn't change a thing about GW's wars, authoritarian agenda, tax policies, or practically anything else.  That's MORE than enough for me to not vote for him.

Every politician listens, the question is always who are they really listening too. Bush stated he was a compassionate conservative and would reach across the isle to bring the country together. Nothing could be farther from the truth, I’m sure his place in history will reflect just that. No one except for Mitt really understands what he stands for because he changes like the weather. That is exactly what we will get with him as president. Fruit do not fall far from the tree nor does it change its nature. Remember this when exploring candidates.

In regards to Mr. Romney, I am more concerned about his sudden changes of heart and mind than I am about his religion. Presidents need to be able to make decisions and stick with them. Mr. Bush has frequently used his religious convictions to make public policy, and he is not Mormon. As an Independent, I am looking for a candidate of any party (or lack thereof) who puts the well being of the country first and does NOT use his/her religion to dictate policy. Give me a candidate who will bring our soldiers home ASAP, make health care available to all Americans, make workable improvements to our educational system and above all, use good common sense to make decisions and I in turn will give that candidate my vote.

Oh my gosh.  I can't believe what I am reading.  It is no wonder that America is in trouble when so many of you make statements about people and religions that you know nothing of. Mike, CFL and others, Please do not speak or fabricate untruths about others.  That is what they did to the Savior. May our Father in Heaven have mercy upon each one of you out there who ignorantly judges another...for it will come back to you. Politically or spiritually you should always stand for truth and right.  

"It's amazing to me, what other religion in the world is it so acceptable to ridicule,"


Scientology, but they're more rooted in reality than the Mormons.

Poor Poor Ashley, you just dont get it, No ones arguing over the political make up of utah, we are trying to get you to understand that they do what they are told, so they are not just Republicans they are sheep, and thank YOU for playing baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa  

Wow.  I think the entire population of Utah randomly decided to check out First Read today.

Southerns will never vote for a Morman president!

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