Romney: Rudy won't be pick

Posted: Wednesday, November 07, 2007 4:26 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC/NJ’s Erin McPike
HILTON HEAD, SC -- Reporters pressed Romney twice during a South Carolina swing on his reaction to Pat Robertson's endorsement of Giuliani and Brownback's support for McCain.

Asked if Robertson's declaration of support for Giuliani would help bring social conservatives to the mayor's candidacy, Romney deadpanned, "Not at all." He then slammed Giuliani with, "I don't think the Republican Party will choose a pro-choice, pro-gay civil union candidate to lead our party."

He later dismissed Brownback's support for McCain as something that was to be expected. "Sen. Brownback and Sen. McCain have worked together a long time," he explained.

But it was Robertson's support that merited a longer explanation from Romney. He waved off the impact by pointing out that endorsement announcements are abundant at this point in the campaign and he can't win them all. Asked if he had met with Robertson, he conceded that he had spoken at the commencement ceremony at his university earlier in the year but said, 'that was, gosh, months and months ago."

He also defended his support from conservatives and evangelical Christians by pointing to his own endorsements from both Paul Weyrich and Bob Jones.

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Comments

Romney, animal abuser.

also, this is a real question...I've read that Mormons don't serve generally in the US military.
Is this true? (please don't listen a mormon or two and then say it's not true.... use stats)

Tuck, Realityville, KS (Sent Wednesday, November 07, 2007 4:42 PM)

Mitt is in for trouble if he can't get all the religious backers 'the base boss, the base', but really he should thank his lucky stars on the Robertson annoucement. Rudy will pay a higher price in the general election over this endorsment.
Bob Jones, is he still alive?
When will they get past this and start talking issues though, gotta go forward before there is any of THE BIG MO!
Conservativism is being redefined as they wait, maybe they should use that as a way to get traction. Party platform is not the ten commandments you know and conservatism is not a religion!

John S. Alexander,Edinboro, PA (Sent Wednesday, November 07, 2007 4:50 PM)

Rudy Giuliani is nothing but a crook.

Jeremy (Sent Wednesday, November 07, 2007 5:04 PM)

Sorry, Mitt, but it won't be you. At least Rudy is honest in his non-conservatism. You aren't; besides, I gotta think that as a Mormon, you are unelectable.

Bruce, NV (Sent Wednesday, November 07, 2007 5:11 PM)

But Mr. Romney, would could say the same thing about you.

Romney is a scam artist. Does he really believe that people haven't or won't check into his record as govenor?

I think it's telling that the biggest donor to his campaign is him. He doesn't have real support.

B Reyes (Sent Wednesday, November 07, 2007 5:15 PM)

There is not a single individual running for the nomination in either party that has done anything to show that they can be trusted as president.

jhd, topsham, me (Sent Wednesday, November 07, 2007 5:33 PM)

Tuck. I served in Vietnam with a Mormon guy from Bountiful, Utah, and he was as brave and committed to the team as anybody. I don't know any statistics, but I do know Browning, as in Browning Automatic Rifle and Browning Machine guns used in WWI and WWII, was a Mormon. I don't question their Patriotism as a whole, just as I don't question any other religious belief in America as a whole. But on an individual basis, there are people in every religion who talk the talk but have never bothered to walk the walk, as in walking into the Recruitment Office and say, 'I want to enlist'. That's what I did, two weeks out of high school. I guess that would disqualify me to run for President at the present time.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Wednesday, November 07, 2007 5:40 PM)

Romney is the real deal. Look to the candidate's families...what kind of husband, father, neighbor has Romney been? Now look at the other candidates. If the GOP doesn't nominate Romney, I'm not voting.

SD, San Diego, CA (Sent Wednesday, November 07, 2007 5:47 PM)

most of the people in arizona where i live that are in the military are mormons

apearson, phoenix, arizona (Sent Wednesday, November 07, 2007 5:58 PM)

Mormons can and do serve in the miitary. However, during the Vietnam draft, Mormon men are expected to serve a two-year church mission at 18 and were given deferments rather than be subjected to the draft. Very, very many did just that. Many of them were also very hawkish on the war against communism, etc., at the same time they were using those deferments. That is still a very common phenomenon......cheerlead the so-called "war on terrorism" while you're on the sidelines watching. Just like our current president and Veep.

"Chicken Hawk" is the operative term.

Utah has the lowest percentage of eligible men serving in the armed forces but is also one of the strongest supporters of King George's fiasco. A red state with a double standard.

JR, SLC, Ut (Sent Wednesday, November 07, 2007 6:09 PM)

I am a Mormon and Active Duty Air Force and our doctrine teaches us to defend out families, our freedom of religion, and our constitutional rights with our lives. You will not find a more committed people to defending this countries God given rights than Mormons. You will also not meet a more committed people who would defend others rights to worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience more than Mormons. We love this country and believe the constitution was divinely inspired. Defend it with my life--anytime, anywhere! This "rumor" that Mormons are discouraged from Military service is plain false, as well are many other rumors. I don't know what the statistics are today, but when I went to BYU in 1996 we had one of the largest AFROTC detachments in the US. We also had a large Army ROTC detachment.

JT

Jason Taylor, Millbrook AL (Sent Wednesday, November 07, 2007 6:18 PM)

Mormons are all over the military. The dean of the Naval Academy from 1994 - about 2000 was Mormon, I think. In Utah, recruiters for the 4 services (if you count the Marine Corps) regularly exceed their quotas and there are ROTC units for all the services except the Navy at Mormon owned BYU (there is a Navy ROTC unit at the University of Utah, next door). In Memory Grove, a Mormon owned memorial ground, the names of over 5,000 Mormons who died in war serving the U.S. between WWI and Vietnam are carved in granite monuments, including 11 who received medals of honor. There have been Mormon chaplains in the U.S. military since 1905, including B.H. Roberts (a Mormon aspostle).

Steven Rinehart, Denver, CO (Sent Wednesday, November 07, 2007 6:55 PM)

Interesting website:

http://www.romneyfacts.com

http://www.romneyfacts.com/redblue.php

Chris Watts (Sent Wednesday, November 07, 2007 7:13 PM)

An Associated Press article (27 December 1999,Salt Lake Tribune) reported that Utah ranks last among all states in the proportion of young men and women signing up for military services (according to military figures). The military recruiters attribute this partially to the state's healthy economy and high proportion of young people attending college, but primarily to the choice of Utahns to serve as missionaries for the Church. The age group that the military prefers to recruit from is "also the prime age group for Mormon men to go away on church missions. And in a state that is predominately Mormon, most young men turn to the church and away from recruiters." On the other hand, Utah ranks fourth highest among all states in the proportion of "high-quality" enlistees. Only Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Dakota recruits outscored Utah.

Jared, Houston, Texas (Sent Wednesday, November 07, 2007 7:49 PM)

Those Mormons that serve missions at do so at 19 for the most part. If they choose to not severe in the military it is mostly a matter of not being able to fit your schooling, and military in at the same time as getting married and making life's career choices.

Brent Idaho Falls, Idaho (Sent Wednesday, November 07, 2007 9:03 PM)

Mitt Romney is Republicans only real chance at vitory in 08. His Electoral College numbers add up. He will win Michigan(his home state) and/or Ohio. No other Republican can win in Michigan. All other candidates numbers add up to Mrs. Clinton in the White House. Mitt is the real deal, people need to do their homework!

John, Royal Palm Beach, Fl. (Sent Wednesday, November 07, 2007 9:27 PM)

Not only do Mormon's serve generally in the military, several of them are war heroes.

Historically, Mormons have supported the US government dating back to the US Mexican war. Back in the early years of the church, mobs kicked Mormon settlers out of three states and multiple homes. The US government would not protect them and would not restore their property. After rebuffing their Petitions to be restored their land and homes The US government asked the Mormon church for 1000 men to help with the war effort. After marching 1200 miles to California, they were told they were not needed and to go home, fulfilling Brigham Young's unlikely promise that not one of them would lose their life in combat. Mormons serve with distinction in the military to this day.

No, Romney does not need all of the Robertsons out there to win the base. When he sweeps Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina in the first few weeks, inevitability will set in. One is already beginning to sense it as he surged ahead of Thompson in SC this week.

DLounsbury, Salem, Oregon (Sent Wednesday, November 07, 2007 9:37 PM)

If the Constitution was "devinely inspired', why has Mr. I-Believe-In-God-and-I-Pray-For-Guidance-Every-Day GW Bush done everything he can to ignore the Constitution and place himself and the Office of the President above the law? And who exactly determined that "God' gave this particular country special "rights"? It's a big world. Did "He" forget about the rest of "His" creation? Being "religious' seems to be the ultimate litmus test for running for President. Not competence, not good judgement, not honesty, not abiding by that Constitution, not humanity, not statesmanship. Religion. No wonder we've been saddled with the likes of GW Bush and Dick Cheney. They're none of the above and one of the above.

R.Merrell (Sent Wednesday, November 07, 2007 10:18 PM)

romney is probably the only republican that clinton can beat. he will lose the bible belt states down the line. win La. and Miss. lose Texas, Alabama, georgia.do the math. the electoral college will ensure a romney nomination is a Democratic win.Whether you choose to live in the real world or turn your back on reality, the facts remain the same. evangelical Christians do vote with their faith as is their right.

leon houston (Sent Wednesday, November 07, 2007 11:25 PM)

Just wait till the ads start flying.

DO YOU REALLY WANT MITT, ANOTHER LIBERAL FROM MASS. RUNNING OUR COUNRTY?????

With all his flip flops this will be priceless!

That slogan has worked so well for the republicans over the years it would be sweet justice for the democrats to able to use it finally.

leon houston (Sent Wednesday, November 07, 2007 11:38 PM)

Hey Tuck,

The guy who discovered the location of Saddam Hussein and ran the team that captured him was a Mormon.

MidwestMormon, Fort Wayne, Indiana (Sent Wednesday, November 07, 2007 11:50 PM)

Utah is less than half Mormon so you can't use state statistics to prove anything about Mormons.

What I do know for certain statistically speaking I learned in one of my sociology classes: Mormon's graduate a higher percentage of men AND women with bachelors, masters and Phd's than any other religious denomination in the United States. This heavy emphasis on education likely steers some numbers away from military service.

That being said, some serve then go to school like my dad did Korea.

DLounsbury, Salem, Oregon (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 12:00 AM)

Mormons serve, and with valor. I am mormon, and my brother, brother in law, and several other close relatives are currently serving in the military.

A poster above said that "Utah has the lowest percentage of eligible men serving in the armed forces but is also one of the strongest supporters of King George's fiasco. A red state with a double standard. " Don't you love it when someone quotes a made up statistic? According to the population reference bureau, Utah falls right in the middle (http://www.prb.org/Source/ACF1396.pdf -p.11), despite Mormon emphasis on education and serving a mission from 19-21 for males. In fact, in WWII, the Church of Jesus Christ called home their missionaries from missions and encouraged them to enlist, which they did. Mormon Battallion anyone??? Remember te helicopter pilots that were captured in the beginning of the war in Iraq and were then rescued - Donald Young was Mormon (http://www.brandonblog.com/WAR-BLOG-87-RYOUNG.html)? Many of the churches leaders (particularly the quorum of the 12) fought in WWII. I could go on, but let me sum things up as follows:

Mormons not only serve in the military, they take that service, and our nation, very seriously. Claiming they don't, or that they do so in exceptionally low numbers, is simply unrue, and dishonors their dead, including a Mormon soldier we just buried here in my home town.

Jared, Idaho Falls, ID (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 12:53 AM)

AMERICA NEEDS A STONG VOICE, MITT ROMNEY IS THAT VOICE

Hillary just play lip service to real problems, the fact that she has aged 10 years in 2007 shows she is not up to Mitts job.

Mitt is Passionate about America and I like that in a President.

and Rudy is just not the guy.

Wade Enns (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 6:49 AM)

Mormons do not like pre-marital sex its leads to dancing.

Muslims do not recognize the pope, Catholics do not recognize the Koran and Mormans do not recognize each other at the liquer store.

Mitt is still my choice for President and I think America is warming up to Mitt Romney.

Wade Enns (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 6:53 AM)

The Mormon Batallion as they were known, was a group of 500 mormon men called up by the U.S. military to support the U.S. against the Spanish during the mid-1800s. They were called, really commanded by the U.S. calvary to leave their wives and families right there on the spot. Already in the midst of an exodus from Illinois to Utah country because mobs endorsed by the Illinois Governor Boggs had burned their homes and force-marched them out of the state, they were desolate, homeless, and betrayed by the U.S. Government. Even when the man Joseph Smith talked personally with the president of the U.S. to ask for help, the Prez simply said, "I sympathize with your cause, but if I side with you I will lose the vote of the state." They sent 500 men anyway to serve because they were loyal to this country.

Those who have a problem with Mormons in the military should take a look at the LDS Church leadership. Nearly all are Veterans of Foreign Wars.

As a group, only the Jews have shyed away from the call to serve their country (see or Google Mark Twain's "Concerning the Jews") Yet no animosity seems to exist today in America concerning a Jew running for Prez. This is just poorly disguised bigotry against Mormonism.

Please don't comment on Mormons in the military without a number, a statistics, and its source.

Justin Meredith, Manassas VA (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 8:48 AM)

The further we get from religious talking points in this campaign the better off the nation will be in the future....talk about straying from our roots and the beloved Constitution that everyone has so recently re-discovered!

Politicians are now in your face with all of their piety and devotion to religion, and really, it's nauseating in the extreme. The irony is simply this -for the republicans religion is all good and torture is simply a necessity of life. What they've done by pairing the two is to hi-lite their own hypocrasy yet again in the quest for His Majesty's throne.

The democrats would do well to back peddle on the religious theme down the road, lest they be paired with these idiots on the other side of the aisle that continue to pander to the ultra-right God and family crowd - another one of these geeks in the Whitehouse will set stemcell research back another decade. More retro-grade government domestic and foreign policy (backed by a stacked Supreme Court and DOJ) is just what the country needs, don't you know?!

For the sake of voter that don't care or that might be offended by mixing religion and politics, remove religion from the bully pulpit and put back in the church pulpit where it belongs - and there is certainly no shortage of those that I've noticed.

justthefacts (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 9:05 AM)

Tuck i have served with Mormons in the Navy as well as many other faiths except Jehova's Witnesses.

Rufus Gibbons, DC (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 9:10 AM)

As a Mormon, I would have to strongly support the words of Jason Taylor and strongly disagree with the idea that Mormons are not patriotic. If you believe this, you are NOT familiar with Mormon teachings. I would recommend you read the prior President of the Church's book, "God, Family, Country" for starters (by President Ezra Taft Benson). Then, I would read the Book of Mormon and carefully examine one of our heroes, Moroni. He was a man of war- not because he wanted to, but because he believed God expected him to defend his freedom, family, religion, and country. Members of our Church are encouraged strongly by our leaders and by the doctrines we believe in that sometimes war is necessary and that we should always be ready for that possibility. My family is not an atypical Mormon family and here's a bit of info about us: My Grandfather earned a Purple Heart and a Silver Star for his service. My Dad attended the Naval Academy and received the Meritorious Service Award for his work while at the Pentagon. Five of my six uncles work for the US Air Force- two of them building F-16 Fighting Falcons- the others working in classified positions. My brother is also a federal employee whose status is classified. I have applied to the CIA and FBI three times and have been rejected each time. But, I'm working on my PhD right now, and hope to be accepted sometime in the future.... Mormons believe that the United States has a special mission in the world- that of paving the way for freedom in all lands. We believe that the US Constitution was written by the hand of God through the minds of humble men raised up for this very purpose. The purpose of the US Constitution is to guarantee freedom of conscious to all in this lands- and to all everywhere who are willing to pay the price of freedom.

Shaun Hansen, Lafayette, Indiana (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 9:15 AM)

Tuck,

Went to USAF Academy and now I believe a huge portion of Mormons attend there (approx 500 of 4200 cadets). I like them so much I joined their ranks...they are the most honest and serving of members of our military. I have worked for 2 four star "mormon" generals who have been outstanding examples of greatness. Most of these young mormons are given a 2 year deferment to complete a mormon mission, than return to USAFA.

They are amazing people and no one serves more and better.....Ralph

ralph j (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 9:47 AM)

Leon, your telling me that the Bible Belt will vote for Mrs. Clinton over a man of values such as Mitt Romney. We are voting for a President not the leader of our church. Again, the Electoral College numbers add up for Mitt!

John, Lake Worth, Fl. (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 11:20 AM)

Much of the dislike for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) out there is a direct result of IGNORANCE. People need to study and learn the truth for themselves instead of getting their information from unreliable, biased and outright anti-LDS sources.

Having studied the resumes and backgrounds of all the candidates, Romney, is, WITHOUT a DOUBT, the most qualified, experienced and most competent candidate in the whole field - Republican or Democrat. I hope Americans will rise above pure politics for a day or two to see this.

Ken, Honolulu, HI (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 11:49 AM)

I am a Mormon through and through, and I come from a proud 4th generation military family (D.Storm, Vietnam, Korea, WWII, WWI). I, like my father and mother, grandfather and great grandfather served an honorable LDS mission and then have continued my active service to our country in the Marines. Mormons are supurb Patriots. No one celebrates the freedoms of this country more seriously than the Latter-day Saints. I am dumbfounded at the number of people who dismiss one of the freedoms my family has fought (and shed blood) to preserve: Freedom of Religion. Shame on all of those so unabashed at slamming Romney's faith. His FAITH! Of ALL THINGS! We are criticising him for HAVING FAITH IN GOD! Freedom to choose how you will worship God...is there anything more personal or precious? Yet you people think nothing at trampling a man for his faith. Please don't criticise my religion - it is sacred to me. It has made me who I am, and it has given me the courage to serve, the courage to live an honest, upright life. Think of the Mormons who love and serve this nation: a disporportionate number(12) serving as congressman, as senators (11), as governors, generals. Mormons have produced Secretaries of State and Supreme Court Justices, and it will only be a matter of time before we have a Mormon President. If not Romney, someone else. Don't miss the big picture of what Mormonism produces: Children raised in honest, strong homes where values of integrity, patriotism, duty to God, leadership, responsibility to serve others are exemplified grow up and enter society. Don't be surprised when they rise to great heights of leadership and capacity.

AJ (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 11:55 AM)

In response to the Tribune Article referenced above

From http://www.timesandseasons.org/?p=3788:

"An Associated Press article (27 December 1999,Salt Lake Tribune) reported that Utah ranks last among all states in the proportion of young men and women signing up for military services (according to military figures). The military recruiters attribute this partially to the state’s healthy economy and high proportion of young people attending college, but primarily to the choice of Utahns to serve as missionaries for the Church. The age group that the military prefers to recruit from is “also the prime age group for Mormon men to go away on church missions. And in a state that is predominately Mormon, most young men turn to the church and away from recruiters.” On the other hand, Utah ranks fourth highest among all states in the proportion of “high-quality” enlistees. ”

Yet even given this our presence in the military is roughly equal to our overall percentage of the population:

http://www.strategypage.com/the_war_in_iraq/tactics/200464.asp

“While most religions are underrepresented in the military, there are some exceptions. The Mormons (Latter Day Saints), represent 1.3 percent of the American population, and 1.1 percent of the troops. Catholics, which are 25 percent of the population, are 22 percent of the troops. The Mormons are recruited energetically by the military. Mormon families emphasize education and clean living for their kids, which makes them ideal candidates for enlisted or officer slots. Because nearly all Mormon men spend two years as missionaries, and many do this in foreign countries (after learning the local language at Mormon schools), Mormons are particularly sought after for intelligence, translation and Special Forces jobs. The largest concentration of reserve Military Intelligence units is located in Utah, a state with a majority Mormon population. If Mormons cannot be enticed into active duty, the armed forces makes it easier for the well educated and multi-lingual Mormons to join these reserve units.”

Jared, Idaho Falls, ID (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 12:18 PM)

Having lived in Boston when Romney was governor of Mass., I can tellyou that he is not the most competent, and certainly not the most pricipled, if flip-flopping is considered a lack of principles.

I can support most anyone who is honest. Changing one's stripes to get political support (hello, Sen. Reid) is dishonest.

Bruce, NV (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 12:32 PM)

Looks Like Tuck<<<(JACKASS) hit a land-mine

VL North Carolina (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 1:04 PM)

I'm Mormon and two of my brothers (also Mormon) have served in Iraq. I'm considering joining the Army (as an intelligence officer) for the express purpose of serving my country. Another career option was a six-figure law job that I just turned down.

I've grown up w/a mix of friends (Mormon/Non-Mormon) and I've found Mormons are generally more patriotic than the average Joe. Part of this may come from the fact that Mormon doctrine teaches that the U.S. Constitution was inspired. I think Romney would be the best choice for Prez, but if Rudy/McCain/Fred/etc. wins the nomination I'll support him as well.

Mr. Irrelevant (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 1:29 PM)

I am Mormon, and my father served 18 years in the National Guard. I personally have known several Mormons that serve in the Military. I have also met Mitt Romney and he is the real deal. He isn't perfect, but his desire is to make this country a great one. He is the only one that can beat Hilary in 2008. I am voting for him not because he is Mormon (I would not vote for Harry Reid),but because I know he is the one that can best lead this country.
Let us pull together as Americans vote!

Joseph D. (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 5:23 PM)

Joseph D., Grand Rapids, MI (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 5:34 PM)

Dear John,

What I am saying is that the evangelicals, who have propelled republicans to their last 20 years of victories will stay home in droves if Mitt is their nominee. I attend a 5000 plus member church outside of houston and some will vote for clinton,myself included if edwards cannot pull through, but to a person none have even thought of romney as a serious contender. Evangelicals are at least 40% of the base. These facts are reality whether mittites want to believe them or not. It is not bigotry, it is cultural and philosophical. Any American has a right to vote according to conscience, religion and or philosophy, and no amout of verbal bullying can change the fact. personally, I cannot see anyone continuing to support republicans after eight years and 4000 dead American boys and girls. but to each his own.

leon houston (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 9:24 PM)

Any Christian who discriminates against anybody for any reason, not to mention for being a Mormon, is a hypocrite and un-christ-like.

Intolerance is of the devil.

Intolerance is what drives the terrorists we face today.

Let us not be found intolerant ourselves!

G. Schwarz, Ventura, CA (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 11:25 PM)

Colonel Bernard F. Fisher, USAF (retired), Mormon

He was an A-1E pilot during the Vietnam War. During a run over the A-Shau Valley 10 Mar 1966, supporting the ground based Special Forces, enemy resistance shot down his wingman, Major Wayne Myers. Without time to get aid, Major Fisher landed his plane on an all-but-destroyed airstrip, picked up his wingman, and flew him to safety. In total, nineteen bullet holes were found on his plane. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Lyndon B. Johnson, 19 Jan 1967. He is the first living US Air Force recipient of the Medal of Honor and the first USAF member to receive the medal from Vietnam.

Colonel Fisher is one of several Mormon Medal of Honor recipients.

G. Schwarz, Ventura, CA (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 11:36 PM)

leon says that Hillary Clinton would beat Mitt in Texas...

The idea that Hillary could beat ANYBODY in Texas made me laugh out loud. Republicans could nominate a cardboard cutout of Drew Carey and Hillary would lose to it.

Braden Ellis, Olympia, WA (Sent Friday, November 09, 2007 12:15 AM)

Flip-flopping Romney? How long must we suffer this absolute mischaracterization of Romney? The facts are in complete opposition to this. Anyone who really seeks out the facts about why Romney changed his position will find them- he did it because he saw that his prior conception was wrong- the negative consequences were beginning to be overwhelming- people were taking advantage of the freedom of abortion laws and killing innocent babies- he knew he had to change his opinion and political stance because it was the MORAL thing to do- right when he was governor! He had to change his position in order to protect the innocent. He could have waited until after he served his term if it was just politically motivated. People who don't seek the truth out about Romney's position will be left to be manipulated by the media and other "know it alls" we see on TV. Why be manipulated by others- get the facts for yourself. One of Romney's STRENGTHS is an OPEN MIND. Many of us can learn from his example. Being resolute about opinions we may or may not fully understand or agree with is nothing but being a follower, and this never was a nation of "followers," so why don't we continue on with our heritage and be leaders by seeking for the truth on our own- independently- rather than believing everything we hear from the media. Think independently America! Don't be persuaded by anything but your best judgment and don't do nothing because people who don't share your ideals and character are working very hard to undermine the nation that our forefathers have fought for.

Shaun, Lafayette, Indiana (Sent Friday, November 09, 2007 9:20 AM)

A large group of Mitt supporters are organizing an event to collect pledges and raise money online for Mitt. We are having it on the 7th of December and the website is http://www.december7thformitt.com/

Dan Chisholm, Detroit, MI (Sent Friday, November 09, 2007 11:07 AM)

Do Mormons serve in the military, good grief. Where's the site for educated bigots at least?

Liz SD CA (Sent Friday, November 09, 2007 3:09 PM)

Mormons make up 8% of the CIA -- mostly because they speak so many languages from serving LDS missions. They are more entrenched there (and in the FBI thanks to Hoover) than any other religious group. Even though they only make up 8%, it seems like they make up 50% everyone knows so many of them there.

Steve Rinehart (Sent Saturday, November 10, 2007 12:00 AM)

As for Justin Meredith's post concerning the fact that Jews shy away from seerving, I always find it quite amazing how someone can post on a board defending their faith against bigotry all the while posting despariging remarks about another.
Way to change people's minds, Justin.
And by the way, Mark Twain did write that Jews did not serve in the civil war. However, One year later he deeply apologized as over 9000 or more served, and went on to form the Jewish War Veterans of America, the oldest Veteran's orginization.

Also, over 18 Jews were awarded the Medal of Honor.

Before displaying your ignorance, please conduct your research. You will find your message will get through a bit better.

Jeremy L. (Sent Monday, November 19, 2007 3:14 PM)

Sorry Jeremy, have to agree there. Justing says not to cite Mormons not serving in the military without giving stats, but then says that about Jews without giving stats. Hypocrisy and bigotry. I hope you know that Justin does not represent the majority of our faith.

Jared, Idaho Falls, ID (Sent Thursday, November 22, 2007 1:39 AM)

Tuck, I really appreciate you simply asking the question, do mormons participate in the armed forces? I especially admire your geniune search for the truth and your ask questions NOW and judge LATER attitude. The LDS church has always endorsed and will continue to endorse protecting our liberties and protecting them, if need be, with force. One of the great figures of the Book of Mormon was infact a rightous general who fought for the liberty of his wives, his children, and his religion. He held high this title of liberty that inspired an army of 2000 young men to defeat a much larger army without losing even one of their number. Several of my own family members have served in the armed forces. My Grand Father served in the Navy. My Brother also served in the Navy. Even President Thomas S. Monson of the First Presidency of the Church served in the armed forces. And My Great Uncle Joe died while in the South Pacific during World War II. His burial flag is a symbol in my house of his sacrifice for our freedom.

Thank you again Tuck,for your heartfelt question.
JH

James Hepworth, Gilbert, Arizona (Sent Friday, December 07, 2007 3:08 AM)

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