Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Romney - "attacks on my faith are un-American".

joshbaumgartner · 12-08-2007, 03:02 AM

As for this being a JFK moment, so much for that nonsense. The speech was horrible. I'm glad CSPAN played both speeches in tandem so we could see the difference in stark relief. JFK did not demean those who questioned the implications of his Catholicism on the office the President. He certainly didn't call them un-American. In fact quite the opposite, he welcomed their challenges (he did the speech in front of a gathering of ministers, after all) and strove to answer them. He proudly neither recanted his own faith, nor did he back down from steadfast devotion to the oath of office and welfare of the nation as primary.

Romney could have done a lot better. Afterall, like JFK, he has years of record showing the independence of his political positions from that which might be considered "Mormon" politics. And calling anyone un-American for their challenging of a candidate, regardless of the rationale for such challenge, well that is just uncalled for.

Romney's candidacy has brought a new light upon the Church, its members, and its doctrine. Overwhelmingly, I think this has been a good thing. I still see a lot of false claims out there about what Mormons are or aren't, or what Mormons believe or don't believe. I'm not talking about jokes about things like polygamy or such, which we can all laugh about as a long-past part of history.

We have a long history of Mormons in elected office and I don't think anyone really thinks Harry Reid is taking calls from Salt Lake City that are giving him marching orders.

The LDS Church is not a political church. Yes, the membership is heavily conservative, and consequently, more Republican than Democrat. But the aforementioned Reid is a Democrat. No candidates are endorsed from the pulpit. No silly, slanted 'voter guides' are provided for the members. No endorsements are provided for campaigns or parties. Even on big 'culture war' issues such as abortion, the Church does not ask its members to take a particular stand in any election.

I do not think that Romney would be a 'Mormon' President. His history shows that he does not follow the Church in his politics. I believe him when he says he won't answer to SLC as President. I also don't believe that the First Presidency would ever attempt to exploit his status as a member to gain such influence over POTUS.

Mormons aren't going to be voting en masse for Romney. I know I won't for one. If there are any Church instructions for Members in politics, or at voting booths, it is only to be prayerful and thoughtful in making their choices.

I for one welcome the questions regarding what Mormonism is, what we believe, and what it means to the rest of folks. I think that is a positive discussion to have, and there really isn't anything you could say that I would label "Un-American" in engaging in that debate from any quarter.

12-08-2007, 03:02 AM	#11 (permalink)
joshbaumgartner Insane	As for this being a JFK moment, so much for that nonsense. The speech was horrible. I'm glad CSPAN played both speeches in tandem so we could see the difference in stark relief. JFK did not demean those who questioned the implications of his Catholicism on the office the President. He certainly didn't call them un-American. In fact quite the opposite, he welcomed their challenges (he did the speech in front of a gathering of ministers, after all) and strove to answer them. He proudly neither recanted his own faith, nor did he back down from steadfast devotion to the oath of office and welfare of the nation as primary. Romney could have done a lot better. Afterall, like JFK, he has years of record showing the independence of his political positions from that which might be considered "Mormon" politics. And calling anyone un-American for their challenging of a candidate, regardless of the rationale for such challenge, well that is just uncalled for. Romney's candidacy has brought a new light upon the Church, its members, and its doctrine. Overwhelmingly, I think this has been a good thing. I still see a lot of false claims out there about what Mormons are or aren't, or what Mormons believe or don't believe. I'm not talking about jokes about things like polygamy or such, which we can all laugh about as a long-past part of history. We have a long history of Mormons in elected office and I don't think anyone really thinks Harry Reid is taking calls from Salt Lake City that are giving him marching orders. The LDS Church is not a political church. Yes, the membership is heavily conservative, and consequently, more Republican than Democrat. But the aforementioned Reid is a Democrat. No candidates are endorsed from the pulpit. No silly, slanted 'voter guides' are provided for the members. No endorsements are provided for campaigns or parties. Even on big 'culture war' issues such as abortion, the Church does not ask its members to take a particular stand in any election. I do not think that Romney would be a 'Mormon' President. His history shows that he does not follow the Church in his politics. I believe him when he says he won't answer to SLC as President. I also don't believe that the First Presidency would ever attempt to exploit his status as a member to gain such influence over POTUS. Mormons aren't going to be voting en masse for Romney. I know I won't for one. If there are any Church instructions for Members in politics, or at voting booths, it is only to be prayerful and thoughtful in making their choices. I for one welcome the questions regarding what Mormonism is, what we believe, and what it means to the rest of folks. I think that is a positive discussion to have, and there really isn't anything you could say that I would label "Un-American" in engaging in that debate from any quarter.