A Mormon (gasp) In The White House?

The following is an article from Guest Contributor Joshua Lawson.


I am not the Catholic candidate for President. I am the Democratic Party's candidate for President, who happens also to be a Catholic. -- John F. Kennedy

The recent poll that revealed that more than 40% of Americans would not vote for a presidential candidate simply because they were Mormon is shockingly appalling.Governor Romney received his B.A., with Highest Honors, from Brigham Young University in 1971. In 1975, he was awarded an MBA from Harvard Business School , where he was named a Baker Scholar, and a J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School .Romney first gained national recognition for his role in turning around the 2002 Winter Olympics. With the 2002 Games mired in controversy and facing a financial crisis, Romney left behind a successful career as an entrepreneur to take over as President and CEO of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee. In his three years at the helm in Salt Lake, Romney erased a $379 million operating deficit, organized 23,000 volunteers, galvanized community spirit and oversaw an unprecedented security mobilization just months after the September 11th attacks, leading to one of the most successful Olympics America's history.

In 2002, he was elected governor of Massachusetts. Romney then presided over a dramatic reversal of state fortunes and a period of sustained economic expansion. Without raising taxes or increasing debt, Governor Romney balanced the budget every year of his administration, closing a nearly $3 billion budget gap inherited when he took office. At the beginning of Governor Romney's term, Massachusetts was losing thousands of jobs every month. By the time he left office, the unemployment rate was lower, hundreds of companies had expanded or moved to Massachusetts and the state had added approximately 60,000 jobs from the low point of the recession. By eliminating waste, streamlining the government, and enacting comprehensive economic reforms to stimulate growth in Massachusetts, Romney got the economy moving again and transformed deficits into surpluses. (From www.mittromney.com)

So what on earth does Mitt Romney’s personal religion have to do with his qualifications to be president? Certainly his faith should have absolutely nothing to do with it. The people of America are voting for a commander-in-chief, not a theologian-in-chief. Do I want Romney to pastor my church? Heck no. Do I think he’s the best hope for the United States and all those who love freedom? Would I vote for him in a second? You better believe it.

After all, the last two presidents who were evangelical Christians – Jimmy Carter (D) and George W. Bush (R) – are considered to be, almost resoundingly, the two worst presidents in modern history. Carter and Bush were elected are large part because of evangelical, conservative Christians who wanted socially traditional, “family values” policies. Then Carter and Bush did precisely the opposite when in office. So the argument that only evangelical Christians will follow a conservative agenda when elected can be thrown out the window.The best presidents in America’s history (Ronald Reagan aside) were not practicing Christians who belonged to a certain denomination. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln were all Deists. That is, they believed in a “creator” but not necessarily the Christian God. All three were at times fairly skeptical of the divinity of Jesus. Jefferson even rewrote the Bible, taking all of the miracles, and “supernatural” stuff out if it! Should Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln have been elected? Where they not some of the greatest leaders in political history?Regarding the 'Mormon question' during a GOP debate in New Hampshire Romney said, “Some pundits out there are hoping that I’ll distance myself from my church so that that’ll help me politically. And that’s not going to happen.”

It is bigoted for some Americans to say they will not vote for Romney simply because he is a Mormon. In fact, its downright blasphemous to the founders of America. Remember, the colonists who founded America were Pilgrims, Puritans and Quakers, all of whom were considered religious extremists back in their home nations. If the United States was founded by 3 groups considered by the vast majority of Europe to be cults, then why should a candidate lose the general election (or the party nomination for that matter) more than 350 years later? Is there any religious litmus test to become President that lies in the Declaration, Constitution or Bill of Rights that I’m not aware of? The Wall Street Journal also put it nicely: "Any expression of religious bigotry should be roundly condemned as not fit for the public square in a religiously tolerant country."America is a country where you should be able to come and practice your religion free of discrimination or persecution. It is the people we are fighting who kill and persecute those who do not obey and follow their religion. America was founded on the principle that all men and women are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; and yes, believe it or not, that applies to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints just as it applies to atheists, Catholics, Jews and those who believe in “The Force”.

Many people are scared of Mormons because of its past practices of polygamy (which is now only practiced by an insignificantly small minority of Mormons). It's extremely amusing then that Romney is the most monogamous of the leading Republicans having been married to his high-school sweetheart for over 30 years! Besides, in its1890 Manifesto, the LDS church renounced the practice of polygamy calling it a sin. Today, the LDS church strongly rejects the practice and excommunicates members who engage in it.The electorate should be looking for the candidate which best represents their platform of political beliefs -- not religious beliefs. They should be voting for the best candidate for the job, whether they're white, black, male, female, transgendered or polka-dot skinned. Someone's private and personal religious beliefs shouldn't even enter the equation and the defense of the nation against terrorism doesn't hinge on whether the President is Penacostal, Buddhist, Sihk or Hindu -- it hinders on their courage, their intellect and their resolve.If Americans choose to not vote for Romney because they think he isn’t qualified, then so be it. (they should -- however -- check out his website first: http://www.mittromney.com )If Americans choose to not vote for Romney because they don't like his social, domestic and foreign policies or don’t buy his recent conversion to the pro-life movement, then so be it.But if the electorate rejects Romney just because he isn’t a member of a major religious denomination, then the United States will have taken a step back 400 years. And frankly...I'd be embarrassed to call myself an American.

Thanks Joshua. Excellent article!

Ken.

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Happy 4th of July

First off, Happy 4th of July to all our American friends. So, what has been happening in Mitt’s quest for the Republican nomination for POTUS. Well, a poll last week showed that if Canadians were voting for president, that 32% would vote for Hillary Clinton while only 1 % would vote for Mitt. If this isn’t a classic case of name recognition I don’t know what is. I would like to think we Canadians are much smarter than to want Hillary as the U.S. President. I pictured us as more of an anyone but Hillary country. Anyway, what does it mean? Not much since we can’t vote anyway but, again there are up to half a million Americans living in Canada that are eligible to vote. And if they don’t take the time to research and they rely on the Canadian media coverage to base their opinion on we could be in trouble. Please take the time, look at the candidates and their records. I’m sure you will see that Governor Romney is the right person for the job. Visit on of our friends at My Man Mitt or Elect Mitt Romney in 2008 or Evangelicals For Mitt…

So, what else has happened besides the usual hits by the biased liberal MSM? Now even PETA is getting into the act with this ridiculous storey from 1983 about his method of transportation for his dog on his summer trips to Ontario. Is this the best they can come up with, I mean really! Let’s talk about the issues, I mean I love dogs and have one. But we are talking about an election that is probably the most important and crucial of our time. War on terror, economy, health care… These are the issues that our Americans friends need to worry about when the pick the next President to lead them in the coming years!

Ken.

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Why Mitt?

Speaking as an american living in Canada it is refreshing to see that there are canadians who take an interest in our politics that runs deeper than bandwagon US bashing.
As for my feelings on Mitt I will be the first to say I have not made up my mind at this point. There is still a lot of time before that decision needs to be made, and due diligence requires I keep my eyes, ears, and my mind open until next november...
However, this brings me to why I am leaning so strongly towards Mitt at this early point. It has nothing to do with my eyes, ears, or mind. It is my heart. I believe that the feeling one gets when they interact with candidates from afar plays a stronger role in our decision making than any one comment or decision a candidate has made in their career. When it comes down to it we all know to be wary of politicians playing the game. We know these guys are coached beyond belief, every word, every body posture, all scripted to make us feel like this or that guy is a good choice, notice I only mentioned guys :)
So how do we judge? Based on who puts on the best front?
I belive we sift candidates based on the comfort we get when we can glimpse who we think is behind all the machinations, who we think the real guy is. Overwhelmingly my feelings point me towards Mitt.
I am not put off by a guy who can change his mind when he has a change of heart motivated by what he believes is right. I highly value critical thinking skills. I am, however, put off by guys who vacillate back and forth on issues at what seem to be politically opportune times.
I am not bothered that a guy will possibly make decisions shaped by his religious beliefs, at least I can predict what he will do if I understand his religion.
I do know thatI am comforted by a guy who seems to be level headed and thoughtful. I am inspired by a guy I feel could have a discussion around the dinner table with me with no fear he would try to browbeat me into opposing views. Finally, I feel like I could get behind a guy who just makes me feel good aside from all the politics...and isnt that really what its all anout anyway? A leader that you feel good about, not just one who agrees with all the stuff you say?

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Why Canadians support Mitt - Part 2

Ken mentioned several reasons why Canadians are interested and influenced by American politics. Anyone who understands macro-economics from a Canadian perspective will undoubtedly realized that Canadians have a vested interest in what goes on south of the border. First off, the U.S economy has an unprecedented effect on Canadian GDP. Approximately 80% of Canadian exports are to the United States, and likewise, Canada is America's largest trading partner. U.S trade arguably has just as great an influence on the Canadian economy as the Canadian government's use of fiscal and monetary policy. With globalization emerging as a dominant trend in today's world, countries are coming together to form trade blocs, customs unions and even economic unions, such as the European Union. With the advent of NAFTA in past years North American countries have become much closer and statistics have proven the free trade area beneficial for all involved. The future only promises more of a union between North American countries and even possibly South America as well. This is due to the fact that individual countries and markets (even the size of the U.S') will not be able compete with larger economic unions such as the E.U and emerging economies like China (forecasted to outgrow the U.S economy by 2020). As much as Canadians love their political autonomy and the nuances that make them globally unique, most of them realize that their country's destiny is largely shaped by the U.S and therefore take an active interest in what goes on down south. Therefore whatever leader is best for the U.S, is best for Canada. That leader is Mitt Romney.

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New member

I am new to this blog and hope to add my input as the U.S presidential elections draw nearer. I am a huge supporter of Mitt Romney for president, even though I cannot vote being Canadian. I believe that Mitt will have an enormously positive effect on America and leave it far better than he found it, if elected. In the near future I will post the reasoning behind my support of this man.

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Happy Birthday Mitt

Well, today it Mitt Romney’s 60th birthday. What a week or so leading up to his birthday. He rocked at the CPAC convention and won a couple of polls. Along with that came the usually media bias and rhetoric.

It is funny to see certain conservatives say they are waiting for a true conservative. Is it just me or does EVERYONE that say they talked to Mitt one on one come away saying they believe his conversion on certain issues. How come some people still don’t believe he is the real deal?

It is a good thing there is plenty of time for people to realize that Mitt is the best candidate from either party.

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Why Canadians For Mitt

Why did we create Canadians For Mitt considering as Canadians we cannot vote in the U.S. election. Well, there are several reasons, first as to the interest in the American election is that every day we are exposed to American politics through our own media as well as our exposure to the many U.S. TV channels we receive and of course the availability of the internet. We are neighbours, allies, friends… Much of what America does has an effect on Canada and the rest of the world.

Another factor to consider is that at any given time there can be as many as half a million Americans living in Canada that can vote in the U.S. election. And given how close the elections have been, this could be an important group of voters. Republicans Abroad Canada is a group that among other things, promotes interest in the Republican Party and promotes voter registration and the casting of absentee ballots by Americans in Canada.

The main reason though is that Mitt is the smart an logical choice to be Commander and Chief of The U.S. and for that matter the free world. Mitt Romney is a family man of faith, knowledge, ability, action… Check out the links to our friends to see more about the man and his vision.

We may have little or no effect on the future of the coming choices our friends to the south make but, we might be able to prove to our American friends living here in the north that Mitt Romney isn’t the only choice but, he is the smart choice.

“What is liberty without wisdom and without
virtue?”
Edmund Burke

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Here’s Another Recent Poll

Check out this poll that was on line at The Brody File. The question was…

"As a pro-life voter, who would you vote for? John McCain or Mitt Romney? Who do
you view as the candidate that will best represent the pro-life movement?

To which the response was…

After being deluged by emails, the answer is Mitt Romney in a runaway. It wasn't
even close. More than 90% of people who emailed me said Romney was the guy,
hands down. Now, this isn't scientific of course and I realize that Romney
supporters may have gotten word about my post and reacted accordingly. Nobody
knows for sure. What is apparent is that those who are for Romney on the life
issue, love this guy with a passion.

Check it out for yourselves!

http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/107719.aspx

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A Great Article

My wife found this article while researching for an answer to a question she read about what would Mitt do if he wanted to go to the temple as President of the United States. The answer that also is in this article is that there are LDS (Mormon) members in the Secret Service that could accompany him. The piece as a whole is a great article worth posting here. Enjoy!

A Reader’s Commentary on Mormons

This editorial appeared in "The
Signal,” Santa Clarita, CA

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

Editor: I
have heard and seen enough! I have lived in the West all my life. I have
worked around them. They have worked for me and I for them. When I
was young, I dated their daughters. When I got married they came to my
wedding. Now that I have daughters of my own, some of their boys have
dated my daughters. I would be privileged if one of them were to be my
son-in-law.

I'm talking about the Mormons. They are some of the
most honest, hard-working people I have ever known. They are spiritual,
probably more than most other so-called religious people I have
encountered. They study the Bible and teach from it as much as any
Christian church ever has. They serve their religion without pay in every
conceivable capacity. None of their leaders, teachers, counselors, bishops
or music directors receive one dime for the hours of labor they put in.
The Mormons have a non-paid ministry - a fact not generally
known.

I have heard many times from the pulpits of others how evil
and non-Christian they are and that they will not go to heaven. I decided
to attend one of their services near my home to see for myself. What a
surprise! What I heard and saw was just the opposite from what the
religious ministers of the day were telling me. I found a very simple
service with no fanfare. I found a people with a great sense of humor and
a well-balanced spiritual side. There was no loud music. Just a simple
service, the members themselves giving the several short
sermons.

They urge their youth to be morally clean and live a good
life. They teach the gospel of Christ, as they understand it. The
name of their church is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
Does that sound like a non-Christian church to you? I asked them many questions
about what they teach and why. I got answers that in most cases, were from
the New Testament. Their ideas and doctrines did not seem too fat-fetched
for my understanding. When I read their "Book of Mormon" I was also very
surprised to find just the opposite from what I had been told I would
find.

Then I went to another church's pastor to ask him some of the
same questions about doctrine. To my surprise, when he found out that I was in
some way investigating the Mormons, he became hostile. He referred to them
as a non-Christian cult. I received what sounded to me like evil propaganda
against those people. He stated bluntly that they were not Christian and
that they did not fit into the Christian mold. He also told me that they
don't really believe the Bible. He gave me a pile of anti-Mormon
literature. He began to rant that the Mormons were not telling me the
truth about what they stand for. He didn't want to hear anything good
about them. At first I was surprised and then again, I wasn't. I
began to wonder. I have never known of a cult that supports the Boy Scouts
of America. According to the Boy Scouts, over a third of all the Boy Scout
troops in the United States are Mormon.

What cult do you know of
that has a welfare system second to none in this country? They have farms,
canneries and cattle ranches to help take care of the unfortunate ones who might
be down and out and in need of a little help. The Mormon Church has donated
millions to welfare causes around the world without a word of credit. They
have donated thousands to help re-build Baptist churches that were burned a few
years ago. They have donated tons of medical supplies to countries ravaged
by earthquakes. You never see them on TV begging for money. What cult do
you know of that instills in its members to obey the law, pay their taxes,
serve in the military if asked and be a good Christian by living high moral
standards?

Did you know that hundreds of thousands Mormon youth get
up before high school starts in the morning to attend a religious training
class? They have basketball and softball leagues and supervised youth dances
every month. They are recruited by the FBI and every police department in
the country because they are trustworthy. They are taught not to drink nor
take drugs. They are in the Secret Service who protect the president. They
serve in Congress and in the U.S. Senate, and have been governors of several
states other than Utah. They serve with distinction and
honor.

If you have Mormons living near, you will probably find them
to be your best neighbors. They are Christians who try to live what they
preach. They are not perfect and they are the first to admit this. I
have known some of them who could not live their religion, just like many of
us. The rhetoric which is spread around against them is nothing more than
evil propaganda founded in untruths. Others had successfully demonized
them to the point that the general public has no idea what they actually believe
and teach.

If you really want to know the truth, go see for
yourself. You, also, will be surprised. When I first moved here some
25 years ago there were five Mormon wards. Now there are 15. They
must be doing something right.

Paul Allen
Santa Clarita

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IT'S OFFICIAL

It’s Official

Today at 9am EST in Dearborn Michigan Mitt Romney announced his candidacy for President of the United States. Now the fun begins!

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Here Is Another Poll

Today Glen Beck http://www.glennbeck.com/home/index.shtml has a poll stating that if the election were held today, who would you vote for. He had a similar poll a couple of weeks ago and Mitt finished first and he is leading this one too. Check it out and vote. Glen Beck from what I have seen likes what he sees from Governor Romney.

Ken.

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Welcome

Welcome To Canadians For Mitt

At first it might seem strange for Canadians to take an interest in the American elections. The close ties we share are much more geographical. We have stood shoulder-to-shoulder in good times and bad. Like any relationship we have our differences but we see past them and are thankful for the wonderful things we share.

Most Canadians are exposed to American politics on a daily basis, from our many American TV channels to the internet to our own media’s coverage of events from the south.

So, that being said and while we can’t vote, it doesn’t mean we can’t have an opinion. Like a friend that offers their two cents (2.6 cents Canadian) when you are about to make an important choice in your life, we feel that when something good comes along you need to grasp it. Well grasp Mitt Romney fast because he is exactly what the U.S. needs, North America needs, what the west needs and what all that is good needs.

The world needs a strong America and Mitt Romney is the leader with the tools, the values, the vision, the drive to be that strong commander and chief.

“Canadians For Mitt” is a blog for not only Canadians but also anyone that wants to find out more about the man, the mission, and the quest.

Ken.

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