Coast Guard mission to be retained with state and National Guard support

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Department State House Boston, MA 02133 (617) 725-4000 MITT ROMNEY GOVERNOR KERRY HEALEY LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 22, 2006 CONTACT: Eric Fehrnstrom Felix Browne (617) 725-4025 Scott Carr (USCG) (617) 223-8515 Win Danielson (NGMA) (508) 958-3187 ROMNEY, COAST GUARD, NATIONAL GUARD SIGN MMR AGREEMENT Coast Guard mission to be retained with state and National Guard support Governor Mitt Romney, National Guard Bureau Lieutenant General Steven Blum and U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Timothy Sullivan today signed a historic agreement that will allow the Coast Guard to maintain its presence at the Massachusetts Military Reservation despite the impending loss of a flying mission for the Massachusetts Air National Guard, which operates MMR's airfield. Beyond fulfilling its core missions of maritime safety and security from MMR, the Coast Guard currently provides housing that is open to all MMR tenants, operates the base infirmary and provides MedEvac service to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard.  The 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission recommended realigning Otis Air National Guard Base and relocating the 102nd Air National Guard Fighter Wing.  In the absence of a flying mission for the 102nd Fighter Wing at MMR, the Coast Guard would, under the terms of the agreement, assume the cost of operating the MMR's runways, which they currently use at no cost. "Thanks to the combined efforts of a resourceful team, the Coast Guard's presence and mission on Cape Cod are secure," said Governor Romney.  "Continued airfield operations are also critical to the readiness and response capabilities of the Massachusetts National Guard as they work to train the Commonwealth's next generation of soldiers." "This agreement ensures that the Massachusetts National Guard will remain ready, accessible and available to answer the calls of the Governor and the President and to respond across the full spectrum of operations from domestic missions here at home to full scale combat operations overseas.  It is right for America, Massachusetts and the Guard," said Lieutenant General Blum, chief of the National Guard Bureau. "This Memorandum of Agreement enables the Coast Guard, Massachusetts National Guard and Commonwealth of Massachusetts to open a new chapter on the Massachusetts Military Reservation that allows us to continue our long-standing mutual cooperation and unity of effort with our partners well into the future," said Admiral Sullivan.  "This agreement enables the Coast Guard to most effectively serve mariners, boaters and the general public along the North Atlantic Coast by keeping our aircraft in the optimum staging point in the Northeast for airborne search and rescue and homeland security operations." "I welcome this agreement, which secures the Coast Guard's presence and serves as a foundation for the future of the Massachusetts Military Reservation," said Senator Edward Kennedy.  "We know the special importance of this base to our national security. We're all very grateful for the Coast Guard that patrols our shores and the Air Guard that patrols our skies." "The United States Coast Guard, the National Guard Bureau and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have forged an important alliance for the common good and the security of Massachusetts and our entire country," said Senator John Kerry. "I'm pleased that the hard work of our military leadership has concluded with the successful completion of this uniquely cooperative effort." "The BRAC report gives us real hope for Otis, the Coast Guard, our Air Guard and all the other vitally important missions at the Massachusetts Military Reservation," said Congressman William Delahunt.  "It is a reaffirmation of the critical importance of the base as a regional center for homeland security." Following the relocation of the 102nd Fighter Wing, the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Guard Bureau and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will jointly assume responsibility for base operations and management of the MMR as follows: Airfield Management: Within three months of the departure of the last Air National Guard aircraft, the Air Force will transfer the Otis airfield to the U.S. Coast Guard by means of a permit for its use and for use by others.  The Coast Guard will provide airfield management services at a level necessary to support Coast Guard operations.  Other tenants and state agencies would have access to the airfield on an as-needed basis. Utilities: The Air National Guard will operate and maintain electricity, water and sewer and telecommunications, much of which they currently provide. Emergency Services: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts will facilitate and ensure the maintenance, operation and support of a fully functional fire department at the MMR to provide fire and emergency services to local, state and federal users of the reservation. The agreement signed today will remain in effect for at least two years after the last of the 102nd Fighter Wing aircraft depart the air base, and continued partnership going forward will be dependent upon each party's agreement. For nearly 40 years, the National Guard Bureau, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have been key stakeholders and partners on the MMR.  Currently, the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod, Otis Air National Guard Base, and Camp Edwards operate on nearly 20,000 acres of contiguous Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense land and facilities at the MMR.   ###

JACOB WEISBERG'S TIRESOME CONDESCENSION

David French, has a great article here http://www.evangelicalsformitt.org/front_page/jacob_weisbergs_tiresome_conde.php about "Jacob Weisberg's Tiresome Condescension" David says, "Hold on there, chief. Is it really true that mainstream Christianity and Judaism are acceptable only because we've turned "their myths into metaphor?" "On their face, these claims are pretty fantastic (and Mormons believe them too, by the way). And this illustrates a point we have long made here at EFM: if we evangelicals allow reasoning like this to derail the candidacy of a brilliant, faithful, man of integrity like Governor Romney, is there any assurance -- any assurance at all -- that the very same reasoning won't be turned on us?" This reminds me of a great line from "A Man For All Seasons": William Roper: So, now you give the Devil the benefit of law! Sir Thomas More: Yes! What would you do? Cut a great road through the law to get after the Devil? William Roper: Yes, I'd cut down every law in England to do that! Sir Thomas More: Oh? And when the last law was down, and the Devil turned 'round on you, where would you hide, Roper, the laws all being flat? This country is planted thick with laws, from coast to coast, Man's laws, not God's! And if you cut them down, and you're just the man to do it, do you really think you could stand upright in the winds that would blow then? Yes, I'd give the Devil benefit of law, for my own safety's sake! It also reminds me of this: First they came for the Communists, and I didn't speak up, because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up, because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up, because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak up for me. by Rev. Martin Niemoller, 1945 Jews, Catholics, and Protestants everywhere that want to be judged as individuals not by religious bigotry need to stand up to religious bigots like Jacob Weisberg. Closet religious bigotry is one thing, but Jacob Weisberg is proud of the fact that he is willing to judge people by their religion, as apposed to on an individual basis. If you don't stand up for Mitt right to be judged on his individual accomplishments and characteristics, you will be judged that much more, because of what group you belong to. Click here for the article. ~~~Mike

More great info from slate!

Citgo Petroleum Corporation or Citgo, a subsidiary of Petróleos de Venezuela S.A., the Venezuelan state-owned petroleum company.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/gasoline/citgo.asp

Slate part II

This from Bandon, "Unfortunately Slate has a large audience. This guy believe it or not is an editor of Slate. This would be plastered all over the MSM for a week if he said similar things about a Muslim, because they believe in the return of the Imams; or a Catholic because they believe in transubstantiation. His logic about time moderating faithful views is flawed in so many ways. What he doesn't realize is that Christians, Muslims, Jews, and most of the world's religions believe in miraculous (he would call them dogmatic, irrational, and absurd) events in the past PRESENT and FUTURE. He made a cowardly attempt to distinguish the Mormon-held miracles from those of other religions."

"Folks, we need to get this on the MSM. Email O'reilly, Hannity, anyone who you think might pick up this story. This guy needs to be fired."

New Montana for Mitt Website

Here is the link:

http://montanansformitt.com.westernromancecompany.com/

Jacob Weisberg of Slate

Jacob Weisberg of Slate

Posted by Mike on 12/21/06

Jacob Weisberg of Slate says the following: "But if he gets anywhere in the primaries, Romney's religion will become an issue with moderate and secular voters—and rightly so. Objecting to someone because of his religious beliefs is not the same thing as prejudice based on religious heritage, race, or gender." http://www.slate.com/id/2155902/ How did Jacob get his Job at slate? Did someone ask him what religion he was, or did someone ask what experience he had? Perhaps someone asked to see his Resume. Jacob Weisberg said, "Such views are disqualifying because they're dogmatic, irrational, and absurd. By holding them, someone indicates a basic failure to think for himself or see the world as it is." Jacob can pre-judge religious people based solely on their religious beliefs? He does not need a Resume. He does not want to look at their IQ, ACT scores, or accomplishments to judge them. All he needs to know is what religion we belong to in order to classify us as "dogmatic, irrational, and absurd". Jacob actually said, "by holding them (these beliefs), someone indicates a basic failure to think for himself or see the world as it is." Is that how Jacob Weisberg got a job at slate? They asked him for a Resume, and he said, "don't worry, I'm an atheist". And the head-honcho at Slate, said, "Good, I don't have enough time to look at people's qualifications. I hate Résumé's with all those stupid things like, 'graduated from Harvard Business and Law School Cum Laude. Valedictorian. These don't really mean anything. All I need to do is hear a profession of faith (testimony), or lack thereof, depending on what is fashionable in this day and time. By proclaiming your religious beliefs or lack there of you have told me everything I need to know about you. Welcome to Slate.'" No, I assume that Jacob had to show some qualifications maybe even a Resume. It would have been against federal law for his boss to ask him what religion he was, wouldn't it? Jacob thinks that he should be able to disqualify individuals because of their religious beliefs when they run for president. I wonder if that is how he runs things at slate. Has Jacob ever hired someone who was not an atheist, or is that a pre-requisite at slate? You know, we don't know what is going on over their at slate, but the rest of the world, Jacob, does not just look at a religious litmus test. There is at least some talk of qualifications. If that is all you need in order to be disqualified to be president, if it is that obvious that Mormons do not deserve any respect, no matter how hard they work or what they accomplish, why should they be allowed into college? All Mormons and the other religions that Jacob should be mentioned should be outlawed from college for the reasons that Jacob outlines. He says; "Such views are disqualifying because they're dogmatic, irrational, and absurd. By holding them, someone indicates a basic failure to think for himself or see the world as it is." Sorry Mitt, we are going to have to take away your degrees from Harvard Law and Business school. You are an irrational, dogmatic, and absurd Mormon. You do not deserve them. Jacob says, "By the same token, I wouldn't vote for someone who truly believed in the founding whoppers of Mormonism." Is that so Jacob? If you owned a business would you hire a Mormon? They have obviously proven to you that they are stupid. Do you want stupid people working for you? Do you feel comfortable admitting to the world that you are a bigot? Jacob says that Mitt Romney is an "Elder" in the church. If Jacob would have spent 30 seconds talking to someone from the church, he would have realized that Romney is not an Elder. I think it is great that Jacob wants America to be more like Northern Ireland and Iran were people are judged based on which religion they belong to. I'm glad that Jacob can take a short cut to intellectualism. He doesn't have to debate Mitt Romney, he doesn't have to read the Old Testament, New Testament, or Book of Mormon. He doesn't have to do better in school, on the ACT's, SAT's or in life than Mitt Romney in order to be smarter than he is. All he has to do is reject Mormonism, and therefore he is smarter than Mitt Romney, and deserves more than Romney does, to be president. Forget that Romney balanced the budget without raising taxes; forget that he came up with a new way corralling people away from the emergency rooms and into insurance plans. None of that Matters. Jacob Weisberg is more qualified to be president, in his view, because he is not a Mormon. Then Jacob says about the stupidest thing I have ever heard. It is his only argument that he brings to the table besides that Mormons are too stupid to be president. The rest of his article is him parading around in his naked bigotry. But here is the only argument that he bring to the table and it makes me wonder how he got a job working anywhere, even at slate magazine. He says, "Perhaps Christianity and Judaism are merely more venerable and poetic versions of the same [transparent fraud]. But a few eons makes a big difference. The world's greater religions have had time to splinter, moderate, and turn their myths into metaphor." So according to Jacob every other time there was a religious movement were people left one church and joined another, it was healthy. It was good, because it was a reformation. But when my ancestor, George Laub, who was a Baptist preacher left his church to become a Mormon it was not part of this refining process? He does not think that Mormonism had anything to draw my grandparents to it? It was not a healthy splintering or moderation? Why are all the other new religions good, but Mormonism was bad? Jacob does not tell us. He wants us to judge mitt Romney, without looking at any of the details of his life, and he wants us to agree with him (that religious bigotry towards Mormons is good) without giving us any reason to agree with him. No substance. No reasons to come to his conclusion. No logic. No independent way of judging Mitt. No use of a Resume. No looking at his skills or experience. And Jacob gives us no reason to agree with him, except other religions have been around longer, and for some reason their leaders that started new churches were good, and our leaders were not. We are just supposed to jump to his side without any substance, without any reason besides his self righteous mockery. I would like to see Jacob Weisberg's Resume, and I can get Mitt Romney's resume, and we can see who America thinks is smarter. ~~~Mike This is kind of a rough draft. I got my degree in electrical engineering, and I don't write very well. Could someone who can use words better than me take a stab at this?

Barak

Obama Record,

Voted NO on confirming Samuel Alito as Supreme Court Justice.
Vote on the Nomination -- a YES vote would to confirm Samuel A. Alito,
Jr., of New Jersey, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of
the United States.
Reference: Alito Nomination; Bill PN 1059 ; vote number 2006-002 on
Jan 31, 2006

Voted NO on confirming John Roberts for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Vote on the Nomination (Confirmation John G. Roberts, Jr., of
Maryland, to be Chief Justice of the United States )
Reference: Supreme Court Nomination of John Roberts; Bill PN 801 ;
vote number 2005-245 on Sep 27, 2005

Abortion

For almost a decade, Obama has been a leader in the Illinois
legislature in the battle to protect a woman's right to choose and
promote equal economic rights and opportunities.

Source: Campaign website, ObamaForIllinois.com May 2, 2004

Abortions should be legally available in accordance with Roe v. Wade.
Source: 1998 IL State Legislative National Political Awareness Test
Jul 2, 1998

Spending

Vote to pass a bill that reduces federal spending by $40 billion over
five years by decreasing the amount of funds spent on Medicaid,
Medicare, agriculture, employee pensions, conservation, and student
loans. The bill also provides a down-payment toward hurricane
recovery and reconstruction costs.
Reference: Work, Marriage, and Family Promotion Reconciliation Act;
Bill S. 1932 ; vote number 2005-363 on Dec 21, 2005

African-Americans vote Democratic because of issue stances

I don't think the Democratic Party takes the African-American voters
for granted. I'm happy that the president spoke at the Urban League.
He should have spoke at the NAACP. I want Republicans to compete for
the African-American vote. They're not getting the African-American
vote not because African-Americans aren't open-minded, but because
Democrats have consistently championed those issues-civil rights,
voting rights, concern for working families-that are of greatest
concern to African-American voters. Source: Meet The Press, NBC News
Jul 25, 2004

Supports affirmative action in colleges and government
Indicate the principles you support concerning affirmative action.
Should state government agencies take race and sex into account in the
following sectors?
Q: College and university admissions? A: Yes
Q: Public employment A: Yes
Q: State contracting? A: Yes.
Source: 1998 IL State Legislative National Political Awareness Test Jul 2, 1998

Voted NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage.
Voting YES implies support for amending the constitution to ban
same-sex marriage. This cloture motion to end debate requires a 3/5th
majority. A constitutional amendment requires a 2/3rd majority. The
proposed amendment is:
Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man
and a woman. Neither this Constitution, nor the constitution of any
State, shall be construed to require that marriage or the legal
incidents thereof be conferred upon any union other than the union of
a man and a woman.

Reference: Marriage Protection Amendment; Bill S. J. Res. 1 ; vote
number 2006-163 on Jun 7, 2006

Voted NO on reforming bankruptcy to include means-testing & restrictions.
Amends Federal bankruptcy law to revamp guidelines governing dismissal
or conversion of a Chapter 7 liquidation (complete relief in
bankruptcy) to one under either Chapter 11 (Reorganization) or Chapter
13 (Adjustment of Debts of an Individual with Regular Income). Voting
YES would:

Reference: Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of
2005; Bill S 256 ; vote number 2005-44 on Mar 10, 2005

Battles legislatively against the death penalty
Obama?s most significant contribution has been his legislative battles
against the death penalty, and against in the criminal justice system.
In Illinois, it's been a series of shocking exonerations of innocent
people who are on death row. He was involved very intimately in
drafting and passing legislation that requires the video taping of
police interrogations and confessions in all capital cases. And he
also was one of the co-sponsors of this very comprehensive reform or
the death penalty system in Illinois, which many people say may
trigger the retreat on the death penalty in many other states.
Source: Salim Muwakkil and Amy Goodman, Democracy Now Jul 15, 2004

Battles legislatively against the death penalty
He was involved very intimately in drafting and passing legislation
that requires the video taping of police interrogations and
confessions in all capital cases. And he also was one of the
co-sponsors of this very comprehensive reform or the death penalty
system in Illinois, which many people say may trigger the retreat on
the death penalty in many other states.
Source: Salim Muwakkil and Amy Goodman, Democracy Now Jul 15, 2004

Supports alternative sentencing and rehabilitation
Principles that Obama supports to address crime:
Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
Increase state funds for programs which rehabilitate and educate
inmates during and after their prison sentences.
Provide funding for military-style "boot camps" for first-time juvenile felons.
Source: 1998 IL State Legislative National Political Awareness Test Jul 2, 1998

Voted YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's AMWR.
To remove the establishment of an oil and gas leasing program in the
Alaskan Coastal Plain. The original bill allows for an oil and gas
leasing program in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Voteing
YES on this amendment would remove that section, hence barring leasing
in ANWR.
Reference: Bar Oil and Gas Leasing amendment; Bill S Amdt 2358 to S
1932 ; vote number 2005-288 on Nov 3, 2005

Voted YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Vote to adopt an amendment that would strike a provision in the
concurrent resolution that recognizes revenue from oil drilling in the
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). The amendment says: "To ensure
that legislation that would open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge,
other federal lands, and the Outer Continental Shelf to oil drilling
receives full consideration and debate in the Senate under regular
order, rather than being fast-tracked under reconciliation procedures;
to ensure that receipts from such drilling destined for the federal
treasury are fairly shared with local jurisdictions; and does not
occur unless prohibitions against the export of Alaskan oil are
enacted."
Reference: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge anti-drilling Amendment;
Bill S AMDT 168 to S.Con.Res. 18 ; vote number 2005-52 on Mar 16, 2005

Voted NO on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade.
Approves the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States-Free
Trade Agreement entered into on August 5, 2005, with the governments
of Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala,
Honduras, and Nicaragua (CAFTA-DR), and the statement of
administrative action proposed to implement the Agreement. Voting YES
would:
Progressively eliminate customs duties on all originating goods traded
among the participating nations
Preserve US duties on imports of sugar goods over a certain quota
Remove duties on textile and apparel goods traded among participating nations
Prohibit export subsidies for agricultural goods traded among
participating nations
Provide for cooperation among participating nations on customs laws
and import licensing procedures
Recommend that each participating nation uphold the Fundamental
Principles and Rights at Work
Urge each participating nation to obey various international
agreements regarding intellectual property rights
Reference: Central America Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act;
Bill HR 3045 ; vote number 2005-209 on Jul 28, 2005

Ban semi-automatics, and more possession restrictions
Principles that Obama supports on gun issues:
Ban the sale or transfer of all forms of semi-automatic weapons.
Increase state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks with firearms.
Source: 1998 IL State Legislative National Political Awareness Test Jul 2, 1998

Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers.
A bill to prohibit civil liability actions from being brought or
continued against manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or importers
of firearms or ammunition for damages, injunctive or other relief
resulting from the misuse of their products by others. Voting YES
would:
Exempt lawsuits brought against individuals who knowingly transfer a
firearm that will be used to commit a violent or drug-trafficking
crime
Exempt lawsuits against actions that result in death, physical injury
or property damage due solely to a product defect
Call for the dismissal of all qualified civil liability actions
pending on the date of enactment by the court in which the action was
brought
Prohibit the manufacture, import, sale or delivery of armor piercing
ammunition, and sets a minimum prison term of 15 years for violations
Require all licensed importers, manufacturers and dealers who engage
in the transfer of handguns to provide secure gun storage or safety
devices
Reference: Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act; Bill S 397 ;
vote number 2005-219 on Jul 29, 2005

Believes health care is a right, not a privilege for the few
Obama believes health care is a right for everyone, not a privilege
for the few. He has made affordable health care a priority - he
delivered coverage to an additional 20,000 children and 65,000 parents
in Illinois and sponsored a bill to protect the uninsured from price
gouging. He has proposed a detailed health plan that covers every
child in America, allows those near retirement to buy into Medicare,
and ensures coverage for those losing jobs through no fault of their
own.
Source: Campaign website, ObamaForIllinois.org, "On the Issues" Sep 28, 2004

Voted NO on extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision.
Vote to invoke cloture on a conference report that extends the
authority of the FBI to conduct "roving wiretaps" and access business
records. Voting YES would recommend, in effect, that the PATRIOT Act
be extended through December 31, 2009, and would makes the provisions
of the PATRIOT Act permanent. Voting NO would extend debate further,
which would have the effect of NOT extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap
provision.
Reference: Motion for Cloture of PATRIOT Act; Bill HR 3199 ; vote
number 2005-358 on Dec 16, 2005

Extend welfare and Medicaid to immigrants
Obama supports the folowing principles regarding immigration:
Continue to extend state-funded welfare benefits for legal immigrants.
Use state funds to continue some Medicaid coverage for legal immigrants.
Source: 1998 IL State Legislative National Political Awareness Test Jul 2, 1998

Spent time in both Muslim and Catholic schools
In Indonesia, I'd spent 2 years at a Muslim school, 2 years at a
Catholic school. In the Muslim school, the teacher wrote to tell
mother I made faces during Koranic studies. In the Catholic school,
when it came time to pray, I'd pretend to close my eyes, then peek
around the room. Nothing happened. No angels descended. Just a parched
old nun and 30 brown children, muttering words. Sometimes the nun
would catch me, and her stern look would force my lids back shut. But
that didn't change how I felt inside.
Source: Dreams from My Father, by Barack Obama, p.142 Aug 1, 1996

Problems with current Israeli policy
Obama will speak before a Jewish audience and talk about his problems
with Israeli policy in a way that inspires trust, rather than the kind
of disagreement that you often find when that happens.
Source: Salim Muwakkil and Amy Goodman, Democracy Now Jul 15, 2004

In Case You Missed It: Romney Interviews

In Case You Missed It:  Romney Interviews

Governor Romney on Fox News In case you missed it, Governor Mitt Romney recently discussed several issues with Fox News' Carl Cameron.  Here are some excerpts of what Romney said.  On Life Issues: "Upon a full examination of the sanctity of life and when life begins, there is no question, when you put together all the DNA, you've got life and it's human. And I recognize that every civilized society respects human life. And on that basis, I came out and said, look, I am pro-life. Let there be no ambiguity." On Gay Marriage: "I want gay individuals to have equal rights in housing and equal rights in education. I don't believe in discrimination and I don't believe the American people do. That's a fundamental principle. At the same time, just as fundamental is the principle that marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman. And to suggest somehow that those two things can't co-exist, that respecting rights of people who think differently and make different choices in their life that that can't go together with preserving marriage is just not right." On Religion: "The name on my church is actually the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I do believe in Jesus Christ is the son of God. But of course there are many others in our country that don't believe that  They believe in other faiths and whether that's the Jewish religion or Muslim religion or others and they are entitled to do that. Look, the sixth article of the Constitution of the United States got it right. It said no religious test shall ever be required for qualification for office or public trust in these United States." Governor Romney Interviewed by National Review's Kathryn Jean Lopez Governor Mitt Romney recently discussed some issues with National Reviews' Kathryn Jean Lopez. Below is a partial transcript; see the full interview Lopez: What did you make of the Iraq Study Group report that was released last week? Gov. Romney: The members of the Iraq Study Group deserve credit for their hard work. But their recommendations read like the product of a flawed process — one more focused on reaching consensus for the sake of reaching consensus. There were a few recommendations that I found especially striking: Suggesting that somehow the Israel-Palestine conflict is a root of sectarian and insurgent violence in Iraq is just wrong. Sunnis are killing Shia and vice versa. Pressuring Israel won't change that. Proposing that we negotiate with terrorist regimes like Syria and Iran — without a rigorous analysis of how our incentives could ever be aligned — is just counter-productive. I have no quarrel with talking, especially if it yields valuable intelligence and insight about an adversary. But that's a far cry from actually negotiating with Iran, which sponsors Hezbollah, has nuclear ambitions, and has been clear in its intention to wipe our ally Israel off the map. And Syria is systematically undermining the sovereignty of Lebanon and funding and arming terrorists. Any suggestion that we might trade something for their help or forbearance is out of the question. When considering a negotiation, one must ask what kind of leverage we have, and recognize that there are situations where we have more to lose than gain by negotiating. Finally, inferring that our troops may be withdrawn from combat positions before Iraq is secure runs counter to my view and to the views I have heard from some of America's most accomplished military leaders. I am not suggesting that there are simple solutions for Iraq. But it is clear to me that some of these recommendations will not meet our objectives in Iraq, or in the broader long war America is fighting today. Lopez: As you know, in recent days the Boston Globe and the New York Times, as well as the Boston newspaper, Bay Windows, have run pieces about your 1994 race against Ted Kennedy and your run for governor that appear to be in conflict with your current position against gay marriage. Are they? Gov. Romney: These old interviews and stories have frequently been circulated by my opponents ever since I took a stand against the Massachusetts supreme-court ruling on same-sex marriage. This being the political season, it is not surprising this old news has appeared again. But I have made clear since 2003, when the supreme court of Massachusetts redefined marriage by fiat, that my unwavering advocacy for traditional marriage stands side by side with a tolerance and respect for all Americans. Like the vast majority of Americans, I've opposed same-sex marriage, but I've also opposed unjust discrimination against anyone, for racial or religious reasons, or for sexual preference. Americans are a tolerant, generous, and kind people. We all oppose bigotry and disparagement. But the debate over same-sex marriage is not a debate over tolerance. It is a debate about the purpose of the institution of marriage and it is a debate about activist judges who make up the law rather than interpret the law. I agree with 3,000 years of recorded history. I believe marriage is a sacred institution between a man and a woman and I have been rock solid in my support of traditional marriage. Marriage is first and foremost about nurturing and developing children. It's unfortunate that those who choose to defend the institution of marriage are often demonized. Lopez: And what about the 1994 letter to the Log Cabin Republicans where you indicated you would support the Federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and seemed open to changing the "don't ask, don't tell" policy in the military? Are those your positions today? Gov. Romney: No. I don't see the need for new or special legislation. My experience over the past several years as governor has convinced me that ENDA would be an overly broad law that would open a litigation floodgate and unfairly penalize employers at the hands of activist judges. As for military policy and the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, I trust the counsel of those in uniform who have set these policies over a dozen years ago. I agree with President Bush's decision to maintain this policy and I would do the same. Lopez: In a 1994 debate with Senator Kennedy, you said "I believe that abortion should be safe and legal in this country. I have since the time that my Mom took that position when she ran in 1970 as a U.S. Senate candidate. I believe that since Roe v. Wade has been the law for 20 years we should sustain and support it." Further confusing matters, the Boston Globe reported in 1994 that "as a Mormon lay leader [you] counseled Mormon women not to have abortions except in cases of rape, incest, or where the mother's life was at risk." Governor: What is your position on abortion today? On Roe? How do you account for what is obviously a change — certainly publicly — on the issue? Gov. Romney: My position has changed and I have acknowledged that. How that came about is that several years ago, in the course of the stem-cell-research debate I met with a pair of experts from Harvard. At one point the experts pointed out that embryonic-stem-cell research should not be a moral issue because the embryos were destroyed at 14 days. After the meeting I looked over at Beth Myers, my chief of staff, and we both had exactly the same reaction — it just hit us hard just how much the sanctity of life had been cheapened by virtue of the Roe v. Wade mentality. And from that point forward, I said to the people of Massachusetts, "I will continue to honor what I pledged to you, but I prefer to call myself pro-life." The state of Massachusetts is a pro-choice state and when I campaigned for governor I said that I would not change the law on abortion. But I do believe that the one-size-fits-all, abortion-on-demand-for-all-nine-months decision in Roe v. Wade does not serve the country well and is another example of judges making the law instead of interpreting the Constitution. What I would like to see is the Court return the issue to the people to decide. The Republican party is and should remain the pro-life party and work to change hearts and minds and create a culture of life where every child is welcomed and protected by law and the weakest among us are protected. I understand there are people of good faith on both sides of the issue. They should be able to make and advance their case in democratic forums with civility, mutual respect, and confidence that our democratic process is the best place to handle these issues. And yes, as a private citizen I have counseled women not to have abortions. Lopez: Does that mean you were "faking it" — as one former adviser has suggested — as a pro-choicer in your previous political campaigns? Why should anyone believe you're really pro-life now? Gov. Romney: I believe people will see that as governor, when I had to examine and grapple with this difficult issue, I came down on the side of life. I know in the four years I have served as governor I have learned and grown from the exposure to the thousands of good-hearted people who are working to change the culture in our country. I'm committed to promoting the culture of life. Like Ronald Reagan, and Henry Hyde, and others who became pro-life, I had this issue wrong in the past. Lopez: Will an exposé on Mormon Christmas celebrations hurt you in the primaries? Gov. Romney: This may sound strange to some, but my grandchildren will be eagerly awaiting presents to be delivered to their homes by a bearded man in a red suit led by a pack of flying reindeer. The lead reindeer, by the way, has a red light bulb for a nose — certainly a YouTube scandal waiting to happen. Lopez: Read anything good lately? Gov. Romney: A few of my current favorites are: The Cube and the Cathedral by George Weigel, The Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright, America Alone by Mark Steyn, The Places in Between by Rory Stewart, and The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid, Bill Bryson's latest book.

Paid for and authorized by the Commonwealth PAC Not authorized by any candidate's committee. www.thecommonwealthpac.com

Romney Reading

Romney Books

"What we become depends on what we read after all of the professors have finished with us. The greatest university of all is a collection of books."
** Thomas Carlyle

I've tried to make a list of other books that Romney has read and referenced. I know he liked the John Adams book by Mccullough. What books have you heard him reference?

1. The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid, by Bill Bryson
2. The Wealth and Poverty of Nations, "But number five, the culture of America is under attack. Now some people say wait, when you talk about culture, Governor, that's not of the same order of magnitude as the things you just mentioned: jihadists and the emergence of Asia, spending too much money, using too much oil. And I disagree. There was a book written some years ago by a fellow named David Landis; he's a Harvard professor. The book was given to me. It's called The Wealth and Poverty of Nations. The jacket cover included an endorsement by John Kenneth Galbraith. I said, oh boy, this is going to be some liberal diatribe. I read through it and found it pretty scholarly. And after about 500 pages, he concludes with roughly these words: If anything can be learned from the history of economic development in the world, it is this--culture makes all the difference."

3. Does anyone know what book he is talking about? When he mentions "Jim" is he talking about, "James A. Phillips". When he says, Paul is he talking about "Paul Weyrich"?  "The sea change applies to our military as well. At one time, we were content with the idea that the military was responsible for winning wars. Increasingly, we find ourselves responsible not only for winning the war, but also for keeping the peace. We play, increasingly, peacekeeping roles; how we prepare for those and train for those is something which Jim and Paul in their book have spent some time talking about." Governor Mitt Romney, Heritage Lecture #904

4. The World is Flat, "Amazingly, these rankings don't even include the countries that are our real competition. India and China, in the words of Tom Friedman's latest book, just brought three billion more people onto the playing field." Governor Mitt Romney, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and the Workforce Hearing on "High School Reform: Examining State and Local Efforts"

5. Theodore Rex and The Rise of Teddy Roosevelt, "Well, I happen to believe that one of the most important things a president of the United States does is set a culture of integrity, character, vision, patriotism, that the values that a president is known for and lives by live on well beyond some of his or her policies -- I guess all his, at this point. His policies. And, you know, I will go back -- and read a couple of books about Teddy Roosevelt last year, "Theodore Rex" and "The Rise of Teddy Roosevelt," I looked at some of his policies and said, gosh, I have exactly the opposite view today. The Republic Party has a different view then it did back in 1900." Governor Mitt Romney, C-Span Transcript, BRIAN LAMB, HOST

 

6. The Cube and the Cathedral by George Weigel,
7. The Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright,
8. America Alone by Mark Steyn
9. The Places in Between by Rory Stewart, and Bill Bryson's latest book

Average Driver To Save $120 Per Vehicle

Average Driver To Save $120 Per Vehicle

Click here for the story.

Click here for the rest of the story.

Insurance Quotes from Governor Mitt Romney

• "It's time to give our consumers more choice and the advantages that come with safe driving. The goal of the task force is to form a consensus for a fair and smooth transition to a competitive marketplace ."
• Governor Mitt Romney, 04-29-2004 Press Release

• "Residents of Massachusetts currently pay some of the highest insurance costs in the nation. We are saddled with a system that discourages competition, forces safe drivers to subsidize reckless behavior, encourages fraud and threatens lives. With this new law, we are taking a critical step forward in reviving our ailing auto insurance market."
• Governor Mitt Romney, 01-03-2005 Press Release

• "The vast majority of our health care providers are honest and law-abiding. But from now on, for those few who try to cheat the system by participating in auto insurance fraud, they won't just find themselves out of luck. They'll find themselves looking for a new line of work."
• Governor Mitt Romney, 01-03-2005 Press Release

• "With so few insurers doing business here, we can no longer pretend that our system is healthy and benefiting our citizens. This bill brings the flexibility to our system that exists everywhere else. It attacks fraud and excessive treatment costs, gives our good drivers some immediate rate relief and provides insurers with the flexibility to charge rates that reflect drivers' records. We expect our reforms here will yield similar results in the coming years"
• Governor Mitt Romney, 06-01-2005 Press Release

• "An achievement like this comes around once in a generation, and it proves that government can work when people of both parties reach across the aisle for the common good. Today, Massachusetts is leading the way with health insurance for everyone, without a government takeover and without raising taxes."
• Governor Mitt Romney, 04-12-2006 Press Release

• "This would not have been possible without the courageous work of Senate President Travaglini, Speaker DiMasi , providers, insurers, consumer groups and all the other industry stakeholders who recognized an opportunity to do something historic."
• Governor Mitt Romney, 04-12-2006 Press Release

Insurance Press Releases from Governor Mitt Romney

• 04-29-2004; Governor Mitt Romney turns ignition on auto insurance reform
• 01-03-2005; Governor Mitt Romney signs bill cracking down on auto insurance fraud
• 06-01-2005; Governor Mitt Romney files auto insurance reform legislation
• 04-12-2006; Governor Mitt Romney signs landmark health insurancereform bill

Photos

Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney listens during a press conference in July 2006. Romney, a businessman and organizer of the Salt Lake City Olympics, has already snagged two of Bush's top former economic advisers, Glenn Hubbard and Greg Mankiw in his preparation to run for president. Photo:/AFP

(AP Photo/Steve Pope, File)

(AP Photo/William B. Plowman)

Was watching Return of the King Last Night...

I think this part applies to our current war...

Denethor: "My sons are spent."

[Denethor steps away from Faramir. Pippin approaches.]

Denethor: "My line has ended."

Pippin (looking at Faramir): "He's alive!"

Denethor: "The house of Stewards has failed."

Pippin: "He needs medicine my lord!"

Denethor: "My line has ended!"

[Denethor wanders to the edge of the courtyard. He looks down to see the orc army.]

Pippin: "My lord!"

Denethor: "Rohan has deserted us."

[Orc catapults fling boulders at the city. People cry and run.]

Denethor: "Théoden has betrayed me."

[More boulders fall.]

Denethor: "Abandon your posts! Flee! Flee for you lives!"

[Gandalf smacks Denethor with his staff, knocking him out.]

Gandalf: "Prepare for battle."

---

[Gandalf rides down to rally the soldiers.]

Gandalf: "Pull them in! To the wall! Defend the wall! Return to your posts!"

[The soldiers return to their posts. Gandalf looks out at the opposing army.]

Gandalf: "Send these foul beasts into the abyss!"

I am greatful for those in the Millitary who have not abandoned their posts!

http://www.tk421.net/lotr/film/rotk/18.html

Romney is Fox News' 3rd political story

POLITICS Headlines

• Army Top General Calls for Thousands More U.S. Troops
• Bush Adds 8 Countries to Fight Against Malaria in Africa
• Gov. Mitt Romney Denies Flip-Flopping on Gay Marriage, Abortion

From: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/index.html

Romney makes 6th story on drudge...

http://www.drudgereport.com/

Agreement permits specially trained State Troopers to enforce federal immigration law

 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Department State House Boston, MA 02133 (617) 725-4000 MITT ROMNEY GOVERNOR KERRY HEALEY LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 13, 2006 CONTACT: Eric Fehrnstrom Felix Browne (617) 725-4025 Kelly Nantel (EPS) (617) 727-7775 Paula Grenier (ICE) (617) 565-4216 GOVERNOR ROMNEY, ICE SIGN IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT PACT Agreement permits specially trained State Troopers to enforce federal immigration law Governor Mitt Romney and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Assistant Secretary Julie L. Myers today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and ICE that will give specially trained Massachusetts State Troopers the authority to administer and enforce federal immigration laws in the Commonwealth. "The scope of our nation's illegal immigration problem requires us to pursue and implement new solutions wherever possible," said Romney.   "State Troopers are highly trained professionals who are prepared to assist the federal government in apprehending immigration violators without disrupting their normal law enforcement routines."  "I am pleased that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has joined this very successful program.  The 287(g) program represents a unique and effective partnership between ICE and state and county law enforcement agencies," said Myers.  "The goal of the partnership is to seek out those who both break our nation's immigration laws and the laws of Massachusetts by engaging in criminal activity."  The ability to enter into this agreement originates from the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, effective September 30, 1996, which added Section 287(g) to the Immigration and Nationality Act.   The section was enacted to enhance the federal government's ability to identify and remove foreign nationals that pose a threat to national security or public safety through closer cooperation and communication with state and local law enforcement. Under 287(g), ICE provides state or local officers with the training and authorization to enforce federal immigration law as necessary in the course of their criminal investigative duties. "This is a program where ICE utilizes cross-designated state and local law enforcement officers to identify and remove criminal aliens.   Here in Massachusetts, we look forward to a partnership with the Massachusetts State Police to reach that goal," said Bruce Foucart, special agent in charge of ICE's Office of Investigations in Boston. Thirty Massachusetts State Police troopers from five units – the Violent Fugitive Apprehension Squad, the Criminal Investigation Section, the Anti-Gang Unit, the Drug Enforcement Unit and the Community Action Team - have been selected to attend a specialized training course developed by ICE for Massachusetts.   The troopers will begin a five-week training course with ICE early next year. The training focuses on immigration law, civil rights, intercultural relations and the issues surrounding racial profiling.   Once troopers successfully complete the course and pass the related examinations, they receive official certification from ICE that grants them special 287(g) authority.  After certification, ICE will continue to provide supervision and support, working with the troopers as they carry out their immigration enforcement functions. "The Massachusetts State Police are uniquely positioned to assist our federal law enforcement partners in the enforcement of immigration laws here in the Commonwealth," said Public Safety Secretary Robert C. Haas.   "The 287(g) provision provides them with the requisite authority to do so." Under 287(g) authority, when a trained and certified trooper conducting state criminal investigations encounters an individual who is an immigration violator, he or she may question and detain the individual, charge them with a violation of immigration law if appropriate, and place the individual in removal proceedings.   Section 287(g) provides a valuable extra tool to local and state authorities, particularly in cases where the individual is a criminal alien, violent felon, gang member, has been previously deported or is an immigration fugitive. Already, 287(g) has achieved numerous successes in cooperative criminal law enforcement efforts with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Alabama Department of Public Safety and several counties in California and North Carolina.  ###

Funny Stuff from 2002

main news history schedule get involved chicken cam quotes donate		Dear Massachusetts Voters, I'm just a chicken, but I know one thing: it's time for new leadership that works for the people of Massachusetts. And I know a chicken when I see one, which is why I'm furious at Shannon O'Brien and the other Beacon Hill insiders who tried to cancel this election by knocking Mitt Romney off of the ballot. What a bunch of chickens. The good news is there will be an election. It will be a choice between "business as usual" and change. Shannon O'Brien tried to take that choice away from the people of Massachusetts by using legal chicanery to keep Mitt off the ballot, but her legal tricks backfired and became a fiasco. She's nothing but a scared, little chicken. And I should know because I'm a chicken. I'll be hitting the streets to tell Massachusetts voters everywhere about Shannon O'Brien's attempts to deny voters an election this year. When the feathers start flying, I'll be there. This residency challenge won't be the only battle Mitt Romney will fight to clean up the mess on Beacon Hill. To be sure, there will be other battles. But Mitt's no chicken, and he'll win those battles, too. See you on the campaign trail. Sincerely, The Chicken
		David Carl, Chairman - Zachary Spilman, Treasurer - MA College Republican Political Action Committee. Paid for by MACR PAC and not authorized by any candidate or campaign committee. Contributions to the Massachusetts College Republican Political Action Committee are not tax deductible. To comply with State law, we must use our best efforts to obtain, maintain, and submit the name, mailing address, occupation, and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 per calendar year.

B.O. ()

Read Amanda Carpenter's report on Obama and his conflicting rhetoric .

 

Barak Hussain Obama

A little something from the PAC... sign up for them, and you can get these e-mailed to you too!

Volume 1, Issue 6, 12/12/2006

Three Named To PAC's Florida Steering Committee December 7, 2006 - Governor Mitt Romney's Commonwealth PAC today named three key individuals to its Florida Steering Committee. Florida's current Lt Gov Toni Jennings, former Florida House Speaker Allan Bense, and former Florida GOP Chairman Al Cardenas all join the Commonwealth PAC team as advisors. Read more Governor Blunt to Lead PAC Advisory Council December 5 , 2006 - Governor Mitt Romney's Commonwealth PAC today announced that Governor Matt Blunt (R-Mo.) is the chairman of the PAC's Governors' Advisory Council. Matt Blunt's leadership has made a real difference in Missouri, Romney said.  His leadership has led to healthcare reform, hundreds of millions of dollars in new money for Missouri's schools and a balanced budget without raising taxes. As the PAC focuses on helping state and local Republican organizations, I appreciate his willingness to lead our Governors' Advisory Council. Read more Romney, the Real Deal (Red County) Mister PowerPoint Goes to Washington (The American) Romney: Protecting Marriage (National Review) PAC Assembles Wide Ranging Team (The Salt Lake Tribune) Highlighted Photo Governor Romney addresses the crowd during a November 19, 2006 rally to defend traditional marriage in Massachusetts. Weekly audio/video from Governor Mitt Romney. 12/3/2006   Governor Romney discusses taxes and the economy during Republican Governors Association . Watch (3.76 MB QuickTime Movie)     From the Great Wall to the DMZ December 12, 2006 - Last week, Governor Romney took a multi-nation tour through Asia, taking him to Japan, South Korea and China. In each of the three countries, Romney addressed the American Chamber of Commerce and visited with several foreign and U.S. officials. Kicking off the tour in Japan, Romney met with Foreign Minister Taro Aso and Finance Minister Koji Omi. In South Korea, he observed the De-Militarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea, and met with General Bell of the United States Forces in Korea. In addition, Romney met with South Korean Vice Foreign Minister Cho Jung-pyo, Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook, and Unification Minister Lee Jong-seok to discuss human rights and political issues in the region. In China, Romney discussed business, politics and international relations with the students of China's Tsinghua University. Drawing on his own experiences during the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics, Romney met with Olympic officials there who are planning the 2008 Summer Games.  Romney was also able to meet with State Councilor Tang Jaixuan, Executive Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo, Ambassador Clark Randt, Assistant Foreign Minister He Yafei, and Ambassador Yang Wenchang of Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs.  Wrapping up the tour in China, Romney visited China's best-known landmark: the Great Wall of China.

Paid for and authorized by the Commonwealth PAC Not authorized by any candidate's committee. www.thecommonwealthpac.com

Romney and Gay Rights

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Romney and Gay Rights, 1994 - 2006

Posted by Dean Barnett  | 5:36 PM

It's a long-forgotten moment, but it was a poignant and revealing one. In the wake of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's discovery of a right to gay marriage that had been long–hidden in the Commonwealth's John Adams penned constitution, Governor Mitt Romney had vigorously protested both the substantive result and the judicial arrogance that led to the result.

On the day the decision went into effect, dozens of gay couples descended on Massachusetts' city and town halls to get married. The TV cameras sought out Governor Romney for his response to the day's events. The media no doubt expected him to toss some red meat to the knuckle-dragging conservatives that Romney was courting in anticipation of a presidential bid. Instead, Romney pleaded that the public and gay marriage critics in particular bear in mind that this was a happy and joyous day for many individuals, and act respectfully and accordingly.

If you saw him deliver that sentiment on the news, you could see it was heartfelt. You could also see that Mitt Romney would not square with the stereotypical (and of course mistaken) view of a gay marriage opponent. He was not a hater and not a homophobe. Rather, he was a decent man who thought the policy of gay marriage was an unwise one and, regardless of the policy's wisdom, was disappointed in the judicial overreach that brought it into being.

I'VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT THAT MOMENT in recent Romney history while assorted pundits have been trying to sort through the Romney record when it comes to gay rights issues. Of special interest this week is a 1994 interview Romney gave where he was extremely generous on matters of interest to the gay community. Because I was volunteering for him in 1994 and spent considerable time with him, I think I can help shed some light on this latest "scandal."

When he ran for Senate in '94 against Ted Kennedy, the opinions of Mitt Romney's church was a recurring subject of discussion, thanks largely to the efforts of the Boston Globe. One of the things that the theologians at the Globe noticed is that the tenets of Mormonism regarding homosexuality weren't particularly accepting or tolerant. The Globe kept implicitly pressuring Romney to make the choice – gays or his church. (Oddly, Ted Kennedy's Catholic faith didn't trigger any similar demands or curiosity on the Globe's part.)

Romney spent a solid chunk of the '94 campaign expressing his tolerance and acceptance for homosexuals. Naturally, nothing he could say in this regard would satisfy his critics. If he didn't explicitly condemn the teachings of his church, his critics would continue to bray. And bray they did, from practically the first day of his campaign until the last.

It was in this context that Romney made his now-famous comments in a 1994 interview with Bay Windows, a Boston newspaper that caters to the gay community. Among his observations were these:

I feel that as a society and for me as an individual, it's incumbent on all of us to respect one another, regardless of our differences and beliefs, our differences in sexual orientation, in race and that America has always been a place, and should be a place, to welcome and tolerate people's differences.

I personally feel and one of my core beliefs is that we should accept people of all backgrounds and recognize everyone as a brother and a sister because we are all part of the family of man.

Fueling the current controversy is the question, How could so vocal a supporter of gay rights in 1994 be such a prominent opponent of gay marriage in 2006?

FORGET THE PART that in the same interview, Romney also said, "Bill Weld does not feel at this time that he wishes to extend legalized marriage on a same-sex basis, and I support his position." Those looking for a scandal here certainly have.

The question itself regarding Romney's putatively shifting views suggests Romney has a penchant for flip-flopping with such audacity that John Kerry should be envious. There is, however, an answer to the question and it's not a particularly complex one. I spent a decent amount of time with Romney in '94, and got to know him reasonably well. He's not a hater. He's not a bigot. He's not a homophobe. No one who has worked with him or who actually has known him in any capacity says otherwise. And this is a man who has led a prominent and powerful business life.

Romney is also a traditionalist. He does not believe that institutions such as marriage should be mucked with. And he certainly doesn't believe that such institutions should be playthings for a gaggle of unelected officials who happen to wear black robes for a living.

In other words, his opposition to gay marriage is based on good faith differences with gay marriage proponents regarding where a particular legal line should be drawn. And by good faith, I mean that he arrives at his position not out of hate, bigotry or political calculation, but out of a true sense of moral conviction regarding what is best and noblest for our society.

On where the legal line should be drawn on gay marriage, he and I happen to differ. Unlike Romney, and unlike most of the readers of this site, I have no problem with legalizing gay marriage. But unlike Romney's critics, I know that the difference is a good faith one, and not the result of those I disagree with making venal calculations or indulging their prejudiced natures.

The preceding is the part that some narrow-minded gay marriage proponents just can't get. They think that if you're against gay marriage, you are necessarily a hater and by definition a homophobe. That's just not so.

Another thing regarding Romney and gay marriage warrants mentioning: This was not a fight he sought. Even given the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's prior reckless disregard for precedent and the democratic process, no one foresaw the SJC discovering a pre-existing right to gay marriage in the Commonwealth's 220 year old Constitution. Even by the SJC's own lofty standards for such things, it was a stunning piece of judicial arrogance. In short, it was not part of a Romney master-plan to be the anti-gay marriage candidate.

Critics of Evangelicals and Fundamentalists think the key to winning their support is to be the most-narrow minded and hate-filled candidate in the field. These critics chronically lament the bigotry of these specifically identifiable communities while crudely and cruelly caricaturizing them; it is a perverse credit to these critics that they never betray any sense of irony while doing so.

One of the reasons Mitt Romney will be increasingly successful as more people get to know him is because he is the real deal – Mitt is a good, honest and decent man. And those are far from his only virtues. But those are the virtues that Republicans of all religious and ethnic affiliations hunger for most in their '08 standard bearer.

Compliments? Complaints? Contact me at Soxblog@aol.com.

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Deadline Approaching: 2007 RNC Calendar is Running Out

	Dear Michael, Don't wait a minute longer to get your 2007 RNC Calendar - - copies of this limited edition are going fast.  In order to receive your calendar by Christmas, orders must be placed no later than this Thursday, December 14. Your limited-edition 2007 RNC calendar includes monthly photos of our President, Vice President, and First Lady, and features little-known facts about our Party and the American Presidency. You can preview each month by going to our special 2007 Calendar Web page.   The holidays can be a hectic time of year for us all - - cross one more item off your to-do list by purchasing this limited edition calendar as a gift for your friends and family today.  Not only will they enjoy this special commemoration of our President and our Party, but your gift will help the RNC close the books on 2006, and enter into the 2008 election cycle on strong financial footing. As a great supporter of our President and our Party, don't miss this last opportunity to get your RNC calendar in time for holiday gift-giving.  Click Here to order your calendar before Thursday's deadline. Thank you for your continued commitment to our cause.  Best wishes to you and your family in 2007.  Sincerely, Sue Gazdo RNC Membership Services Director

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