The Romney Vision: A Record of Promoting Abstinence, Not Sex Education for Kindergarteners

Wednesday, Jul 18, 2007

A RECORD OF PROMOTING ABSTINENCE, NOT SEX EDUCATION FOR KINDERGARTENERS

"We teach sex education, but there's no portion of sex education which talks about the advantages of waiting... We're saying let's provide an opportunity for parents and school districts to add abstinence to the curriculum." - Gov. Mitt Romney (Andrea Estes And Tracy Jan, "State Widens Teaching Of Abstinence," The Boston Globe, 4/21/06)

THE ROMNEY VISION: PROMOTING ABSTINENCE EDUCATION

Gov. Romney Fought The Battle To Promote Abstinence Education In The Classroom. "Gov. Mitt Romney today announced that Healthy Futures, a health program that promotes the benefits of abstinence, has been awarded the contract to manage the state's abstinence education program for middle school students." (Office Of The Governor, "Romney Announces Award Of Abstinence Education Contract," Press Release, 4/20/06) 

- The Boston Globe: "It Will Be The First Time That The State Will Spend Federal Abstinence Education Funds In Massachusetts For Classroom Programs." "It will be the first time that the state will spend federal abstinence education funds in Massachusetts for classroom programs. The state has received $700,000 in abstinence money yearly since 1998, but the money has gone only toward a media campaign urging teens to wait before having sex." (Andrea Estes And Tracy Jan, "State Widens Teaching Of Abstinence," The Boston Globe, 4/21/06)

SEN. BARACK OBAMA: SEX EDUCATION... FOR KINDERGARTENERS?

Sen. Barack Obama Recently Told Planned Parenthood He Supports Sex Education For Kindergarteners. "Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., told Planned Parenthood Tuesday that sex education for kindergarteners, as long as it is 'age-appropriate,' is 'the right thing to do.' ... 'But it's the right thing to do,' Obama continued, 'to provide age-appropriate sex education, science-based sex education in schools.'" (Teddy Davis and Lindsey Ellerson, "Sex Ed for Kindergarteners 'Right Thing to Do,' Says Obama," ABC News' Political Radar, http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/07/sex-ed-for-kind.html, Posted 7/18/07)

Sen. Obama Mocked The Issue, Which Previously Came Up In His 2004 Senate Race. "'I remember Alan Keyes ... I remember him using this in his campaign against me,' Obama said in reference to the conservative firebrand who ran against him for the U.S. Senate in 2004. Sex education for kindergarteners had become an issue in his race against Keyes because of Obama's work on the issue as chairman of the health committee in the Illinois state Senate. '"Barack Obama supports teaching sex education to kindergarteners,"' said Obama mimicking Keyes' distinctive style of speech." (Teddy Davis and Lindsey Ellerson, "Sex Ed for Kindergarteners 'Right Thing to Do,' Says Obama," ABC News' Political Radar, http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/07/sex-ed-for-kind.html , Posted 7/18/07)

Governor Mitt Romney and Sexual Assault Press Releases

2003

• 04-02-2003; Photos of high-risk sex offenders to appear on internet
• 05-07-2003; Governor Mitt Romney creates sexual and domestic violence commission
• 06-06-2003; Governor Mitt Romney files bill to post sex offender information on web
• 11-18-2003a; Governor Mitt Romney argues for no delays in web posting of sex offenders
• 11-24-2003; Governor Mitt Romney signs sex offender changes into law

2004

• 09-20-2004; Governor Mitt Romney hails new sex offender tracking tool

2005

• 03-31-2005; Healey launches high-tech tool to track sex offenders
• 05-25-2005; Healey pushes tool to protect children from sex offenders

2006

• 01-05-2006; Governor Mitt Romney files bill to protect rights of sexual assault victims
• 01-24-2006; Healey pledges funding for sexual and domestic violence victims
• 08-01-2006; Healey hails passage of sexual assault program

Governor Mitt Romney and Sexual Assault Quotes

• "Victims of rape or sexual assault have the right to know if their attacker is carrying HIV or any other sexually transmitted disease," said Romney. "After such a devastating attack, they at least deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing whether or not they are at an increased health risk." - Governor Mitt Romney 01-05-2006 Press Release
• "We are sending a clear message to the people of the Commonwealth: We are committed to protecting communities from dangerous sexual predators," said Romney. "While these high-risk offenders are under state supervision, we will have the capability to closely monitor their every move." - Governor Mitt Romney 09-20-2004 Press Release
• "The public has a right to know where dangerous sex offenders live and work so they can protect their children and themselves," Romney said. "During last year's campaign, one of the key planks in our criminal justice platform was more widely publicizing the whereabouts of convicted sex offenders. This action fulfills that promise." Governor Mitt Romney 04-02-2003 Press Release
• "For far too long, the subjects of domestic abuse and sexual assault remained behind closed doors and out of the public eye," said Romney. "Lieutenant Governor Healey and I are 100 percent committed to dealing forcefully and swiftly with criminals who choose to engage in these horrific acts against society." Governor Mitt Romney 05-07-2003 Press Release
• "This potential delay in giving the public wider access to photographs of our state's worst sex offenders is counterproductive," Romney said. "It ties the hands of law enforcement at a time when we should be working together to give the public the information they need to protect themselves." Governor Mitt Romney 11-18-2003a Press Release
• "Public safety is the single most important job of government," said Romney. "Once the photos of sex offenders are on the Internet individuals will have vital information necessary to protect their families at their finger tips. Families have the right to know if sexual predators are living or working in their neighborhoods." -Governor Mitt Romney 11-24-2003 Press Release

Guotes from Mitt Romney on Abstinence Education

• "In my service as Governor, I've never had anyone complain to me that their kids are not learning enough about sex in school. However, a number of people have asked me why it is that we do not speak more about abstinence as a safe and preventive health practice. Abstinence education gives young people the support they need in making the decision to postpone sexual activity until they are mature enough to handle the emotional, moral and financial responsibilities of parenthood," he said. "This is more than teaching kids to say no – it will help them preserve self-esteem and build character."
  • Governor Mitt Romney, 04-20-2006 Press Release

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Press Releases from Governor Mitt Romney on Abstinence Education

04-20-2006, ROMNEY ANNOUNCES AWARD OF ABSTINENCE EDUCATION CONTRACT

The Romney Vision: A Stronger America Through Strengthening The American People

Saturday, Jul 07, 2007

THE ROMNEY VISION: A STRONG PEOPLE MEANS A STRONGER AMERICA

Gov. Romney Shared His Vision Of A Stronger America With Young Republicans. GOV. MITT ROMNEY: "Conservatism, Republicanism, is a philosophy of strength. We believe in a strong military, a strong economy, and in strong families and values. We believe in the American people. ... And when you need to call on the strength of America, you don't strengthen government, you strengthen the American people. You strengthen the American people by letting them keep more of their own money, not by taxing them more when they earn, taxing them when they save and taxing them when they die! You strengthen the American people by making sure that the voice of millions of voters trumps the voice of a handful of unelected judges. You strengthen the American people with the world's best healthcare, the world's best schools, and the world's strongest families. We must preserve the institution of marriage – every child deserves a mother and a father!" (Gov. Mitt Romney, Remarks At The Young Republican National Convention, Hollywood, FL, 7/7/07)

Gov. Romney Has A Record Of Supporting Lower Taxes:

Gov. Romney: "Raising Taxes Hurts Working People. It Stifles Innovation." "Now, some states have chosen to raise taxes under the weight of economic stress. We did not, as a state, at least not since I've been in office. Raising taxes is the opposite of giving people the freedom they need to make their own life choices. Raising taxes hurts working people. It stifles innovation. It makes a state and a nation less competitive, not more competitive." (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks At The National Press Club, Washington, DC, 7/14/04)

Gov. Romney Fought For Tax Cuts:

- INCOME TAX CUT: Gov. Romney Fought To Cut The Income Tax Rate In Massachusetts From 5.3% To 5%. (Scott Greenberger, "Tax Revenue Slowdown In Forecast," The Boston Globe, 12/13/05)
- CAPITAL GAINS TAXES: Gov. Romney Turned The Legislature's $250 Million Retroactive Capital Gains Tax Increase Into A $250 Million Tax Refund. (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks At The Conservative Political Action Conference, Washington, D.C., 3/2/07)
- INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT: In November 2003, Gov. Romney Signed An Economic Stimulus Package Making The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) Permanent. (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Romney Signs Economic Stimulus, Supplemental Budget Bills," Press Release, 11/26/03)
- PROPERTY TAX RELIEF: Gov. Romney Proposed And Signed Legislation Providing Property Tax Relief To Senior Citizens, Enabling Them To Keep Their Homes. (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Romney Signs Bill To Give Seniors Tax Relief," Press Release, 11/20/05)
- SALES TAX HOLIDAYS: Gov. Romney Signed Several Sales Tax Holidays. (Michael Levenson, "Governor Drums Up Business For State's Tax-Free Weekend," The Boston Globe 8/12/05)

Massachusetts Citizens For Limited Taxation Executive Director Barbara Anderson: "There was no one else out on the horizon and with the legislature almost entirely Democratic, we felt it was necessary to have a grown-up in the corner office. ... And we were right to back him. He's been a really good friend to the taxpayers." (Shawn Macomber, "Mighty Mitt Romney," The American Spectator, 3/06)

As President, Gov. Romney Will Fight For Lower Taxes:

Gov. Romney: "You Don't Create Economic Prosperity By Raising Taxes." (John J. Miller, "Matinee Mitt," National Review, 6/20/05)

Gov. Romney Was The First Potential 2008 Presidential Candidate To Sign The "Taxpayer Protection Pledge" Promising To Oppose Any Effort To Increase Taxes. "Demonstrating his commitment to oppose any effort to increase taxes on the American people, Governor Romney has signed Americans For Tax Reform's 'Taxpayer Protection Pledge.' As part of his pledge, Governor Romney will 'oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rates' and 'oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits.'" (Romney For President Exploratory Committee, "Governor Mitt Romney Signs 'Taxpayer Protection Pledge'," Press Release, 1/4/07)

Gov. Romney: "It's Absolutely Critical That We Don't Have That Massive Tax Hike And Instead We Make The Bush Tax Cuts Permanent." (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks At The Detroit Economic Club, Detroit, MI, 2/7/07)

Gov. Romney Proposes Lowering Tax Rates For All Americans. GOV. ROMNEY: "We should ... promote fairness and simplicity by ending special interest loopholes and lowering tax rates for all Americans." (Romney For President, "Governor Romney's Remarks At The Club For Growth," Press Release, 3/29/07)

Gov. Romney Has A Record Of Market-Based Healthcare Reform:

Gov. Romney: "No New Taxes, No Employer Mandate And No Government Takeover." "Every uninsured citizen in Massachusetts will soon have affordable health insurance and the costs of health care will be reduced. And we will need no new taxes, no employer mandate and no government takeover to make this happen." (Gov. Mitt Romney, Op-Ed, "Health Care For Everyone?" The Wall Street Journal, 4/11/06)

- Gov. Romney: "[M]y plan calls for a personal responsibility principle: Everyone must either become insured or maintain adequate savings to cover their medical expenses." (Gov. Mitt Romney, Op-Ed, "Health-Care Reform Gets A Fair Shake," Boston Herald, 6/21/05)

The Heritage Foundation: "In reality, those who want to create a consumer-based health system and deregulate health insurance should view Romney's plan as one of the most promising strategies out there." (Edmund F. Haislmaier, "Mitt's Fit," The Heritage Foundation, www.heritage.org, 1/28/07)

As President, Gov. Romney Will Encourage States To Reform Healthcare Without Raising Taxes Or Empowering Big Government:

Gov. Romney: "I Do Not Believe That Putting The Government In Charge Of Health Care For All Our Citizens Is The Way To Go." (Dolly A Butz, "Romney Calls For Isolation Of Iran," Sioux City Journal, 2/19/07)

Gov. Romney Supports Having States Experiment With Their Own Plans, Not A "'One-Size-Fits-All" National Plan. "If elected, Romney said he would not propose a 'one-size-fits-all' national health-care plan, but would encourage the federal government to provide flexibility to let states carry out their own plans. 'Some states will probably do it better,' said Romney, adding that more than 20 states are considering plans similar to the Massachusetts experiment." (Ryan J. Halliday, "Romney Defends His Health-Care Plan," The [Nashua, NH] Telegraph, 6/7/07)

THE DEMOCRATS: BIGGER GOVERNMENT

Democrats Want More Of Your Tax Dollars:

Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) Wants To Eliminate The Bush Tax Cuts. "Joining other Democratic women senators at an event for Sen. Barbara Boxer, who's seeking re-election, Hillary Clinton told hundreds of party faithful to expect to lose some of the tax cuts passed under President George W. Bush if Democrats take control in Washington next year." (Beth Fouhy, "San Francisco Rolls Out Red Carpet For The Clintons," The Associated Press, 6/28/04)

Sen. Clinton: "Shared Responsibility For Shared Prosperity." SEN. HILLARY CLINTON: "It's time for a new beginning, for an end to government of the few, by the few and for the few, time to reject the idea of an 'on your own' society and to replace it with shared responsibility for shared prosperity. I prefer a 'we're all in it together' society." (Manchester School Of Technology, Manchester, NH, 5/29/07)

- Sen. Clinton: "We're Going To Take Things Away From You On Behalf Of The Common Good." (Beth Fouhy, "San Francisco Rolls Out Red Carpet For The Clintons," The Associated Press, 6/28/04)

Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) Wants To "Roll Back" The Bush Tax Cuts. SEN BARACK OBAMA: "I would roll back the Bush cuts for those making over 250,000." (CNBC's "Kudlow & Company," 6/4/07)

Former Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) Wants To End The Bush Tax Cuts. SEN. JOHN EDWARDS: "I would pay for it by getting rid of Bush's tax cuts for people who make over $200,000 a year." (CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360," 6/6/07)

In May 2007, Congressional Democrats Proposed A Budget That Raised Taxes And Boosted Spending. "Congressional Democrats yesterday proposed a $2.9 trillion budget plan that seeks to boost spending by $23 billion over the president's request, setting up a confrontation with the White House over funding for education, health care and veterans' services. ... The five-year budget plan ... assumes, for now, that taxes on dividends, stock sales and the income of the wealthiest families would go up in 2011." (Lori Montgomery, "Democrats Make Budget Proposal," The Washington Post, 5/17/07)

Sen. Clinton Would Raise Corporate Taxes, Too. SEN. HILLARY CLINTON: "Let's start holding corporate America responsible, make them pay their fair share again." (Sen. Hillary Clinton, Remarks At Campaign For America's Future Take Back America Conference, Washington, DC, 5/29/07)

Democrats Want Government-Run Healthcare:

Sen. Clinton, On Paying For Her Big Government Health Plan: "That's Going To Mean Taking Money Away From People Who Make Out Really Well Right Now." "On Saturday, she said that the failure of her proposal for universal coverage in 1994 made her more determined to achieve the goal now. 'It also makes me understand what we are up against,' Mrs. Clinton said. 'We have to modernize and reform the way we deliver health care. But we have to change the way we finance it. That's going to mean taking money away from people who make out really well right now.'" (Robert Pear, "Candidates Outline Ideas For Universal Health Care," The New York Times, 3/25/07)

Sen. Obama Would Pay For His Government-Run Health Plan By Rolling Back Tax Cuts. "Obama said his plan could save the average consumer $2,500 a year and bring health care to all. Campaign aides estimated the cost of the program at $50 billion to $65 billion a year, financed largely by eliminating tax cuts that are scheduled to expire." ("Obama Unveils Universal Health Care Plan," The Associated Press, 5/29/07)

Sen. Edwards "Would Raise Taxes" To Pay For His Health Plan. "Seven Democratic candidates for president promised Saturday to guarantee health insurance for all, but they disagreed over how to pay for it and how fast it could be achieved. ... John Edwards, the former senator from North Carolina, offered the most detailed plan for universal coverage, saying he would raise taxes to help pay the cost, which he estimated at $90 billion to $120 billion a year." (Robert Pear, "Candidates Outline Ideas For Universal Health Care," The New York Times, 3/25/07)

Gov. Bill Richardson (D-NM) Would Redirect Money From The War On Terror To Pay For His Health Proposal. "Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico offered a potpourri of ideas to achieve universal coverage, including tax credits to help people buy insurance and an option to let people ages 55 to 64 buy coverage through Medicare. To help pay for his proposals, Mr. Richardson said, he would 'get out of Iraq' and redirect money from the military to health care." (Robert Pear, "Candidates Outline Ideas For Universal Health Care," The New York Times, 3/25/07)

One year ago...Revision 2

One year ago...

I was listening to Michael Savage talk aobut the need for better mental health care, in relation to what has happened with this Cho. Cho was ruled Mentally ill by court; but let go after a hospital visit. It seems to me that we don't want to tell anyone that there is anything wrong with them. Like we don't want to hurt their feelings...

Apparently Virginia Tech knew he had health problems, but didn't tell his room-mate!

I have an adopted brother who is homeless in LA who has schizophrenia. The issue of mental health care means a lot to me. My brother was told by a psychologist that he had schizophrenia, while he was living with my parents. My parents tried for years to figure out what was wrong with him, and this information from the psycologist would have helped.

Hillary is right. It does take a village or community. I'm glad their was a professional psychologist. Romney is also right. It takes a family. My parents can not take care of my brother. They are 72 years old. They need help, but they need to be included. I wish that this psychologist had worked better with my parents. I wish Cho's psychologist, who said that he was mentally ill, had worked better to protect the community from him.

The problem is that no one seems to look at our institutions holistically. That, I guess, is the lesson learned from Thomas P. Barnett's, The Pentagon's New Map. That is also what Mitt Romney is trying to get to when he says; " Goldwater-Nichols Act removed barriers to unify efforts across the services. This included establishing "joint commands ".

The whole system needs a stem-to-stern review.

Those who have read his book turnaround, or witnessed him first hand at the 2002 winter olympics, can't help but support Romney, because of the wholistic approach that he brings to problem solving.

Do you see a pattern from the following statement?

Too often we struggle to integrate our military and civilian instruments of national power into coherent, timely and effective operations. When facing the need to strengthen the democratic underpinnings of a country like Lebanon, our education, health, banking, energy, commerce, law enforcement and diplomatic resources are in separate bureaucracies, all under separate leadership, all protecting their own powers and their own prerogatives. So while we watched, Hezbollah brought healthcare and schools to the Lebanese. Guess who the people followed when conflict ensued? The same thing happened with Hamas and the Palestinians.

What does any of this have to do with Cho or my brother?

Read the following:

"As the Haleigh Poutre case demonstrates, errors in human judgment occur. What is unusual is how many people involved in Haleigh's care – medical professionals, case workers and administrators from many disciplines – made errors. I welcome new systems and processes that will identify and guard against circumstances where human error may have severe consequences."
Governr Mitt Romney, 03-21-2006 Press Release

Do you see the similarities? It's not a specific healthcare, military, or mental health problem. There is a problem with everything. Everything in America is a beurocratic nightmare where "administrators from many disciplines – made errors. [Romney] welcome new systems and processes that will identify and guard against circumstances where human error may have severe consequences."

No one seems to understand this or point it out. They would rather talk about Romney's positions in his church as a former CEO of a STRATIGIC BUSINESS CONSULTING FIRM, THAT CHARGED OTHER BUSINESSES MONEY TO TELL THEM WHAT TO DO. ROMNEY WAS A CEO FOR A COMPANY THAT FIXED OTHER COMPANIES. HE IS Winston 'The Wolf' Wolfe FROM PULP FICTION.

The Wolf: You're... Jimmie, right? This is your house?
Jimmie: Sure is.
The Wolf: I'm Winston Wolfe. I solve problems.

and

The Wolf: Jimmie, lead the way. Boys, get to work.
Vincent: A please would be nice.
The Wolf: Come again?
Vincent: I said a please would be nice.
The Wolf: Get it straight buster - I'm not here to say please, I'm here to tell you what to do and if self-preservation is an instinct you possess you'd better f----- do it and do it quick! I'm here to help - if my help's not appreciated then lotsa luck, gentlemen.
Jules: No, Mr. Wolf, it ain't like that...
Vincent: I don't mean any disrespect, I just don't like people barking orders at me.
The Wolf: If I'm curt with you it's because time is a factor. I think fast, I talk fast and I need you guys to act fast if you wanna get out of this. So, pretty please... with sugar on top. Clean the car!

Well, Romney is a little nicer.

It seems that the psychologist who worked with my brother viewed my parents as an enemy, but not a partner. Oh! But they are adults! We can't violate their privacy, or their rights!

If my crazy brother wants to live on the streets, we have to let him! If Cho, or others who have been ruled, "mentally ill" wants to get degrees in our schools, we have to let them!

My parents could have helped my brother a lot more, if it wasn't for patient-client privilege.

I was a life guard (click for picture) on a lake for 3 summers. You had to pass a swimmer's test in order to go into the swimmers area (click link for picture). Those who do not have the ability to survive in the swimmer's area, and those who cannot function in today's society, should not be treated as though they can. It would be wrong of me to let non-swimmers into the deep portion of the lake. Cho was a non swimmer. It was wrong to pretend that he was OK. It was wrong to tell him, that I'm OK, your OK, we are all OK. It was wrong to say that he should be treated the same as everyone else, just as it is wrong for me to let non swimmer go to the middle of the lake.

This from Romneym about 1 year ago:

"As the Haleigh Poutre case demonstrates, errors in human judgment occur. What is unusual is how many people involved in Haleigh's care – medical professionals, case workers and administrators from many disciplines – made errors. I welcome new systems and processes that will identify and guard against circumstances where human error may have severe consequences."
Governr Mitt Romney, 03-21-2006 Press Release

"A tragic crisis shone a spotlight last year on the operations and culture of the Department of Correction. This group of experts worked long and hard to identify areas of weakness in our state prison network. Their conclusion is clear: It is time to correct our system of correction."
Governor Mitt Romney, 06-30-2004 Press Release
Accepting the commission's report at the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center

2003
04-18-2003; Governor Mitt Romney names dr. Childs mental health commissioner
02-14-2003; ROMNEY ANNOUNCES COMMISSION TO PREVENT HOMELESSNESS; Tasked with coordinating state services to homeless
02-24-2003; ROMNEY ANNOUNCES HHS REORGANIZATION AS PART OF BUDGET; Plan closes more than 30 under-utilized local offices, achieves $90 million in savings
03-10-2003; HHS CONSOLIDATIONS TO SAVE MILLIONS AND IMPROVE SERVICE; Closing 36 underutilized offices will save the state $2.3 million in FY04
08-01-2003; ROMNEY ANNOUNCES $8.9 MILLION TO CREATE 825 MORE HOMES

2004
09-15-2004; ROMNEY CREATES ADVISORY COUNCIL ON CORRECTIONS REFORM
06-30-2004; HARSHBARGER COMMISSION RECOMMENDS BLUEPRINT FOR REFORM

2005
02-14-2005; LT. GOV. HEALEY FILES BILL TO MANDATE POST-RELEASE SUPERVISION; Move will cut down on recidivism among former inmates

2006
04-13-2006; HEALEY ANNOUNCES MASSACHUSETTS' FIRST RECOVERY HIGH SCHOOL
03-21-2006; Poutre Panel Recommends Reforms in Child Welfare System

~ Mike