Boston, MA - This week, Governor Romney announced that he would propose a "One Strike, You're Ours" law for those convicted of preying on children using the Internet. Today, Massachusetts Republican District Attorneys and Sheriffs released the following statement supporting Governor Romney and his proposal for stiff mandatory jail time to be followed by lifetime tracking by Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) for first-time offenders:
"As Governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney was a strong defender of children. He led the effort to put photos of the state's most dangerous sex offenders on the Internet and made it easier to extend civil commitments for sex offenders. As a candidate for president, Governor Romney is once-again demonstrating strong leadership in protecting our children. His 'One Strike, You're Ours' law is an important initiative to strengthen law enforcement and protect America's sons and daughters. We are proud to stand alongside Governor Romney in his campaign for our nation's highest office."
Signing Today's Statement Are:
- District Attorney Tim Cruz, Plymouth County
- District Attorney Michael O'Keefe, Cape and Islands
- District Attorney Elizabeth Scheibel, Northwestern Counties
- Sheriff Frank Cousins, Essex County
- Sheriff James Cummings, Barnstable County
- Sheriff Tom Hodgson, Bristol County
Background On Governor Romney's "One-Strike, You're Ours" Law:
Governor Romney Will Propose A "One-Strike, You're Ours" Law For Those Convicted Of Preying On Children Using The Internet. As President, Governor Romney will propose new, tougher federal penalties for first-time offenders who use the Internet to sexually assault children, including stiff mandatory jail time to be followed by lifetime tracking by Global Positioning Satellite (GPS). This will represent a "One-Strike, You're Ours" law for child predators.
- The Growing Threat Of Crimes Committed Against Children Via The Internet Is A Disturbing Trend. In February 2006, the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched Project Safe Childhood, an initiative designed to protect children as they navigate the Internet. The Bush administration correctly recognized that as technology advances and the Internet becomes more accessible, there is a real danger that computer-facilitated crimes committed against children will continue to rise.
- By Enacting Tougher Laws, The Federal Government Will Be Following The Lead Of States Across The Country. Governor Romney's "One-Strike, You're Ours" Law will impose on the federal level the same tough sentences that states like Florida and California have put in place with "Jessica's Law." In Massachusetts, Governor Romney successfully fought to put the photos of the state's most dangerous sex offenders on the Internet, and he signed legislation to make it easier to extend the civil commitments of sex offenders. In 2006, President Bush signed the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act, which significantly strengthened the nationwide sex offender registration system and created new federal crimes and enhanced penalties for other pre-existing crimes. Yet, most federal laws are not tough enough when sentencing a first-time offender for sex crimes against a child.
Jul 22, 2007
Massachusetts Law Enforcement Officials Support Governor Mitt Romney
Jul 21, 2007
Romney is too perfect
Reasons to agree
- Romney doesn't smoke. (Isn't Barak the only candidate who does smoke? Romney's "not smoking" isn't really a valid reason of bringing up the no-smoking charge, it is just a way for the liberal media to point out that Romney belongs to a weird conservative religious group frowns on smoking.
- Romney doesn't drink.
- Ann Romney says Mitt has never raised his voice.
- People vote for candidates who are like them. They don't want their candidates to be too good, to smart, too handsome, too competent. They want them to suffer, because we live in an Opera world where we love to bask in each other's misery. If you don't have misery for the public to bask in, they don't care about you. That don't want to watch smart people who have overcome their life's problems, because that will make them feel bad about themselves.
- Romney is too Brady Bunch.
- Romney is not enough Simpsons.
Reasons to disagree
- "Too perfect" for what? It doesn't even make any sense.
- Romney doesn't smoke? Barak is the only person who does smoke? Are your really saying Romney not smoking makes him too perfect? Are you stupid?
- Romney doesn't drink? I bet brown back doesn't drink either? What is the big deal? Did the founding father's say you have to drink in order to be president? I know bush used to have a problem with alcohol, but I don't think he drinks any more. Did not drinking cause bush to be a bad president? People say some of the stupidest things.
- People say that because Ann Romney says Mitt has never raised his voice, that he is somehow too perfect to be president. I don't really think any real people think this. I think it is a democrat reporter that doesn't like Mitt, who's ex-wife hates his guts, who is jealous of Romney, and is trying to make others jealous.
- We are tired of folksy presidents who don't talk any better than we do. We are tired of nice incompetent people with a good heart. We want someone different to can tear Washington apart and put it back together right.
- AS silly as it is for people to not want somebody that is too perfect, there is something to be said about wanting somebody who is human. Somebody who makes mistakes, who suffers and experiences loss. I think Mitt certainly qualifies for being human. As mentioned, his wife has MS (it is in remission now). He has said that he was previously status quo on abortion becuase he had somebody very close to him die from an illegal abortion. He was nearly killed in an auto accident in France while on his mission. What people need to know is that he has suffered some very hard times in his life, but he is continuously successful because he knows how to deal with his pain. He shows his maturity and quality by how he has overcome and remain an optimist.
- Saying Romney is too perfect is the incoherent flatulent of a reporter who wants to criticize a guy but is frustrated at the lack of things to criticize. It is the idiotic ramblings of someone too lazy to come up with something new, and too ashamed to repeat what is being repeated over and over in the echo chamber of the MSM. It is the equivalent of saying, he is too good for the job. He would make america too powerful, to well respected, or too efficient.
- They arrive at their decision independent of any ulterior motivation.
- Promoting Mormonism by promoting a Mormon
- They arrive at their decision independent of any ulterior motivation.
- Opposing Mormonism by Opposing a Mormon
Jul 20, 2007
Governor Mitt Romney On Colombia's Independence Day
Boston, MA – Governor Mitt Romney issued the following statement today regarding Colombia's Independence Day:
"On the 197th anniversary of Colombia's independence, we honor the many contributions that Colombian-Americans have made to our country in business, trade, culture and values. We also express our abiding solidarity with the Colombian people, who are fighting to secure their country's future from leftist guerrillas and narco-terrorists who have thrived on terror, violence and corruption for too many years.
"A safe and prosperous Western Hemisphere requires a strong and democratic Colombia. The United States must continue to provide strong support for Colombia's efforts to combat the ruthless narco-terrorists that operate there. Our partnership with Colombia contributes to our security and our quality of life – sowing stability in a critical region and helping keep deadly drugs off our streets. We can and must consolidate the gains we have made in Colombia by strengthening the economic ties between our countries. The U.S. Congress must treat this vital ally with the respect Colombia deserves and move forward now with the free trade agreement.
"Colombia's future also depends on governments in the region joining forces against the terrorists in our neighborhood. In order to build a freer and more prosperous hemisphere, we must insist that all governments cooperate to deny safe haven to guerrilla groups and terrorists who seek to destabilize our democratic way of life and threaten our future."
To listen to Governor Romney's statement, visit: http://www.mittromney.com/Audio/7.20.07_Actuality_-_Colombia_Independence_Day.wav
He is the only candidate acting presidential...
Jul 19, 2007
A blast from the past: April 20, 2006
April 20, 2006
ROMNEY ANNOUNCES AWARD OF ABSTINENCE EDUCATION CONTRACT
Healthy Futures program will reach 9,000 middle school students over the next two years
Governor 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.
Romney made the announcement at Boston Latin School, where Healthy Futures runs a successful abstinence education program.
Federal funding for the contract is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Healthy Futures will receive $300,000 for FY06 and $500,000 for FY07 to provide a voluntary program of abstinence education for participating schools. Massachusetts has been receiving federal funds for abstinence education since 1998, but this contract represents the first time the state will be applying the money to classroom-based programming.
The program is expected to reach 9,000 students over the next two years.
"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," said Romney.
"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."
The Healthy Futures abstinence education initiative is a classroom-based program serving students in communities with high numbers of teen births. The goal of the program is to help 12 to 14 year olds avoid adolescent pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
"Healthy Futures is pleased to be able expand our abstinence education program in Massachusetts," said Rebecca Ray, Program Director for Healthy Futures. "These new funds will enable us to equip more students across the state to make and sustain decisions to postpone sex and avoid the social and health consequences of early sexual activity."
Healthy Futures will launch the program in May of this year and classes will run through June of 2007.
"We know that young people feel enormous pressure to engage in all kinds of risky behaviors and helping them avoid pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and other serious consequences of high-risk choices is, simply put, good public health policy," said Paul Cote Jr., Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
The Healthy Futures program covers teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, healthy relationships, boundaries and refusal skills, and substance use and its impact on sexual choices. Students also participate in peer-to-peer education with student educators who have a thorough understanding of sexual health issues and the skills necessary to encourage abstinence among their peers. There is also a parental education component through literature and parent sessions.
The Romney Vision: A Record of Promoting Abstinence, Not Sex Education for Kindergarteners
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
Press Releases from Governor Mitt Romney on Abstinence Education
04-20-2006, ROMNEY ANNOUNCES AWARD OF ABSTINENCE EDUCATION CONTRACT
Jul 13, 2007
Romney, Ueberroth, Payne have advice for Chicago on 2016 Olympics bid
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney rescued the scandal-plagued 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, former baseball commissioner Peter Ueberroth ran the profitable 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and is chairman of the U.S. Olympic Committee, and Masters tournament chief Billy Payne helped Atlanta win the 1996 Summer Games over Athens, Greece, the Olympics' birthplace.
Each recently talked to The Associated Press about what Chicago should do to win its first Olympics and then host a successful Games. Their advice was simple: make friends on the International Olympic Committee, train many volunteers and don't do it for the money.
"I hope people don't think it's a big moneymaker and a source of economic development and good for business, because that's not what the Olympics is about," Romney said. "The Olympics is about an opportunity to serve the world and to welcome the world."
By the end, many felt the Salt Lake City experience became what Romney describes. But that happened only after a bribery scandal in the selection process shook the Olympic movement to its core, resulting in many of the changes Chicago must deal with in this revamped, and supposedly cleaned up, selection process.
And Atlanta? It was unwieldy, included a fatal bombing at Centennial Olympic Park and is largely considered the most over-commercialized Olympics in the history of the modern games.
Chicago is new to the Olympic selection process, and the Chicago 2016 organizing committee can learn plenty from both the successes and failures the three American cities experienced.
With USOC guidance, the Chicago group already has reached out to leaders of the 2012 London Olympics and the Athens and Barcelona Games, Chicago 2016 spokesman Patrick Sandusky said. And Romney met with Mayor Richard Daley during a campaign visit to Chicago in April.
The road to hosting the Games begins with getting to know people in the international sporting world and on the IOC, which Payne said was necessary for Atlanta because the Southern city wasn't well-known outside the United States.
"It occurred to us early on that coming out of the blue as we did virtually unknown ... that the best way that we could compete would be to secure the trust and the friendship of the respective (IOC) members and hoping in the process to convince them that we would be great custodians of this wonderful gift which they give every four years," Payne said.
For Chicago, which has some international recognition but is largely known for its past of gangsters and slaughterhouses, that means hosting international competitions and attending major events.
This week, Daley and a small delegation of the city's Olympic organizers are in Brazil at the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro - a chief rival of Chicago for the 2016 Games - where they will attend the opening ceremonies and watch events, Sandusky said.
About 5,500 athletes from 42 countries are expected to attend the Olympic-style Pan Ams, which begin Saturday and run through July 29.
For Daley, it's another chance to interact with IOC members, whose contact with bid cities has been limited by Olympic rules enacted following the Salt Lake City bribery scandal. A few days before he left for Brazil, Daley said he would talk up Chicago, its history and its diversity by touting "how great the people are, first and foremost."
"This city is a, really a secret throughout the world," he said.
Ueberroth said Chicago's high-profile mayor - whom he described as "shake your hand, make a promise, keep a promise" - is key to the city's efforts to build trust among the IOC members and eventually win the 60 votes needed to get the Games.
"They basically will vote for the people that they trust and that they know that are going to stay the course," Ueberroth said.
Other cities competing for the 2016 Games so far are Doha, Qatar; Madrid, Spain; Tokyo; and Baku, Azerbaijan. The IOC will pick a host city in 2009.
A recent misstep before the start of the Pan Am Games has Chicago organizers already trying to counter negative stereotypes about Americans.
A USOC worker last week scrawled the message "Welcome to the Congo!" on a board in the organization's Rio de Janeiro media center. The greeting, reportedly in reference to warm temperatures, was blasted by Brazilians, who didn't like having their country compared to a less-developed nation and viewed the Americans as arrogant.
The USOC apologized, and Sandusky said the Chicago delegation in Brazil was conscious of "being humble and listening."
Another issue Olympic host city hopefuls must address is whether they have the venues - or enough money to build them.
Chicago lacks some of the major Olympic facilities, including a $1 billion lakefront athletes' village and a $366 million temporary stadium. But Payne believes major construction isn't a big hurdle for a city like Chicago.
"I think that they would have confidence that the design, technological expertise that Chicago could bring to the task would be more than adequate to pull it off," Payne said, noting that Atlanta had to build a stadium and athletes' village, too.
Trouble over financing for a new stadium did complicate New York's bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics and the Games eventually were awarded to London.
Ueberroth said the government, private sector and community must come together as one to make the Games work. In Chicago, donors have raised millions of dollars to finance the city's bid, and the government has pledged millions more in financial guarantees in case the Games falter.
An Olympics can't happen without thousands of volunteers, and Romney, a millionaire businessman, said they should be treated like regular employees. Not everyone who applied to volunteer in Salt Lake City got a spot, and those who did went through rigorous training on both the work they would do and the attitude they should have.
"We tried to change the normal American attitude of, 'These are the rules and we're here to enforce them.' Instead it was, 'You were our guests; we're here to make sure you have a great time,"' said Romney, who described the Olympics as one of the great experiences in his life. "Any city who gets the chance (to host the Games) should be ecstatic."
Romney For President Launches New Radio Ad, "Ann On Family"
Boston, MA – Romney for President today launched its newest radio ad, "Ann On Family." In this ad, Ann Romney talks about her devotion to her family and what it was like raising five sons. Governor Romney and Mrs. Romney strongly believe that the most important work being done in America today is the work being done within the four walls of the American home.
The ad will begin airing today in Iowa and New Hampshire. Script and audio link are below.
Script For "Ann On Family" (Radio:60):
ANN ROMNEY: "The most common question I get is 'How did you guys meet?' It's always so fun to tell that story."
ANNOUNCER: "Ann Romney talks about her husband Mitt Romney."
ANN ROMNEY: "We met in high school at a party, and we've been going steady ever since.
"We've been married 38 years. We have five sons, lovely sons, and ten grandchildren.
"I was always looking for that girl. I had to wait until my first granddaughter. Finally, I get to buy pink!
"Mitt says his greatest success is being able to say 'I've been a good father, and a good husband.'
"Sometimes, I'd be home with those five boys, and it was rough. They were, they were pretty crazy boys. And they were wild.
"He'd call home and remind me that what I was doing was much more important than what he was doing.
"Mitt says there's no work more important than what goes on within the four walls of the American home. And that's the way it was in our home.
"I'm Ann Romney, and if you see us on the campaign trail, please come up and say hello. Or, you can get on the website at MittRomney.com."
GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "I'm Mitt Romney and I approve this message."
ANNOUNCER: "Paid for by Romney for President. MittRomney.com."
To listen to "Ann On Family," please see: www.mittromney.com/Audio/AnnOnFamily.MP3
Jul 11, 2007
Trevor Whiting
Trevor Whiting has sent me an e-mail giving his reason " Why I Support Mitt Romney for President". He says:
My support for Mitt Romney is this!
- He is a problem-solver (Every thing he touches turns to gold)
- He has a good track record of "making things happen"
- Knows how to gain favor of those that may have opposite views
- strong emotional backround
- strongest sense of leadership
- accomplishments and achievements exceed other candidates
- He will help lower our taxes
- whether you like it or not the fact that he has only been married once says alot about character....and also commitment
~ Mike
Jul 10, 2007
The Romney Agenda: July 10, 2007
Governor Romney: "Succeed or fail, America would be the land of opportunity. So when Republicans talk about change, we're talking about opportunity and freedom. We're talking about people, not government. Now Democrats look beyond our heritage to the Europe of the past when they talk about change. They're thinking about big government, big welfare, big taxes, big brother. But those are the very policies that led Europe to their decline. In short, it's a big mistake. Look at how the Democrats like Hillary Clinton think about our economy. She said the other day some very interesting things, you probably saw them. She said that it is 'time to reject the idea of an "on your own" society and replace it with shared responsibility.' She says she prefers a 'we're all in it together society.' I see, out with Adam Smith, in with Karl Marx!" (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks At The 2007 Young Republican National Convention, Hollywood, FL, 7/7/07)
Click To Watch Governor Romney Here.
Governor Romney: The American People Are The Source Of Our Strength
Governor Romney: "Conservatism, Republicanism, it's a philosophy of strength. We believe in a strong military. We believe in a strong economy. We believe in strong families and values. We believe in the American people. ... The American people, of course, are the source of our strength – hard working, educated, risk taking, opportunity loving, God fearing American people. People who are willing to sacrifice for their families. People who will give of themselves for freedom, who love America. They've always been the source of our strength and they always will be!" (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks At The 2007 Young Republican National Convention, Hollywood, FL, 7/7/07)
Click To Watch Governor Romney Here. Governor Romney: We Must Continue To Wage War On The Terrorists
Governor Romney Says America Must Work On All Fronts To Defeat The Jihadists. "In places like Pakistan, America needs to work not just on a military front, he said. Romney proposed putting together a 'Special Partnership Force', a team of CIA agents and Army special forces to work with the local populations. 'Not just to provide guns but to help make sure that they have the rule of law, water projects, bridges built.'" (Susan Spencer-Wendel, "Romney Says Working With Moderate Muslim States Will Help In Mideast," Palm Beach Post, 7/7/07)
Click To Read The Full Article Here.
Governor Romney "Top Choice" Among Voters Identifying Terrorism As An Extremely Important Issue To Them. "Forty percent of likely Republican caucusgoers identified terrorism as extremely important in the Register's May Iowa Poll. No other issue ranked more important to Republicans. Romney was the top choice in the poll, receiving support from 30 percent of likely GOP caucusgoers, followed by McCain with 18 percent and Giuliani with 17 percent." (Thomas Beaumont, "Perception Is The Key In Dealing With Terror," The Des Moines Register, 7/8/07)
Click To Read The Full Article Here.
Governor Romney: "Senator Edwards says there isn't a War on Terror – it's only a slogan. You tell that to the people of London and Glasgow. And to the people in Bali and Malaysia, Pakistan and Lebanon, the people in Tanzania and Kenya, Saudi Arabia and Israel. Tell that to the people in New York and Boston and Washington, D.C. One thing you can count on if I'm President or any Republican is President, and that is if there's a war being waged by the terrorists, there will be war being waged on the terrorists." (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks At The 2007 Young Republican National Convention, Hollywood, FL, 7/7/07)
Click To Watch Governor Romney Here.
Seacoast Women Named To Leadership Team
"Ask a Mitt Romney supporter what it is about him they like the most, and chances are you won't hear a lot about the war in Iraq or his energy policy.
"It's not that they don't care about those issues, but they aren't the first things that come to their minds.
"'I like his straightforwardness,' said Hampton resident Cindy Blodgett, who was recently named to the former Massachusetts governor's New Hampshire women's leadership team. 'You can just stand there and talk to him.'"
...
"'His whole family is very strong,' Blodgett said. 'I think they all stand on principles, and I think we need that.'
"This past week, Romney announced that 109 women representing all 10 counties in New Hampshire would be part of his leadership team."
...
"Portsmouth resident Evelyn Marconi, who runs Geno's Chowder & Sandwich Shop, is also a member of the group.
"'He's a tremendous family man,' Marconi said. 'He stands out to be so totally honest.'"...
Jul 8, 2007
Governor Mitt Romney's Remarks At The Young Republican National Convention
Boston, MA - Today, Governor Mitt Romney will deliver remarks at the 2007 Young Republican National Convention in Hollywood, Florida. Governor Romney will speak about his vision of meeting a new generation of challenges and strengthening America by strengthening the American people. Below is the full text of Governor Romney's remarks as prepared for delivery.
Governor Romney's Remarks To The 2007 Young Republican National Convention (As Prepared For Delivery):
"We've just come from celebrating the 4th of July. For me, it was parades in Iowa and fireworks in Idaho. You know, the kind of celebrating the Democrats usually reserve for April 15th.
"But this week, we were celebrating our nation's birthday. July 4, 1776 was an inflection point in history - a moment that set a new course for America.
"Today, we face what is sure to be another inflection point in American history. A new generation of challenges, unprecedented challenges, means that we must change our present course. Domestically, our addiction to spending and borrowing is breaching crisis proportion. Competitively, our citizens choose to buy hundreds of billions more from foreign nations than they buy from us. And militarily, we face an entirely new type of threat - violent Jihad whose sponsors seek nuclear weapons.
"To confront unprecedented challenges, we must change. Both parties claim to be the party of change, and I think both are right. But there's a big difference in the direction their change would take us.
"Republicans look to our American heritage. The 4th of July marked our independence from England. But there was more to it than that. The Founding Fathers established a nation where the people were sovereign, not the state, not the king. We would not rely on the divine right of kings, or their whimsical beneficence. We would rely on ourselves. Succeed or fail, America would be the land of opportunity. So when Republicans talk of change, we are talking about opportunity and freedom. We are talking about people, not government.
"Democrats look beyond our heritage - they look to the Europe of the past. When Democrats talk of change, they are thinking about big government, big welfare, big taxes and big brother. But those are the very policies that led to Europe's decline. In short, big mistake.
"Look at how Democrats like Senator Clinton think about the economy. She said that it is 'time to reject the idea of an "on your own" society and replace it with shared responsibility.' She says she prefers a 'we're all in it together society.' I see, out with Adam Smith and in with Karl Marx!
"Don't Democrats see that individual initiative is at the heart of America's unprecedented march to world economic leadership? Adam Smith wasn't heartless. Adam Smith saw that individual initiative would produce the greatest wealth for the entire society.
"Can't Democrats see that since the 1970's while Europe's growth stagnated, America created 57 million new jobs? Look at unemployment, look at growth - America won, Europe lost. That's why Europeans are beginning to elect conservatives. Come to think of it, with her economic plan, Hillary Clinton couldn't be elected president of France!
"Senator Clinton's economic plan goes beyond utopian visions of collective good. She also has a special program for corporate taxes: she wants to raise them. It's time, she says, to require corporations 'to pay their fair share.'
"The last time I checked, American corporations were subject to the second highest tax rates in the industrialized world, just a smidgen below Japan. In our new 'flat' world economy, many corporations can move their headquarters and their operations almost at will. Just look at the economic boom produced by Ireland's move to lower corporate taxes.
"Let's not raise taxes on the employers who create jobs and national wealth, let's lower them!
"Corporate taxes aren't the end of it. Democrats have their sights on 2011 for a record-breaking personal income tax hike. And whenever you take money away from citizens, and give their money to government, you slow down the economy.
"When Democrats talk about change, they're referring to what you'd have left in your pockets.
"I have a different answer. Let's make the Bush tax cuts permanent. Let's kill the Death Tax. And let's have a new tax rate for middle income Americans who want to save their money, who are investing in America. The tax rate on their interest, dividends and capital gains should be...exactly zero!
"Our fiscal problem is not that we are taxing too little; it is that Washington is spending too much.
"Shame on both parties in Congress for all the earmarks, the waste, the duplication, and the failure to reform entitlements. I am proud to be the first presidential candidate to have signed Grover Norquist's tax pledge. But I have made another pledge as well. If I am elected President, I will cap non-defense discretionary spending at inflation minus one percent. That alone will save $300 billion over ten years. If Congress sends me appropriations that exceed that cap, I will veto them. I don't care if it's a Republican or a Democratic Congress. I will veto.
"And I know how to veto. I like vetoes. I vetoed hundreds of spending appropriations as Governor. And by the way, if Congress doesn't want to do the cutting itself, then give me the line-item veto.
"Of course, I will do more than veto. I will personally lead a top-to-bottom review of government programs, agencies, procurement and spending. It's time to cut out the mountains of waste and inefficiency and duplication from the federal government. Only in Washington would someone think that 342 different economic development programs make sense.
"Cutting waste, streamlining, benchmarking - this is what I do. I have done it in business, I've done it in the Olympics, and I've done it in state government. I simply can't wait to get my hands on Washington!
"Funny thing, Democrats talk about raising taxes on people. We talk about cutting spending by government. For them, it's always government first, people last. Here's an inconvenient truth Al Gore won't tell you about – one thing you can count on if America elects a Democratic president is higher taxes.
"Time and again when Hillary and the Democrats see a problem, they think government first. There are 45 million people who don't have health insurance. That's not good for those people, and it's not good for everyone else either. When people who don't have insurance get sick, they go to the hospital and get free care. Free for them, that is, but expensive for you because you are the ones that pay their bills, either in your taxes or in your insurance premiums.
"The Democrats' solution? Government-managed universal healthcare. But the last thing America needs is socialized medicine - Hillary-care!
"At least Barack Obama had the courage to admit that his plan means higher taxes. It's just like P.J. O'Rourke said: 'If you think healthcare is expensive now, wait till it's free!'
"The right answer for healthcare isn't government, and the new Secretary of Health and Human Services should not be Michael Moore.
"Let's provide people with their own private, affordable and portable insurance by insisting on personal responsibility and the principles of the free market. Let's not have the same bureaucracy that ran the Katrina clean-up manage our healthcare!
"The Democrats have a plan for illegal immigration as well. It's amnesty. Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and their colleagues insist that every illegal immigrant become a legal permanent resident of this country. Some people think that their position has less to do with compassion than with calculation - they hope these illegal immigrants will vote them in power forever.
"But this is not about power or politics. It is about sovereignty and security. And it is about fairness. Millions of applicants are waiting to come here legally, to be joined with family members, to bring education and skill that will strengthen our nation, not burden it. Legal immigration is a boon to our nation. We are made a greater nation when immigrants come here legally, seeking opportunity.
"Let's secure the border, install an employment verification system and tell illegal immigrants to get in line with everyone else. There should be no special pathway to permanent residency or citizenship for those who have come here illegally!
"Amnesty didn't work before and it won't work now!
"Beyond our domestic challenges, we face a very different world around us. Asia is emerging from generations of poverty. It's becoming a far more effective competitor in the marketplace than we have ever faced before. In the past, we've competed primarily with Europe. We know how to compete with Europeans - they are a lot like us. They like short work weeks and long vacations. But China and India are very different. Their workforce is almost never-ending; and it is very hard-working. Americans are buying hundreds of billions of dollars more from them than they do from us.
"The Democrats see this challenge and shrink from it. They don't think the American people can compete. They want to pull up the drawbridge to protect us. They're so pessimistic about Americans that they have been trying to scuttle free trade agreements with nations in Latin America and Central America. Are they kidding? We can't compete with Colombia?
"Our only choice is to compete.
"Fail to compete and you end up with a Soviet-style economy - laughable products, anemic standards of living and economic collapse. The answer for America is not to retreat, it is to lower the ramps and charge into the emerging Asian marketplace.
"Invest in our people. Invest in technology. Democrats fear the strength of others, Republicans believe in the strength of Americans!
"The new generation of challenges we face today includes challenges to our national security as well. Violent Jihadists are intent on replacing moderate Muslim governments with a Caliphate or Imam. And they seek the collapse of our economy, our government, and our military.
"During this last week, they sought to maim and kill innocent civilians in London and Glasgow. These were not impoverished malcontents; they were doctors serving in Britain's public health system. They were Jihadists. Theirs is a face of evil not seen in the civilized world since the gas chambers of Hitler's horror.
"I know that it is popular today to be critical of the President. And he is not above making mistakes. But we should thank him for doing everything in his power to keep us safe. Against the objections of Democrats and even some in our own party, he pushed though the Patriot Act. He made sure that someone was listening in when Al Qaeda was calling. He made sure we were interrogating terrorists to learn how we could prevent attacks on our citizens.
"When Khalid Sheikh Mohammad, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, was captured, he said, 'See you with my lawyer in New York.' Nope, that's not at all what he saw: he saw the CIA and our GI's at Guantanamo!
"All this talk of Jihadists, Salafi Muslims, and the War on Terror makes Democrats like John Edwards uncomfortable. Senator Edwards says there isn't a War on Terror - it's only a slogan. Tell that to the people in London and Glasgow. And to the people in Bali and Malaysia, Pakistan and Lebanon, Tanzania and Kenya, Saudi Arabia and Israel. Tell that to the people of New York and Boston and Washington, D.C.
"One thing you can count on if I am President, if there is a war being waged by the terrorists, there will be war waged on the terrorists. And we will win!
"This convergence of challenges is why I am convinced that America is at an inflection point in our history. Our over-spending, our dependence on foreign oil, the emergence of Asia, the Jihadist threat to world civilization – these challenges will force us to change. And that change will either make us stronger or it will make us weaker.
"America will either remain the world's superpower or instead become just another member of the family of nations. If we choose strength, we will be remembered by our children as a great generation. If we choose weakness, we will be remembered as something much less.
"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.
"Democrats believe that government is the source of our strength. They're wrong. I love what Ronald Reagan said: 'It's not that liberals are ignorant, it's just that what they know is wrong!'
"The American people are the source of our strength - hard working, educated, risk taking, opportunity loving, God fearing, willing to sacrifice for their family and their country, freedom loving American people. They have always been the source of our strength and they always will be!
"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!
"This is not a time for our party to shrink from conservative principles. It is a time to hold them aloft.
"We didn't suffer losses last year because we were conservative. We suffered losses because we strayed from conservative principles. Too much spending, too little ethics and a war that everyone recognizes was not effectively managed.
"The way forward is not to look left. The way forward is to look ahead. There is too much at stake to do otherwise.
"Shimon Peres, the President-elect of Israel, visited Boston not too long ago. He was asked what he thought about the conflict in Iraq.
"'First,' he said, 'I must put that in context. America is unique. In the history of the world, whenever there's been war, the nation that wins takes land from the nation that loses. That is because land has been the source of value in the world. One nation in history, and this during the last century, laid down hundreds of thousands of lives and took no land. No land from the Germans, no land from the Japanese.'
"The only land America takes is enough land to bury her dead.
"America fights for freedom - for itself and for freedom-loving people around the world.
"This is the America our parents chose, a nation that is good, a nation that is strong. And now it is time for us to choose what America will be. I know what I choose. I know what you choose. We choose a strong America that will always be the land of the free, the home of the brave and the hope of the world."
Jul 7, 2007
On The Road In Springfield, Illinois
On The Road In Springfield, Illinois
I recently had the opportunity to go to Springfield, Illinois to speak to the National Federation of Republican Women's regional conference. Afterwards I visited Abraham Lincoln's old neighborhood which had been restored to its original condition. It was inspiring to visit a place which represents such a pivotal time in American history and the leader who showed such incredible courage during that period.
Senator Rutherford was an incredible host for my two days on the state. Here's a picture of us at the Pasfield House just behind the State Capital.
Posted at 2007-07-03 12:31:39 by Josh Romney
DEL.ICIO.US
FACEBOOKComments
Thanks Matt, Three generations united with love. A good example is worth 10 thousand words. The spirit of the American Dream, shaped within the four walls of wholesome united families and homes, is where love and respect for neighbours of every nation, people, tongue and creed lives, and where the hope and faith for a better world is born. Families like yours are where love lives in your heart for all nations under the azure skies, and your children will bear the banners of peace, on earth of good-will to all people. --Phill
Posted by dimensio@rogers.com at 2007-07-05 16:39:34
Hey Bros, where is the ASK MITT schedule? Why isn't it available? If they are "meet the public" events, can't they be publicly posted? HAPPY FOURTH GUYS
Posted by MZollinger at 2007-07-05 05:29:19
The easiest way to reach voters across the aisle and not get bogged down in the media crossfire is to relate quotes from our nation's historically favorite past presidents to today's issues. I am very surprised that more politicians don't tap more often into this source of inspiration. It without fail inspires Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, because these great leaders of the past of universally seen as everyone's president.
Posted by nowandlater at 2007-07-05 05:29:44
Hey Josh, nice picture of you and Honest Abe. Coincidentally, my family will be visiting Springfield this summer too, shortly after we drive through IOWA. Are you ever going to post your schedule? We just HAVE to get a family photo in front of the Mitt Mobile! Happy 4th of July to the Romney family and to all of Mitt's supporters! Be sure to catch "A Capitol Fourth" on your PBS station. Our family was there last year in person, and it was awesome but also very hot and muggy! We'll be watching it on the couch with the A/C blowing this year!
Posted by Karla in AZ at 2007-07-04 13:24:02
The Romney Vision: A Stronger America Through Strengthening The American People
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)
Jul 6, 2007
THE DOUBLE STANDARDS ARE SIMPLY STAGGERING
Friday, July 06, 2007
THE DOUBLE STANDARDS ARE SIMPLY STAGGERING
I'm going to vent for a moment. Please forgive me.
Over the last couple of days I've been reading with interest Beliefnet's "Blogalogue" between Al Mohler and Orson Scott Card about whether Mormons are Christians. While the debate is fascinating on its own terms, it is -- as both participants acknowledge -- taking place only because of the presidential race and only because Mitt Romney has a serious chance to become President of the United States.
So I'm curious, when is Beliefnet going to schedule the debate between Al Mohler and any given pastor or priest in the Presbyterian Church USA, Episcopal Church, a lapsed Catholic, or some "I never darken the door of any church but I consider myself a really spiritual guy" theologian over whether their respective watered-down, unbiblical, faiths (complete with wholesale justifications of immoral and repulsive acts like adultery and abortion) are "Christian."
I respect the heck out of Al Mohler. He's one of the really great and insightful thinkers of the modern evangelical movement, but I just flat-out don't buy the following concern he expresses about Mitt Romney:
I am concerned that a Mormon in the White House would do much to serve the worldwide missionary cause of Mormonism. I do not worry that a President Romney would push that agenda from the White House. My concern is more about symbolism and perception.
Let me ask this (and it's a rhetorical question because the answer is obvious): What is a greater threat to orthodox Christianity? Mormon missionaries or our own theological and moral collapse? As we evangelicals circle our wagons around theology when it comes to the Mormon in the race, perhaps we need to understand that one of the great appeals of the Mormon religion is the fact that these guys tend to live what they believe. A bad Baptist is infinitely more damaging to evangelical Christianity than a good Mormon.
So we approach the Mitt Romney candidacy and worry about the "symbolism" of his election. But I'll tell you the symbolism that worries me more, and that is the symbolism of the evangelical movement embracing the lapsed, watered-down "Chrsitianity" of the other Republicans rather than vote for (eww!) that "Mormon guy."
Is it the case that "thinking" evangelicals should embrace candidates with multiple marriages, overlook adultery, and not worry about theological niceties so long as someone is at least in the pew next to us and mouthing the Nicene Creed (or used to sit in the pew next to us and used say the creed)? But at the same time it's just too much to vote for a Mormon who loves Jesus, loves his wife, has raised five great sons who love Jesus and love their wives, and shares every relevant moral and political value with us -- because, well, it's just symbolically a bad message?
We should never forget that debates like Beliefnet's "Blogalogue" take place in the real world and that tearing down the Mormon candidate invariably helps someone else. And that someone else is not Mike Huckabee. In 2007 and 2008, that someone else will be a person who does not share our moral and political values.
I'm sorry, but that makes no sense at all.
Governor Mitt Romney On Venezuela's Independence Day
Boston, MA – Governor Mitt Romney issued the following statement today regarding Venezuela's Independence Day:
"On the 196th anniversary of Venezuela's independence, we honor the contributions of the thousands of Venezuelan-Americans who have enriched our nation with their talents and energy.
"These are troubling times in Venezuela, as Hugo Chavez continues his methodical assault on democratic institutions and his people's freedom. I am particularly troubled by the government's hostility towards a free press and recent actions to take Radio Caracas Television off the air. There should be no doubt that the United States stands with those men and women of good will who step up to secure their God-given liberty – in Venezuela and throughout the Americas. The future of freedom and democracy in our Hemisphere also requires the friends of freedom in Latin America to speak clearly and forcefully to defend liberty, democracy and human rights."
To listen to Governor Romney's statement, visit: http://www.mittromney.com/Audio/conf470620-58243.wav
Romney's Data Cruncher
"In late 2002, Alex Gage sold his share of a well-established polling firm and set about convincing Karl Rove that he had the answer to ensuring President Bush's reelection.
"His pitch was simple: Take corporate America's love affair with learning everything it can about its customers, and its obsession with carving up the country into smaller and smaller clusters of like-minded consumers, and turn those trends into a political strategy. The Bush majority would be made up of thousands of groups of like-minded voters whom the campaign could reach with precisely the right message on the issues they considered most important.
"At first, Rove and campaign manager Ken Mehlman had doubts about the potential of microtargeting, according to Bush pollster Matthew Dowd."
...
"[But] it wasn't long before this new, more sophisticated form of data mining became part of the mythology surrounding Rove and his role as 'the architect' of Bush's reelection. Its use in Ohio, in particular, was credited with unearthing Bush supporters and delivering the state and the election to him.
"Now Gage is working for another Republican presidential candidate entranced by the possibilities of microtargeting – Mitt Romney. A Harvard Business School graduate who went on to head Bain Capital, Romney has made a point of adapting modern business techniques to politics, and it was in his successful 2002 campaign to be governor of Massachusetts that Gage's methods were first tried.
"'The governor believes in accountability, benchmarks and metrics,' said Beth Myers, Romney's campaign manager, explaining his interest in microtargeting. 'He believes in using data when it comes to making decisions.'"
...
"The more information he has, the better he can group people into 'target clusters' with names such as 'Flag and Family Republicans' or 'Tax and Terrorism Moderates.' Once a person is defined, finding the right message from the campaign becomes fairly simple.
"'Flag and Family Republicans' might receive literature on a flag-burning amendment from its sponsor, while 'Tax and Terrorism Moderates' get an automated call from [former New York mayor] Rudy Giuliani talking about the war on terror, even if they lived right next door to one another,' Alex Lundry, the senior research director of TargetPoint -- the firm Gage founded in 2003 -- wrote recently in Winning Campaigns magazine."
...
"And in a presidential primary, in which voters are far more homogenous than in a general election, can microtargeting find meaningful distinctions between groups? Gage and Romney are convinced that it can."
...
"Gage said that when he pitched microtargeting to the Harvard MBAs advising Romney in his gubernatorial campaign, they were stunned that the idea had never been used in politics. 'You guys don't do this already?' they asked, according to Gage."
...
"Michael Murphy, then Romney's campaign strategist, became intrigued by the high number of independent voters in Massachusetts, seeing them as the key to winning in a Democratic stronghold. He sought out Gage for help.
"'I wanted to break the independent-voter file into target segments and Alex's approach was the best way to do it, so I reached out to Alex and we, along with Tagg Romney and Alex Dunn of the Romney staff, sort of invented microtargeting in that race,' Murphy said.
"What did they find?
"That a 32-year-old white Protestant woman with two children and a retired Roman Catholic male engineer – while both independents – were driven by often contradictory issues, Murphy said. 'Some independents are more base Republican – like, some are pure fiscal [voters], some are focused on education,' he added.
"All of this seems somewhat straightforward."
...
"But, he added, the key insight of political microtargeting is that, rather than simply determining whether married men are more likely than unmarried women to support a candidate, a campaign can identify segments within larger demographic groups and tailor messages down to the household level – an extraordinary amount of precision that helps turn a guessing game into a series of targeted strikes."
...
"The first step in doing this is conducting a large survey of voters. By matching up their political views with detailed information about their consumer habits, a model is established that can be applied to the population as a whole.
"A campaign would then know which issues are important to an unmarried woman who subscribes to Outside magazine and is a frequent flier, and how they are different from issues important to an unmarried woman who has two grown children, uses corrective lenses and is an AARP member -- even if they are next-door neighbors."
...
"What [Gage] does is as much art as science, and he never stops tinkering with his models. 'Part of the challenge is to constantly attack what you're doing and try to do it better,' he said."
...
"Eighteen months ago, Gage made the trip up to Boston to meet with Myers. At a Beacon Hill restaurant, the two old friends chatted about Romney's potential as a presidential candidate and microtargeting's ability to help deliver him the GOP nomination.
"Over the next months, Gage and Myers talked from time to time about how microtargeting might best be used to make a difference in a presidential primary. One Saturday last fall, Myers, Gage and Will Feltus, a member of National Media Inc., the company that handles Romney's advertising, gathered for a final bull session.
"At issue was whether microtargeting could find meaningful – and measurable – differences in a primary electorate that was Republican to begin with and similar in its demographic and ideological traits. After hashing out the details on maps and graphs, Myers and the rest of the Romney team reached a decision. 'The question was whether you could differentiate between the eight kinds of chocolate,' she said. 'I became convinced that the power of microtargeting was enhanced by segregating a generally homogenous universe.'"
...
"Gage is ... humble about his role, calling himself a 'planner.' He said, 'I have always believed in Eisenhower's observation: "In preparing for battle, I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable."'"