JACOB WEISBERG'S TIRESOME CONDESCENSION

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

More great info from slate!

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

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

Slate part II

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

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

New Montana for Mitt Website

Here is the link:

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

Jacob Weisberg of Slate

Jacob Weisberg of Slate

Posted by Mike on 12/21/06

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

Barack Hussein Obama

Obama was right about:

1. Religion
1. Evolution
2. Culture
1. Anti-Intellectualism
3. Education
1. Merit Pay for Teachers
2. Higher Education Standards
4. Crime and Punishment
1. That some crimes deserve the death penalty.
2. Justice Reform
1. We should videotape all capital punishment interrogations. 
   
2. To have been concerned about the difference between punishment for crack and powder cocaine.
3. Obama was better on crime than Trump. 
5. Race
1. To ban racial profiling.
2. The Confederate flag.
6. Virtues
1. Obama was a better person and father than Trump. 
7. Taxes
1. Obama is right to provide tax incentives for corporate responsibility.
2. Tax Havens

Obama was Wrong About

1. Crime and Punishment
1. Obama was wrong to oppose the mandatory death penalty for gang members who kill cops.
2. Obama wants to reward people for breaking the law.
2. Race
1. Obama passed on urban legends that harmed race relations.
3. Politics
1. Republicans
   
2. Obama often mischaracterizes the views of those he disagrees with.
3. Obama was a hypocrite concerning the Clintons.
4. Obama was sometimes stupid in the way he tried to blame Bush for everything.
5. Lies.
4. Business and Economy
1. The free market.
2. Rural Economy.
5. Abortion
1. It is pretty messed up for Obama to have voted NO on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions.
2. Obama is right to reach across the aisle for common ground on abortion. 
6. Education
1. Private Schools
1. Obama is a republican when it comes to his family (sending them to private schools), but wants us to live like democrats (doesn't want us to have vouchers to go to private schools).
2. Obama made the right decision for his kids, but the wrong decision for our kids. 
3. Obama is wrong when he says, "We need to fix and improve our public schools, not throw our hands up and walk away from them."

Belief: Obama Opposed Conservative Supreme Court Nominees

• Reasons to Agree:

  1. Voted NO on confirming Samuel Alito

  2. Voted NO on confirming John Roberts

• Reasons to Disagree:

  1. Seen as obstructing qualified nominees for partisan reasons

Belief: Obama Supports Abortion Rights

• Reasons to Agree:

  1. Led Illinois legislature on protecting a woman's right to choose

  2. Supports Roe v. Wade

• Reasons to Disagree:

  1. Opponents argue life begins at conception and abortion ends a human life

Belief: Obama Voted Against CAFTA

• Reasons to Agree:

  1. Concern for American labor standards and jobs

• Reasons to Disagree:

  1. Free trade can stimulate economic growth and development in partner countries

Belief: Obama Opposed Arctic Oil Drilling

• Reasons to Agree:

  1. Voted to ban drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

• Reasons to Disagree:

  1. Limits domestic energy independence and potential economic growth

Belief: Obama Supports Health Care as a Right

• Reasons to Agree:

  1. Expanded health coverage to 85,000 Illinois residents

  2. Advocated for universal coverage

• Reasons to Disagree:

  1. Government-mandated coverage can increase bureaucracy and cost

Belief: Obama Opposes the Death Penalty

• Reasons to Agree:

  1. Led reforms in Illinois on capital case procedures

• Reasons to Disagree:

  1. Some argue capital punishment deters serious crime and delivers justice

Belief: Obama Supports Affirmative Action

• Reasons to Agree:

  1. Endorsed race-conscious policies in education, hiring, and contracts

• Reasons to Disagree:

  1. Critics claim it can result in reverse discrimination

Belief: Obama Opposed Same-Sex Marriage Ban

• Reasons to Agree:

  1. Voted NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage

• Reasons to Disagree:

  1. Some believe marriage should be defined traditionally

Belief: Obama Opposed the Patriot Act Wiretap Provisions

• Reasons to Agree:

  1. Voted NO on extending FBI's roving wiretap powers

• Reasons to Disagree:

  1. Proponents say it enhances national security capabilities

Belief: Obama Opposed Bankruptcy Reform Bill

• Reasons to Agree:

  1. Believed it would harm consumers

• Reasons to Disagree:

  1. Aimed to reduce abuse of bankruptcy system

Belief: Obama Supports Immigration Benefits for Legal Immigrants

• Reasons to Agree:

  1. Supports Medicaid and welfare benefits for legal immigrants

• Reasons to Disagree:

  1. Critics argue it encourages dependency on state resources

Belief: Obama Supports Gun Control

• Reasons to Agree:

  1. Advocates banning semi-automatic weapons

  2. Supports child safety locks and purchase restrictions

• Reasons to Disagree:

  1. Opponents claim it infringes on Second Amendment rights

Belief: Obama Criticized Israeli Policy

• Reasons to Agree:

  1. Willingness to challenge U.S. allies on human rights grounds

• Reasons to Disagree:

1. Risk of undermining strategic alliances in the Middle East

In Case You Missed It: Romney Interviews

In Case You Missed It:  Romney Interviews

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

Romney Reading

Romney Books

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Was watching Return of the King Last Night...

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

Denethor: "My sons are spent."

[Denethor steps away from Faramir. Pippin approaches.]

Denethor: "My line has ended."

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

Denethor: "The house of Stewards has failed."

Pippin: "He needs medicine my lord!"

Denethor: "My line has ended!"

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

Pippin: "My lord!"

Denethor: "Rohan has deserted us."

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

Denethor: "Théoden has betrayed me."

[More boulders fall.]

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

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

Gandalf: "Prepare for battle."

---

[Gandalf rides down to rally the soldiers.]

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

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

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

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

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

Romney is Fox News' 3rd political story

POLITICS Headlines

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

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

Romney makes 6th story on drudge...

http://www.drudgereport.com/

Agreement permits specially trained State Troopers to enforce federal immigration law

 

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

B.O. ()

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

 

Barak Hussain Obama

Deadline Approaching: 2007 RNC Calendar is Running Out

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

Paid for by the Republican National Committee www.gop.com Not Authorized By Any Candidate Or Candidate Committee Contributions to the Republican National Committee are not deductable as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

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Copyright 2006 Republican National Committee

From Nathan

Dear Americans for Mitt Members,

 

As you may have noticed, there has been an onslaught of misleading attacks on Governor Romney's record over the past few days.   The folks over at  www.evangelicalsformitt.org have done a great job of responding to the allegations.  Give them a visit and check out all the great information they provide.  Yours truly got involved by responding to a specific attack from a group called Right March PAC: http://www.evangelicalsformitt.org/front_page/marching_all_over_the_facts.php.

 

Also, Warren Bell, a contributor on National Review Online, offers his recap of a Romney event last night.  Further proof that when people get to know Governor Romney, they like him! Check it out here:

http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MmIwZmMyODMwMTU2Y2U4YWYxMGMyNDgxZTRhN2ZmM2E

 

If he's really on the verge of being"S-MITT-EN", shouldn't he check out our Smitten Store?

http://www.cafepress.com/smitten08

 

GOPBLOGGERS have launched another version of their 2008 GOP Primary Straw Poll.   Governor Romney has done very well in this poll in the past, so give them a visit and vote for Mitt:

http://www.gopbloggers.org/mt/archives/004517.html

 

Additional links to recent articles are below.  Remember to visit www.americansformitt.com for all the latest news, articles, and updates!  And please encourage your family and friends to join our e-mail list!

 

Thanks,

Nathan Burd

www.americansformitt.com

 

 

Mister PowerPoint Goes to Washington:

http://www.american.com/archive/2006/december/mitt-romney

 

2008 Hopefuls Wooing Bush Network:

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-mantle11dec11,0,7194078.story?coll=la-home-headlines

 

Romney in Beijing:

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/city_region/breaking_news/2006/12/romney_gets_sni.html

Incoming House intelligence chief botches easy intel quiz

 

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Rep. Silvestre Reyes of Texas, who incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has tapped to head the Intelligence Committee when the Democrats take over in January, failed a quiz of basic questions about al Qaeda and Hezbollah, two of the key terrorist organizations the intelligence community has focused on since the September 11, 2001 attacks.

When asked by CQ National Security Editor Jeff Stein whether al Qaeda is one or the other of the two major branches of Islam -- Sunni or Shiite -- Reyes answered "they are probably both," then ventured "Predominantly -- probably Shiite."

That is wrong. Al Qaeda was founded by Osama bin Laden as a Sunni organization and views Shiites as heretics.

Reyes could also not answer questions put by Stein about Hezbollah, a Shiite group on the U.S. list of terrorist organizations that is based in Southern Lebanon.

Mister PowerPoint Goes to Washington

Mister PowerPoint Goes to Washington

By Matthew Rees
Friday, December 01, 2006
Mitt Romney, Massachusetts governor and Olympics savior, aspires to the White House. What does his background as a Bain consultant and hyper-successful venture capitalist tell us about how he'll perform? MATTHEW REES has the answers.

Click here for the full article:

and some of the most clever Romney art to date:

The episode highlights what would become the defining characteristic of Romney's career as a venture capitalist—and later as a government executive. He was willing to pursue—and analyze—data that others wouldn't bother to chase down. His dogged persistence paid off. During the 14 years Romney headed Bain Capital, the firm's average annual internal rate of return on realized investments was a staggering 113 percent. At that growth rate, a hypothetical $1,000 investment would grow to $39.6 million before fees. Few, if any, VC firms have ever matched Bain Capital's performance under Mitt Romney.

This article is one of the best 5 articles on about Romney. I consider myself an expert, but there were major things about Romney that I had not yet known in this Article.

I like the story were:

True to form, Romney became deeply immersed in crafting the health-care proposal. Moffit recalls that when he was asked to brief Romney, he found the tables turned. Romney was the one who gave Moffit the comprehensive PowerPoint presentation. "In 25 years of briefing elected officials and senior government executives, this was the first time I was the one who got briefed," Moffit says. "It was like being in a private class with a very high-energy professor, and Romney was the professor and I was the student."

I think that it is pathetic that "22 percent said they would not vote for an evangelical Christian; 14 percent would not support a Jewish candidate; and 9 percent, a Catholic candidate."

~~~Mike

Romney reaching to right?

The following is a brief responce to an article by SARAH LIEBOWITZ

Here is the full path.

http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061210/REPOSITORY/612100304

Everything she says can be refruted by a quick 30 second Romney Google Search.

re: "The Mitt Romney who twice ran for statewide office in Massachusetts is a different politician from the Romney who will likely court New Hampshire voters in the 2008 Republican presidential primary."

He is the same man. You keep keep saying he changed, but the people of the United States, in general, want slightly different things than the people of Massachusetts. If Romney's job is to represent the people who vote for him, and listen to what they want, do you think he would advocate the exact same things for the citizens of Massachusetts and the larger United States?  Abortion is the only stance which has changed, so stop  making yourself look un-educated by overgeneralizing.

re: " As a Massachusetts candidate, Romney pledged to keep abortion "safe and legal."

He did keep abortion safe and legal in Massachusetts. He said that he believed in the Rule of Law and that he knew Massachusetts had decided on Abortion. We wants to let every state decide.

re: "He called on the Republican Party to provide "more support" for the gay and lesbian community and won the support of many gay Republicans."

He still says the exact same thing. On Octover 16th, 2006 Romney said the following.

"In fact, as Americans, I believe that we should show an outpouring of respect and tolerance for all people. I believe God loves all of his children, that no one is abhorred -- that regardless of the differences and different choices, we should show that same respect. As Americans, we must vigorously reject discrimination and bigotry."

re: "In recent months, he has made headlines for his efforts to overturn same-sex marriage in the only state that allows it."

This is exactly what Romney, the candidate, said he would do. When he ran for governor in 2002, Romney declared his opposition to both same-sex marriage and civil unions. [6] "Call me old fashioned, but I don't support gay marriage nor do I support civil union," said Romney in an October 2002 gubernatorial debate. He also voiced support for basic domestic partnership benefits for gay couples.

Photos

Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney stands on stage at a rally with opponents of gay marriage at a rally at the Massachusetts State House in Boston, November 19, 2006. Romney is considering a bid for the Republican nomination for President of the the United States. REUTERS/Brian Snyder (UNITED STATES)

 

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, center, talks during a press conference as Nevada Gov.-elect Jim Gibbons, left, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt look on at the Republican Governors Association 2006 Annual Conference in Miami, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2006.(AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)

 

 

Romney in Asai

Romney gets snickers, raves from Beijing college students Boston Globe, United States - 21 hours ago By Jehangir S. Pocha. BEIJING — Governor Mitt Romney's weeklong trip to Asia took him to the renowned Tsinghua University here ...

Romney gets mixed reaction in China Eyewitness News, RI - 7 hours ago BOSTON Governor Mitt Romney is getting a mixed reaction from Chinese university students as he wraps up his week-long trip to Asia. ...

Romney tries political hand in China Boston Globe, United States - 16 hours ago By Jehangir S. Pocha, Globe Correspondent | December 9, 2006. BEIJING -- Governor Mitt Romney's weeklong trip to Asia took him to ...