Comments on: Romney: Anti-Mormon phone calls 'un-American'

By: rebecca argyle

rebecca argyle — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:37:30 +0000

If any other candidate was treated this way, there would be an immediate investigation! especially if he was a person of color. this is ridiculous. The phone calls regarding religion and the book of mormon the religious doctrine are an outrage! History showed past presidents were of different religions but they didn't have aggressive polling firms at their fingertips and candidates cordinating tag team take-outs. Investigations should be swift and severe!

By: DB www.dbandmcq.blogspot.com

DB www.dbandmcq.blogspot.com — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 01:02:23 +0000

If people think the attacks on Romney for being a Mormon from the Conservatives are bad, just wait until he's the nominee and see what the Liberals will do to him!

By: Chris Tucson, AZ

Chris Tucson, AZ — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:18:20 +0000

Isn't it fascinating that when Democrats attack Republicans it is called "challenging them on the issues". But when Republicans do it to Democrats it suddenly becomes the "Republican Attack Machine". Let me just rename that, "Double Standards".

By: Joe, Boston, MA

Joe, Boston, MA — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 20:55:35 +0000

I'm not a Romney fan and feel that he totally switched his social views from when he was Governor of my state to now running for President.

But besides that I don't think his religion should even be a part of this election. He's a decent guy and a good family man.

People should just view him on his record not on his religion.

I'm honestly surprised that people won't vote for someone based on religion...how sad!

2004 election it was abortion and gay people. 2007 election is now going to be religion and immigration. What about the real issues??!!!

By: Diana, West Texas

Diana, West Texas — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 20:28:05 +0000

Are Mormon beliefs any more absurd or hard to comprehend than mainstream Christian beliefs? Do we want a President who believes that:
1. He/She is not of this world?
2. He/She is able to speak in another language that is a more direct link to God?
3. Jesus Christ was conceived through supernatural means and brought into the world by a virgin mother?
4. Jesus Christ died, battled Satan, and arose from the dead?
5. Jesus Christ walked on water?
6. Jesus Christ was responsible for the miracles described in the Bible?
7. Lot's wife turned to stone for disobeying God?
8. A shepard boy killed a giant with just a sling shot and some flat stones?
9. The collective efforts of the Israelite army brought down the walls of Jericho?
10. God spoke to Moses via a burning bush?
11. The list goes on and on and on.

By: kathleen, scottsbluff, NE

kathleen, scottsbluff, NE — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 19:25:15 +0000

Can anyone be certain that Mr. Romney's people didn't do this for the free publicity and for the "sympathy" vote--you know, "Poor Mitt, people are picking on him. I think I'll vote for him to show him I'm a good American."

By: Qasim, Houston , TX

Qasim, Houston , TX — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 17:40:33 +0000

The calls are unamerican, so is Gitmo, Mitt. You asked gitmo to be doubled, I ask the both be outlaws.
Somday when a Muslim stands for election and this happens. I am sure all the candidates including Mitt will denounce it then.

By: James, Baltimore, MD

James, Baltimore, MD — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 17:20:19 +0000

Thanks for the laughs from you anti-mormon posters. "I will never vote for a mormon for president". don't worry. one day this country will totally lay the Constitution to waste and family valuse along with it. where will you turn. I can already see it. but you can't.

By: Eric, Las Vegas NV

Eric, Las Vegas NV — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:28:13 +0000

Attack Mitt all you want, I am Mormon and as of right now he does not have my vote. But to attack the religon becuase you don't like the candidate is off base. Most of the anti-Mormon rhetoric found in these comments are in-accurate and hatefull.

By: Todd, Minneapolis, MN

Todd, Minneapolis, MN — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 13:59:58 +0000

Unlike most of the major religions of the world, Mormonism must be an issue when politics are involved, especially when talking about the Presidency. Do you really want someone leading this country that believes:
- they will be a god in the afterlife?
- he is a member of the "only true church"?
- in the last days, the US Constitution will "hang by a thread" and that the Mormon Bretheren will save it?
I could run up a list for hours, but I'll stop here.

By: Buddy Miller, Metter, Georgia

Buddy Miller, Metter, Georgia — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 13:25:54 +0000

After what the Bush Republicans did and allowed to stand in 2000 against McCain's "Black Baby" accusation and in 2004's Swiftboating incident against Kerry, it hardly surprises me that Faith has become their new low life whip to beat down Mitt Romney. From what I've read in the CNN reports on the subject, I'm surprised Romney doesn't explain to us where the untruths are what is being said. Is this the party of values? I think not.

By: Diana, West Texas

Diana, West Texas — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:54:48 +0000

In response to Victoria from Australia...The US has always been a nation of religious discrimination, starting with the Pilgrim landing in Plymouth in 1620. Yes, the Pilgrims made their voyage in order to have the freedom they sought to practice their brand of Christianity. A brand of Christianity that they viewed to be more pure than that practiced by adherants to the Church of England back home. Why? Because it had fewer Catholic influences. Those people were as intolerant of other religions as they experienced intolerance in England. Many of our American forefathers actively persecuted members of religious sects/denominations that were different from their own. Evidence: the exile of Anne Hutchinson, the hanging of Quakers as witches, the exclusion of Catholics from most colonies. Freedom to practice our own brand of religious persecution is the foundation of the US.

By: Derek, Greenfield, MO.

Derek, Greenfield, MO. — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 08:07:36 +0000

Being myself a Deist and of no outlined model of worship, I take concern at the state of current politics which wittnesses men in control of this Nation being controlled in life and thinking by their religious sect. I believe strongly in a man's right to worship in the manner he think right, and I hold equally strong convictions opposing mens religious perferments controlling his mind and controlling his decisions. That being written, this is nothing new to politics, Republican or Democrat, review your history and note President Kennedy's battle against the bigots who opposed a man of Catholic faith in the White House. Last note, to those bloggers ignorant enough to think that bigotry, racism and prejudices singularly exist in their own personal sphere, evolve your minds to fight for the cause and not the group.

By: r.e. lowe allons, tn

r.e. lowe allons, tn — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 05:39:02 +0000

mitt romney you said you would puniah states for giving illegal aliens driver's license and tuition that all good but mitt you are be-hind g.w.bush has punish all the American people we need a change I'm voting for a democrat i sure mis old bill clinton

By: Diana, West Texas

Diana, West Texas — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 04:52:56 +0000

To David in Ohio...I don't think Romney (or any other candidate) choosing to tithe from his/her presidential salary constitutes federal support of a religion unless we are willing to check the religious contributions made by every person receiving a salary from federal funds. My salary comes from federal funds and I tithe to my church, does that constitute federal support of a religion? I think all the attention on Romney's faith is an insult to all Americans of faith and our system as a whole. No one questions the faith of his WASPy counterparts. The man has stated that his religious beliefs are personal and we should allow them to remain personal.

By: Brad Johnston, Marlborough, NH

Brad Johnston, Marlborough, NH — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 04:22:12 +0000

I'm totally against push polling. I hated Bush/Rove for years before the President's approval rating went down precisely because of the dirty tricks played on McCain in that way in South Carolina. Still, as someone who grew up in Provo Utah, as a Mormon, I do think the nation really should know more about the LDS Church before casting a vote for Romney. I dropped out at 18 because the more you learn about that church, the stranger it gets. Sorry, but that's just my perspective. Does the average voter know that Mormon's believe that God consideres all other religions "abominations"? (Mormon's believe He used that very word to describe all other religions when he told Joseph Smith to found a new church in Western New York.) Does the average voter know that one of the key sayings of the Church is "every member a missionary", meaning throughout one's entire life, one is expected to try to convert others into Mormonism. The saying isn't "every member except the President of the US should be a missionary," it says "every member a missionary." What does that mean to Romney? Does he bellieve it? It's a fair question.

By: Dr RaTsTaR Lebanon OR

Dr RaTsTaR Lebanon OR — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 04:20:35 +0000

Mitt says a man of faith should lead the country. Would he vote for a secular candidate? No.

He is discriminating according to a person's beliefs.

The constitution applies to qualifications to run for president. This does not mean we have to disregard someone's beliefs when we personally judge the candidate as a whole.

If Mitt was not running for President it would be very wrong to dislike him for his religion, no matter what we might think of the religion. He has opened himself to scrutiny by running for the highest office in the land.

His decisions based on HIS religion will affect us all.

Would Mormons vote for Mitt if he was a Wiccan? I think not.

Can any Mormon on this board say they are NOT voting for Romney? Hmmmm?

Mormons for Hillary, anyone?

Google Mormon military. Most interesting history of the Mormon "religion". Very ugly stuff.

Educate yourself. There is nothing "unconstitutional" about learning the truth. Being informed is a duty.

Dr. RaTsTaR, Viet Nam Era Veteran, 72-'76, two SE Asia deployments.

By: Chris, Bethesda, Maryland

Chris, Bethesda, Maryland — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 04:20:20 +0000

Sorry Mitt. This is what happens when you decide to run in the conservative-evangelical-Protestant-Christian-only club, and now he's paying the price. What goes around comes around, wouldn't you say?

By: James Disnuke Los Angeles, California

James Disnuke Los Angeles, California — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 04:14:40 +0000

Why have no one addressed the fact about (very recent in my life time)the Mormons teachings of People of Darker skin was decendant from CAIN (son of the devil was their teachings) and that Blacks were subserviant and second class citizens!!! Not one person has raised this question? Just go to the internet..type in... Mormon/racialbeliefs..it will pop up!!
I would like to know what his thinking is on his church (once teaching)... they have since change their position?
Before...Blacks could not set foot in their holy church in Salt Lake city or be a member of their church..!!. I would like to know his answer for someone is runnig for the president of the .. USA ..
Thank you,
James...

By: Drew, Birmingham, AL

Drew, Birmingham, AL — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 02:40:30 +0000

For those people saying that Romney served as a missionary in France to avoid going to war in Vietnam....Romney left for France as a missionary in '66. The U.S. didn't start drafting until '69. He wasn't avoiding anything. He simply wanted to be a missionary.

By: William Cormier, Atlanta, GA

William Cormier, Atlanta, GA — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 02:15:12 +0000

Freedom of religion is a fundamental right guaranteed to all Americans – and even though I don't believe Romney should be President, his religion shouldn't figure into that decision, nor should he be criticized or otherwise be attacked based on his religious beliefs. Last I heard, this is still the United States, and even though our Constitution and Bill of Rights is under attack – those of us that believe in the Constitution should find any such attack as un-American and downright reprehensible.

By: Ron Nebraska

Ron Nebraska — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:40:03 +0000

Hey Mitt, did you find it unamerican and come to McCains defense when Karl Roves' push polls in South Carolina inferred McCain had an illegitimate black child? You know that helped get your Republican leader elected right? You people disgust me when you spend your careers following a psychotic philosophy against others and then whine when it gets personal to you.

By: William H. Richards IV, Millis, MA

William H. Richards IV, Millis, MA — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 23:32:40 +0000

I have been a lifelong Republican. I guess my party does not believe in the free exercise of religion anymore.

By: Meghan, St. Louis, MO

Meghan, St. Louis, MO — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 21:54:59 +0000

I don't understand how you can go after someone for their religion. For all of you who have posted hateful comments about the Mormon religion, may I suggest that you first learn about it before spreading false ideas that Mormonism is a "cult". Also, I suspect that many of you who have written such hateful things are Christians as well, so I ask you this: How can you call you self a Christian person when you jump to conclusions and tear someone apart just for their religion? Jesus was crucified for saying that he was God and yet many people still believe in him. Just like Jesus was persecuted for his belief, so are the Mormons.
Secondly, all of you who think its the democrats or the republics who are behind this are very wrong. I can say with much confidence that it was ignorant people just like all of you who judge Romney on his religion. This was nothing more than some people wanting to spread false ideas about Mormonism. I wouldn't be surprised if it was someone who posted a comment on this story. Obviously there are many misconceptions about Mormonism, and many people have such strong hateful feelings towards this religion that promotes loves and charity. Maybe you could all take a page out of the Book of Mormon and learn and thing or two about decency and respect for all people.

By: sobe, madison wi

sobe, madison wi — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 20:37:49 +0000

What a crybaby! This is just politics, Republican style. Like it or don't like it, learn to love it, because it's not going away.
Is any of the information being pushed false? If not, then no law has been broken and there are no grounds for investigation.
Romney says it is unamerican to say bad (but true) things about a politician? Where has he been?

By: John T., Jacksonville, Florida

John T., Jacksonville, Florida — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 20:25:55 +0000

These anti-Mormon antics, including some of the comments posted on this site, are truly sad. I would suggest that anti-Mormons consider their relationship with God, and heed Jesus' words:

"Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."

By: sue aspen, granada hills, ca

sue aspen, granada hills, ca — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 19:52:22 +0000

Romney's draft record from the time describes him as "minister of religion or divinity student." Mayo said the church would have considered Romney a minister.

Romney, who has said he would have served if he had been drafted, shed some light on his view of the matter in a recent interview with the Globe.

"I really don’t recall thinking about political positions when I was knocking at the door in France" as a missionary, Romney said. "I was supportive of my country. I longed in many respects to actually be in Vietnam and be representing our country there and in some ways it was frustrating not to feel like I was there as part of the troops that were fighting in Vietnam."

The exemption for Mormon missionaries created controversy at the time. Non-Mormons in Utah filed a lawsuit against the federal government in 1968. The suit was still in court two years later, at a time when "the church and the Selective Service System work hand-in-hand in deferring the missionaries," according to an article from the period published by The New York Times.

Richard Leedy, the lawyer who brought the suit, said in a telephone interview that he did so because "the substantial number of deferments to missionaries made the likelihood of us non-Mormons going to Vietnam a lot more likely."

Separately, Romney's draft service was deferred due to his status as a full-time student for about three years.

Romney registered with the Selective Service in April 1965 but was not considered readily available for military service until December 1970. His name was then put into the lottery based on an individual's birthday, and he drew the number 300 at a time when no one drawing higher than 195 was drafted.

"When Governor Romney's deferment for college and missionary service ended, he made himself available for military service, and his name went into the lottery, but he was not selected," Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom said via e-mail.

Michael Kranish can be reached at kranish@globe.com

Above is info from the Globe Newspaper about Romney's deferment.

Many Mormons do both, serve their missions and serve in the military.
My father served three years on his LDS mission to Canada and then three years in the Army during WWII.

Mormons believe in protecting their county in times of war. One of the great examples in Church History of Saints obeying the law of the land and in performing their civic and military duty was when the church was called on to aid in the War with Mexico. The Mormon Battalion was formed.
The men of the Mormon Battalion are honored for their willingness to fight for the United States as loyal American citizens. Their march of some 2,000 miles from Council Bluffs to California is one of the longest military marches in history. Their participation in the early development of California by building Fort Moore in Los Angeles, building a courthouse in San Diego, and making bricks and building houses in southern California contributed to the growth of the West.

The Mormon Men of Company A were responsible for opening the first wagon road over the southern route from California to Utah in 1848.

Mormon Battalion monument,
State Capitol grounds

Historic sites associated with the battalion include the Mormon Battalion Memorial Visitor's Center in San Diego, California; Fort Moore Pioneer Memorial in Los Angeles, California; and the Mormon Battalion Monument in Memory Grove, Salt Lake City, Utah. Monuments relating to the battalion are also located in New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado, and trail markers have been placed on segments of the battalion route.

To my knowledge, Mormons have served in all of the Wars that the U.S. has been involved with and there are many LDS currently enlisted in the Army and the Navy.

By: Jerry, Denver, CO

Jerry, Denver, CO — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 19:20:24 +0000

Yeah, he's a Mormon...we all get it. The problem isn't his religion, it's the fact that he's a giant hypocrite! I'm so tired of all of these false Christians, who call themselves "conservative", and emphasize the importance of "values." Then, at the same time, these same moralists are the people who want to stay in Iraq, continuing the cycle of death and destruction. Hell, now they want to go to war with Iran, who knows where after that. Anyone who calls themselves a christian and isn't a pacifist or at the very least a believer in diplomacy, is a fraud. Not only should these individuals be viewed as un-electable, they should also be viewed as liars only interested in personal power and financial gain. Nothing is more un-American than practicing religious hypocrisy in the eyes of the nation. A leader is someone who stands up for what they believe in at all times, they do not alter their core values in order to satisfy an alterior agenda, or to steal votes from the blind. Mitt Romney is a joke. He's unfit for the Presidency, and is as out of touch with 21st century America as is humanly possible.

By: David Columbus, OH

David Columbus, OH — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 19:05:35 +0000

Uhh Marty, 13 million is a skewed number. If you go to http://www.exmormon.org, they have all sorts of articles about how when you come to the church your name gets put on a member list (like any other church), but when you leave, your name is not taken off the member list. You have to send a letter to the "high council" and they determine if your name should be taken off. Oh yeah, did I also mention that Morman's baptise the dead EVEN if you are a member of another church. They baptise everyone Mormon. What a load of crap this "religion" is.

By: John, Cleveland, OH

John, Cleveland, OH — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 16:15:46 +0000

People have the right and the responsibility to question a candidate’s judgment. The mormon religion was created about 150 years ago by a guy from up state NY. If that doesn’t raise a red flag for you then you really need to use your brain more. This doesn’t mean that Romney isn’t a good person, but one should be able to think about a candidates beliefs. As the person above said, if a person who worshiped satan or even a wiccan was running would we not be expected to question that? Yes, in some ways that is an exaggerated analogy, but it does make sense. Mormonism is a new religion, which is basically a plagiarism and reworking of existing religions. Any thinking person who takes the time to read about it knows it’s ridiculous. Yes, main stream religions believe weird things too (ie virgin births, resurrection) but thy have existed for 1000s of years before we smart enough to see how dumb we were for believing all that nonsense. We don’t need to keep accepting even more of these supernatural illogical belief systems.

Religion is not a race, it’s a learned behavior. If you grew up in the middle east you'd likely have a totally different belief system. That being said, it’s astonishing that so many believe that their religion is the specific one of god and the others are false. People give religion too much privilege, as if it’s a race. It’s just a belief system that corresponds with certain geographical locations. If I can criticize a political party or an ideological belief, than I should be able to question a religion. This doesn’t mean you don’t have the right to believe and practice it, but you should have to defend your beliefs sometimes. More people should study the Enlightenment period and maybe they would realize how gullible and stupid we humans can be and subsequently start letting go of some of these supernatural crutches.

By: Ronnie.Irving,Texas

Ronnie.Irving,Texas — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 10:04:59 +0000

Get a real religion and people will leave you alone.Mormonism is made up of sins against God and should loose their tax exception.

By: John, Pittsburgh, PA

John, Pittsburgh, PA — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 07:09:35 +0000

While I truly beleive Mitt Romney will not let his mormon faith affect his judgement, it is a viable subject for discussion. If someone who beleived in Satanism was running would it not be an issue, now I'm not comparing the two, most mormons are good people who love their families. Yet a religon who's basic tenet is that all people of color are evil and marked by god as a curse, maybe it needs discussion.

By: william, la, california

william, la, california — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 06:35:36 +0000

Im not mormon but again why are people bringing up religion. America needs to get back to its fundamentals. We shouldnt hate but really if everyone was gay and lesbian our world would cease to exist and the human race would end. I support romney its time to get somebody with some morals in office regardless whether mormon,jewish or catholic.

By: Dr. RaTsTaR Lebanon OR

Dr. RaTsTaR Lebanon OR — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 06:14:31 +0000

Question – Question – Question

Why was one religion granted special deferment status? This is seriously against the Constitution. If it is so important to do "missionary" why couldn't they do it after their military service, if called? As far as I know no other religion is granted special privileges. Missionary duty does not serve you or me or our country. It is strictly a recruiting scam to bring in more people to their self-serving religion.

Answer – Answer – Answer

The Mormon church is very powerful.

Who will a Mormon president serve?

A man needs religion the way a fish needs a bicycle.

By: MARTY, LOS ANGELES, CA.

MARTY, LOS ANGELES, CA. — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 03:30:37 +0000

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has 13 million members world wide. They are Christians as the name states. They are among the most generous, loving, charitable, family oriented, considerate people on the planet. They are first on many disaster scenes including Katrina. They have their own charities and Deseret Industries which is akin to the GoodWill. No LDS dresses in silk robes or drives Bentleys from doing church duties as the leaders volunteer their time and services to the good of mankind. They do most of the work required to keep up their church facilities themselves. Bishops clean restrooms along with other church members. LDS missionaries live in small quarters on the monies they have saved to serve their mission for two years. They are not paid. They face brutality from drunks in places like Moscow and adversity in many places in America but they carry on because of their faith. They rise early and are chaste. They do not drink or smoke. They preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and ask others if they wish to know more.
Read their 13 Articles of Faith on LDS. ORG There is nothing but love and compassion and respect for the law set forth there. If you are a Christian and believe Christ is the Lord and Savior of the world and died for our sins then you believe what LDS members believe.
The President of the Church does not rule his own country or have the Swiss Guard. He lives simply in Salt Lake City and is 95 years old. President Gordon B. Hinkley has been honored by Presidents and Kings for his wise counsel and advise.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs world-wide and all members are LDS and volunteer their time.
Does it disquality a member of the church that is famous for teaching people to love their God and their fellow man, to be chaste before marriage to follow the Ten Commandments, to be charitable and kind, to follow the law of the land, not to smoke, or drink alcoholic beverages? No LDS has ever been told to vote a certain way. The church does not control the members. The members are what makes the Church so great. The LDS children are taught all these virtues at early age.
Only bigots refuse and fools do not get the message from this fine Church of Jesus Christ.

By: Sheryl San Antonio, TX

Sheryl San Antonio, TX — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 03:24:09 +0000

Would you vote for Romney if he wasn't a Mormon? If you answered "yes" then you have a serious problem. It's like you are putting him through a "religious test" in order for him to qualify for president. By the way, "No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States." -US Constitution

By: Amber, Mountlake Terrace WA

Amber, Mountlake Terrace WA — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 03:13:13 +0000

I think it is a little ironic myself. Here Romney is making the courting of the Religious Right a cornerstone of his campaign when true Fundamentalist Christian teachings hold that the foundations of his faith are a cult. There is bound to be some questions and reservations about this because these Christian voters are going to have set aside a tenet of their own belief in order to vote for Romney in good conscious. It's very similar to their dilemma with Guiliani and will probably come down to whose "imperfections" is the lesser evil.

By: john, nashville, tennessee

john, nashville, tennessee — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 03:12:18 +0000

To those of y'all who keep complaining about the mormon church not allowing blacks all the rights as the whites, it was a timing issue, in my opinion...if the mormon church had allowed blacks all the same rights and whites right when it was founded, think of how much MORE they would have been persecuted...especially in the mid-1900s.

also, i find it humorous as to how people act like they know so much and jump to such awful conclusions, without getting correct information. actually, if you were to get correct info about the mormons, you'd find that they are really to only religion that makes sense.

oh yeah...to all those religious people out there bashing romney and mormons, what ever happened to love your neighbor as yourself? are the mormons an exception to this rule?

By: Chappy, Jacksonville, Florida

Chappy, Jacksonville, Florida — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 01:30:48 +0000

Romney is just another draft dodging
chicken hawk like Cheney and Bill Clinton. He talks about a strong military but chose NOT to serve his country in Vietnam. Shame, shame to be
to be riding his bicycle in France getting deferments while his Dad was running AMC and Gov. of Michigan.
I could care less about his being a Morman. In fact, the Morman's in this country have one of the greatest traditions when it comes to "Family Values." However, do we need another
DRAFT DODGING CHICKEN HAWK in the White House? I THINK NOT.

By: Rob, Evanston, Illinois

Rob, Evanston, Illinois — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 01:29:54 +0000

These calls are childish and un-American acts of bigotry. Isn't this America-a land where people from any racial, or religious group are supposed to have equal opportunities-and YES, this also applies to running for president.

I'm also disappointed in some of the anti-Mormon comments attached to this article by readers. To those who stoop to such un-American intollerance -grow up! And while your at it – do America a favor and stay home election day.

By: David, Las Vegas

David, Las Vegas — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 00:15:21 +0000

Addressing two issues asked:
Firstly, regarding the issue of tithing and giving 10% of earnings to his church, Romney has stated that if elected President he will give up his paycheck from the government anyway. Secondly, blacks were never excluded from his church, but weren't allowed into priesthood capacities. Seems oddly similar to most churches that limit women into the priesthood. If not based on race, but still on the premise of gender. Regardless of your beliefs and practices, do you not all believe as Americans and people in general that bigotry in all forms should cease? Hopefully we can all come to terms with that fact, in the least.

By: Linda - Albany, NY

Linda - Albany, NY — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 21:28:01 +0000

I have my serious reservations regarding Mormonism, however, to send harrassing emails/phone calls is absolutely childish! If you don't like a religion, television/radio program, type of music, etc., then look the other way. No one is forcing anyone to believe/view anything. To go as far as this can be likened to hate crimes.

Get a grip people!

By: sarah,lawrenceville,pa

sarah,lawrenceville,pa — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 20:33:19 +0000

It is a sad day in this great country when a man that is trying to live his life righteously and trying to help America is being persecuted because of his faith. It is simply unbelievable how ignorant people can be and i hope that people will rise above this childish and hateful mentality and view the man as what he is a good god fearing man trying to bring family values back into our society and make America stronger.

By: Colleen Apple Valley, Ca.

Colleen Apple Valley, Ca. — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 20:10:48 +0000

A Presidential candidate that belongs to a cult. Yes, I said a cult. Enough of this PC stuff. You made your bed, now sleep in it. A Republican complaining of a smear campaign. Hah ! That is rich.

By: Jason, Wilmington, NC

Jason, Wilmington, NC — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 19:09:32 +0000

""""If Mitt think this is un-american, he should go back and watch all the comments he made against Muslims.If he has any morals and values, He should speak out whenever anyone makes racist comments against people of color and other religions. That would make him a candidate for all people instead of just the Mormons."""" RACE AND RELIGION ARE NOT THE SAME THING, QUITE TRYING TO SAY THEY ARE!!!! RELIGION IS AN IDIOLOGICAL CHOICE, RACE IS NOT A CHOICE AND IS NOTHING MORE THAN SKIN COLOR.

By: Jason, Wilmington, NC

Jason, Wilmington, NC — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 18:46:36 +0000

Let’s clarify some things here. Yes, we have religious freedom in this country, which is a good thing. Mormons have the right to practice their interesting belief system, just as jews and christians do. I see liberals saying its bigotry to criticize Romney for his "faith", but liberals seem to call everything bigotry, if you in any way point out a difference in people. I am a democrat myself, but do not blindly follow party lines like some myopic robotic idiot. Why is that we always have to respect others beliefs no matter what? Yes, the mormon religion is absurd. I am not unimformed, I have read a lot about Joseph Smith and momornsim, as well as other world religions. I can’t believe people on here actually say it doesn’t matter what someone believes, as if it has no relevance to being the president, or being an intelligent thinking person. Yes, Christianity is also absurd, as well as the other monotheistic religions. I'm not simply some christian on here putting down a rival religion, its all supernatural antiquated hog wash in my opinion. However, Christianity has been around for a long time, and has thoroughly indoctrinated so many.

How many more of these so called faiths do we have to respect? So now I have to respect Wiccans, Flying Spaghetti monsters, Astrologists, scientologists, psychics and the like? Please why don’t some relativistic liberals on here tell me when it’s appropriate to judge someone for their belief system? We can judge people based on their political beliefs, so why not their religious ones? If someone ran for president from some obscure or eccentric 3rd party would we not be able to judge this, or to criticize their beliefs? We judge peoples beliefs that have mental disorders who say they talked to Jesus, we are able to assess their legitimacies. And yes, we should question the legitimacy of Joseph Smith’s “revelations” he had approximately 140 years ago. Come on guys, it’s a load of crap and you know it! The guy was a charlatan and may even have had a criminal record. Some of the beliefs are ridiculous….the whole thing with the native Americans is pretty entertaining.

We should judge people based on their beliefs, it’s a way of understanding how their mind works and their personal judgment. So, let’s say that last week some random guy from up state NY claimed to be divinely inspired and a prophet, and formed his religion, I would have to respect this? Of course not, he’d probably be admitted to the psychiatric hospital and prescribed anitpsychotic meds anyway. Think out the box people! Critical thinking is not a bad thing

By: A Wynne, Antioch, CA

A Wynne, Antioch, CA — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 18:24:22 +0000

You all need to get used to this debate!

Mitt is not the first Romney or the last to run for president!

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a well oiled machine that, under God's direction, is cranking out thousands of well balanced, intelligent, talented, hardworking, caring and Christian young people.

Reference:UCLA study "Spiritual Life of College Students"

You can throw up all the misinformation and out of context histo(a)rical data that you want...

whatever helps you to best prepare personally for the first Mormon president in 2008...2012...2020!

By: Kanan k

Kanan k — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 17:18:53 +0000

If Mitt think this is un-american, he should go back and watch all the comments he made against Muslims.If he has any morals and values, He should speak out whenever anyone makes racist comments against people of color and other religions. That would make him a candidate for all people instead of just the Mormons.

By: Jack Mormon, Seattle, WA

Jack Mormon, Seattle, WA — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 17:14:49 +0000

Come on Mitt phone calls are fair play! You more than anyone knows that Mormons are out there slinging mud for you! Keep it honest, please, otherwise you will look like a naughty boy!

By: George, Billerica, Mass.

George, Billerica, Mass. — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 16:19:28 +0000

Gee, the Founding Fathers were pretty smart, seeing the danger of injecting religion into politics and government. I'm glad the GOP's drive to make people's faith a litmus test for running for office is starting to turn against them. This is why it is much better to have a person's religiosity be completely irrelevant when it comes to running the government and hiring the people to do that job.