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Freedom is based on obedience to laws, and laws most often come the values espoused by established religions. It is true that even atheists can sustain law and the values that inform them. However, my guess is that religion is most likely to promote values that uphold law.

Mitt, well said.

Lots of bashing here today.

He made a good speech.

Mitt will be a great president.

That speech was one of the most genuine, heartfelt and inspiring speeches I've ever heard about our country. I was so touched by Mitt Romney's insight on religion and the importance of faith in this country. This country was founded on faith and Mitt can see the vision of keeping our country strong by keeping our faith in God and our Savior, Jesus Christ strong. Without prayer and gratitude for our maker who gave us all -we are nothing. Even though we are all from many different religions we can still respect other peoples religion and work together in love and harmony with one another. If we can't get along in our own land how can we expect to get along with other countries. I am impressed that he has the courgage to talk about his convictions and the true meaning of what life is all about. He knew how risky it was yet he stood up for what he believes in –regardless of the outcome. I respect Mitt and Ann fjor this and I appreciate their inspiration and truthfulness.

At the risk of bringing some common sense to all this bashing, has anyone bothered to look at the candidates' positions lately? These people are running for President of the currently most powerful nation on the Earth. What is more important than electing someone of serious moral and ethical conviction? If you don't believe tough times are ahead for the US, you are completely detached from reality. When you combine the issues of Social Security, the National Debt, the price of oil, etc. There is NOTHING pleasant to look at, and worse, these things will NOT go away by waving a wand. You people had better start looking at the reality of the situation America is confronting and stop this "sport" of bashing the politicians. We're way beyond that luxury.

I see both Romney and Huckabee as men of indisputable character regardless of their religions. I do NOT, unfortunately see any of that from any Democrat frontrunner, and that is sad. You would think America could field more and better candidates of character in both parties. Unfortunately it is a sign of the times we live in.

"Freedom is it the opposite of Religion." Now that's more like it.

Was the Inquisitions very free – ask the non-Christian tortured on the rack.

Ask Galelleo about religous freedom- as he sits in a jail cell for saying the earth revolved around the sun.

Ask the school teacher who happened to name a teddy bear Muhommed.

Countries with less Religios influence, tend to have more personal freedoms.
Inspiring – yet totally wrong statement – also fits religion.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the product of the modern United States education system. We should all be proud. (Sarcasm, in case anyone doesn't get it.)

Alex, Hanover, NH"

It's not for you to judge, Alex. There are plenty of intelligent individuals (and I mean upper-league university graduates) who happen to believe that Earth didn't just evolve from lava, rocks, and oxygen some million years ago, but that indeed it was created by the powerful hand of God.

Ann,
If you really believe that religion requires freedom then why don't you enlist your 5 sons into the Iraq Nam war?

Bill-deriving your morals from an imaginary friend only shows you have none of your own. Sane people have morals without delusions dictating them.

I don't think "historic moments" are self-claimed. I'm sure most of the USA weren't glued to their televisions, tears in their eyes, and having an epiphany. It was just another politician trying to win votes.

The fact that he felt the need to explain his belief in a god worries me. Have we digressed back to the time where we were driven to put "in god we trust" on our currency and "one nation under god" into our pledge, just to prove a point to the "godless nations" of the time? What part of democracy and freedom requires religion?

How can it be so difficult for some to acknowledge religion is the foundation of this country. Law and order come from deciding what is right and wrong. discerning right from wrong and attatching consequences to it requires a moral code or concsience. The ability to judge right from wrong comes from a higher being and so does making of laws and the willingness for the majority of people to follow the law. Law and order is religion, is of God.

The ugly part of the Internet is that people can post anonymously, meaning they can make statements without taking responsibility for their words. I have seen lots of ugliness in these posts. Frankly it disgusts me, especially those of you who insult a good woman like Ann Romney. I highly doubt most of you inconsiderates would dare to be so poorly behaved if you were talking to Mrs. Romney in person. Cowards. Please learn how to respect people who have different views than your own. By the way, Mitt Romney's speech was passionate, authentic, and presidential. If America can't recognize a real leader when it sees one then it will get the punishment it deserves–8 more years of the Clintons.

Signed,
Matt Connelly
(my real name)

If at first you don't get enough press with your passion play, get your wife out there!
Posted By KEITH JAMES LOUTTIT : December 7, 2007 9:48 am

Keith, I've seen a few of your coments and loved your attitude! Give them hell keith. Spot on!

Let me be the first to say that I wasn't too impressed. I, as an agnostic, particularly didn't care for his quotations of Adams that suggest America is only for a religious people (I never bought that crock and I don't think most people do). Morality comes from more than religion (in fact religion and morality are sometimes mutually exclusive) and Romeny seeks to exclude the non-religious from his America. I think that there is room for the non-religious and the religious (some candidates seem to agree). Perhaps he was playing to the base he wants now, but will it bite him in the ass if he gets the nomination (I don't think he will, but the question is still worth looking at)?

"Believing in reason and logic is better than religon because religon is just superstion? To believe in religon is to be "ignorant"? Anyone who believes in religon doesn't wnat to face reality?

The people who've sent comments saying a belief in religon is backwards, answer me this, what proof do you have that dinosaurs lived 65 million years ago? How did the Earth get formed? Can science and reason answer these? What REAL historical evidence is there?

All science is just theory. No more no less. No body was around to see or record these events so who can tell how these events occured? In truth, noone can, so there are some nice theories but no real proof.

So before all you anti-religous types talk about the bias in religous belief,
try losing the hypocrosiy."

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the product of the modern United States education system. We should all be proud. (Sarcasm, in case anyone doesn't get it.)

Doesn't Ann mean "pre-historic?"
God help us if this dino becomes president.I bet the prayers of gratitude were followed by requests like:
1) Smite the Dems
2) Smite those opposed to the war in Iraq and (soon to be) Iran.
3) Smite anyone whose views are different.
4) How's about an extra helping of smite for good measure.

This is probably what really happens when they pray for their enemies.

I don't know why people keep mentioning Mitt Romney's religion. Does it matter whether he's Mormon, Protestant, Lutheran or Catholic??? Why aren't the religious beliefs of other candidates scrutinized? Is this a race for a religious leader or a country's president? Or is this a political tactic by the opponents of Mr. Romney because they can't seem to find a scandalous history of their "Mormon" opponent??? So they attack his religion. What happened to religious tolerance??? Would there be the same reaction to Mr. Romney's faith if he were a Jew? Would people constantly question a Jewish candidate about his religion? What is happening to this country? Are we tolerating bigotry??

Can we just please for once stop the Mormon Bashing on these ticker streams?

Here is a new release from today in Washington Lewis County where "Mormons" are helping their neighbors... over 20 Stakes surrounding Chehalis have send member of the LDS to help..

"Yellow-Shirted Volunteers and Cleanups Kits Coming Into Lewis County Today
Dec 7, 9:11 am
By The Chronicle

Thousands of cleanup kits arrived Thursday from Salt Lake City to the Centralia-Chehalis chapter of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Along with the 10,000 kits, the LDS church also donated 1,000 hygiene kits, 1,000 blankets and 200 sleeping bags, all of which are being made available by volunteers going door-to-door in yellow shirts and at Two Red Cross shelters and the local LDS church.
“You can’t find a mop in stories in Lewis County – they’re all sold out,” said Norman Hansen, local LDS church leader. “These kits will help volunteers and flood victims begin the process of restoring their homes, so they can return as quickly as possible. We’ll go door to door this weekend to offer assistance in any way we can.”
The United Way of Lewis County also has set up distribution and a drop-off point for relief supplies at 450 NW Pacific Ave. in downtown Chehalis. The Washington National Guard and the four shelters set up in the area have requested that donations be dropped off only at the Pacific Avenue point and not directly at the shelters.
The organization is working with the Sheriff’s Department and all affected cities through their emergency management folks to get the things distributed to the people with immediate needs.
Items needed include gas cards, Visa debit cards, which can be purchased at any Bank in set increments of $25 or $50 for example, and gift cards from large retail stores.

By the way, let it be known that I am an agnostic with an obvious atheist bias, in the sense that I certainly don't believe in either the gods, the folklore, or the customs of any organized religion. Furthermore, I don't believe that human life is sacred in the universe and I don't believe that any higher power intervenes in human affairs. However, while existence with a higher power does not make sense to me, I concede that existence without a higher power does not totally make sense either.

You see that? That's called being honest about not knowing what is going on in the universe, as opposed to rigidly believing in Jesus and the Bible because your parents did and they told you to, too. Try it out: philosophize a little bit. Read into some astrophysics, like "A Brief History of Time," for starters. Open your mind, but as a starting point, focus on that which informed reason tells you is true–like the age of the earth–and reject that which seems unlikely–like Judeo-Christian folklore.

Michael,

You seem to be confusing the word "theory" with the word "hypothesis."

You are correct; everything deduced or inferred by science is a theory. There are only a few absolute truths, or axioms, which include basic mathematical and logical principles. Every other phenomenon starts out as a hypothesis and becomes a theory once it is proven through experimentation. For instance, gravity is a theory. That does not mean that, for practical purposes, gravity is not fact. The same goes for evolution. Eschewing scientific jargon which would label it a theory, evolution is a fact, and its proof supported by extensive analysis and rigourously documented evidence.

Also, the "we weren't there, how could we know" argument seems pretty selective. Were you there to witness Jesus' existence or other acts of the Bible which people assume actually happened? "Ah," you say, "but other people were, and they documented it." Well, that just exposes the stupidity of your argument. If you concede that no one was around to document the dinosaurs' existence, than you allow that dinosaurs and humans did not co-exist, which refutes one of the main points of human cesspool known as the young-earth creationists.

Stop trying to defend religion with logic and rationality. Either come to the side of reason, enlightenment, and intellectual debate, or admit to yourself and others that you willfully live in delusion because it makes you feel better. That would be fine, so long as you keep it out of public affairs and don't get in the way of those of us searching for real truth.

I am an agnostic, married to a believer. We are able to do this successfully because I don't try to convince him my way is right and he doesn't try to convince me his way is. We learned that lesson from my parents – my dad was an atheist and my mom was roman catholic.
My point here is simply that religion should be a personal thing between you and whatever diety you believe in – it should NOT be used to decide if you are worthy to be president. This need to out believe each other has gotten ridiculous to the point where I don't trust anyone who says I am good (fill in the blank). Shouldn't we simply try to live a decent life filled with compassion and committment to leaving the world a better place than you found it. Wouldn't that be a better testament to a god instead of loudly proclaiming a belief but not acting on it.
Live a good life, try not to hurt anyone along the way and try to leave the world a better place than than you found it. If at the end of the day there's a god, then fine, if at the end of the day there isn't a god, then fine – you've led a good life and tried not to hurt anyone along the way.

Wait a minute! How can Romney be more acceptable in a general election than Huckabee, who is now ahead nationally?

Shawnee, where is the logic in saying that a speech about faith is true and "moving" only if given by Mr. Romney? Mr. Huckabee has equal faith and freedom to speak. Is he somehow negating Mr. Romney's position by speaking his truth? Perhaps, as a Romney supporter, you are merely concerned about his slipping in the polls. In this regard, the speech won't be any help. Why vote for someone whose religion you question when you can vote for another whose religion is "acceptable" and who has the same values as Mr. Romney?

Believing in reason and logic is better than religon because religon is just superstion? To believe in religon is to be "ignorant"? Anyone who believes in religon doesn't wnat to face reality?

The people who've sent comments saying a belief in religon is backwards, answer me this, what proof do you have that dinosaurs lived 65 million years ago? How did the Earth get formed? Can science and reason answer these? What REAL historical evidence is there?

All science is just theory. No more no less. No body was around to see or record these events so who can tell how these events occured? In truth, noone can, so there are some nice theories but no real proof.

So before all you anti-religous types talk about the bias in religous belief,
try losing the hypocrosiy.

It's so sad that people can't recognize a good honest man, husband, father AND politician when they see one. Mitt Romney is all of those. He is lucky to have such a supportive wife and children that believe in him. How many candidates can actually boast of that? By their fruits ye shall know them! This is an amazing family! We would be blessed as a nation to have such a man as our President. With the state of the morals in this country, I'm doubtful that we will get that lucky. I hope I'm wrong.

"I am not a Mormon and currently not a Romney supporter. However, I commend Mitt Romney on his religious convictions. I think one of the pillars that makes up a person's values and character is strong moral belief. Freedom of Religion is OK, prayer is OK. If you don't care for either, that is your choice."

If Roe v Wade is overturned or there is a constitutional amendment banning abortion, or one banning gay marriage, it will be done because of beliefs that are held by the religious community. If any of these things pass and become law, then how is an atheist free to make his/her choice? A choice within a Christian paradigm is not freedom of choice; it is the illusion of choice and the illusion of freedom. Just because you can't see the fence doesn't mean you won't get fried when you try to cross it.

Congratulations Mitt, you have done a fine job of exploiting your religious beliefs for a few votes. Unfortunately, you still have no credibility as a candidate, and this will never change regardless of how much of your own personal fortune you spend. Intelligent Americans see right through your shameless shifts in position on the various hot-button political issues of the day. You are the John Edwards of the Republican candidates, and just like him are simply not trustworthy. Wonder if Massachusetts will have you back now that your such a gun loving, abortion hating, illegal immigration hawk.

Though I'm not anti-Morman nor anti-Romney, I will not likely vote for anyone in his party this coming year. That said, I had to laugh at Ann Romney's assertion that this speech was a “historic moment.”

Most “historic moments” come from people who are more humble and less self-serving. Furthermore, “historic moments" aren't historic the day after, no they are historic years from now. I don't want another religious President ever again, keep your religion to yourself please

Freedom Without Religion?

"I think he made a statement that people are going to ask him about it, that you can't have freedom without religion," McCain said. "Well, I can understand the point that might be made that it's part of fundamental Judeo-Christian values. But I did know people in prison [as a POW in Vietnam] ... who were atheists and they were patriots and served the country and they did so with distinction."

This statement by McCain speaks volumes as to what American's will be asking in the day's to come.

I know many atheists who are good people, and would do anything for this country, and for freedom.

In response to:

"I am not a Mormon and currently not a Romney supporter. However, I commend Mitt Romney on his religious convictions. I think one of the pillars that makes up a person's values and character is strong moral belief."

One of the worst pretentions of religion is that one needs to be religious to have morals. Morals come from instinct, upbringing, having a conscience, and understanding how to exist among others in a society. If you need a mystical book to tell you what's right and wrong, there is something wrong with you. If you need the reward of heaven or the threat of hell to act ethically, there is something wrong with you too. As a matter of fact, I am willing to bet that, on whole, intellectual atheists act with greater morality and civility in their lives than the part of the population claiming to be religious. Obviously, there's no statistics for this, but I'm just sayin'.

Phil why would you say "This man is scary"?

I am not a Mormon and currently not a Romney supporter. However, I commend Mitt Romney on his religious convictions. I think one of the pillars that makes up a person's values and character is strong moral belief. Freedom of Religion is OK, prayer is OK. If you don't care for either, that is your choice. – Do you think that if Romney wins that he will move the White House to Salt Lake City!! Get serious – judge the man on his political beliefs and platform and not on his religious preference.
Posted By Mike from Monument, Colorado : December 7, 2007 10:47 am

I have no problem with Romney, I have a problem with his change of position on issues....

last I read, the Mormon church has about 60,000 young men and women working the streets to explain their religion, teach families about Christ. It is all on http://www.lds.org

Is there another church with that commitment to spreading the good word?

Why would a candidate for president attempt that from a political pulpit? Mitt's speech was right on!

A very moving speech...very well done. Ann has raised some excellent men...an impressive family with impressive results. Mitt Romney 2008 and Tagg Romney 2028

It funny how when these politicians sense they are going to lose they somehow slip in Jesus into the picture.

My vote is going to Ron Paul.

While I certainly admired this speech by Romney I still cannot vote for him when someone like Ron Paul is in this race. And I'm LDS, imagine that critics that say we are sticking together to get this guy elected. I just don't believe his platform is better than Dr. Paul's. And his past shows it.

I am not a Mormon and currently not a Romney supporter. However, I commend Mitt Romney on his religious convictions. I think one of the pillars that makes up a person's values and character is strong moral belief. Freedom of Religion is OK, prayer is OK. If you don't care for either, that is your choice. – Do you think that if Romney wins that he will move the White House to Salt Lake City!! Get serious – judge the man on his political beliefs and platform and not on his religious preference.

The Governor's speech was a stirring and passionate reflection of his personal character.

I would be proud to call him Mr. President!

Are we voting for a PRESIDENT or a POPE? and just when did religion and government join? If the person running for President has strong family values and has our best interests in mind then why scwabble over his religion? I don't remember hearing that he worships the Devil or has recently sacrificed any animals on an altar to some kind of Pagan God. I, myself, am a Christian and I do believe that this man has a strong commitment to helping the needs of this country. Mitt Romney will receive my vote in '08.

That was one of the most moving speeches I have ever witnessed a President or a Presidential candidate giving. How refreshing. Then you have Huck over there giving the opposite speech: "A vote for me is a vote for the Faith". He urges people to apply the religious test and to vote by religion. He might win the Republican Nomination but he'll never win the general.

Chris, wow, I didn't know they had internet access in the loony bin.

Historic? For their family maybe. To think it was important nationally is delusional, and quite frankly I know more Christians that were offended by it than supportive.

This man is scary.

He's mingling with the former president bush. that ought to tell people where his loyalty lays.we do not need another president like bush.

You know how we look back on the absurdity of JFK's speech about his Catholicism and wonder how society could ever be so ignorant and small-minded as to care why he was a Catholic?

I suspect, if this speech has any lasting impact, future generations will look at us and wonder, "How could your generation be so small-minded as to judge a man by the religion of his upbringing?"

"We were very ignorant back then." Will be the only fitting response.

"Religion is necessary for Freedom"

I think not.

Its the other way around. If you believed in Reason and Logic instead of superstition you would know this.

Depth of his soul.

That is exactly what worries me.

If at first you don't get enough press with your passion play, get your wife out there!

Hey mrs romney don't worry all you have to be is religious conservative republican have confidence you can't discourage a republican you could turn a republican up side down and rub him raw pour turpentine on him turn him loose he go back and vote for the one that rub or pour it to him.

These people are so fake.

"Historic Moment", despite the "opposition of advisors", hahaha, they really do believe republican voters will drink the Kool-Aid and believe anything.

Everything Mitt does, including how every hair is combed, and everything he says is carefully and coldly calculated politically, similar to, but actually maybe worse than Hillary Clinton recently.

Some of his basic premises, that freedom "requires" religion, are blatantly false and disproven by history from when it was first recorded, through the middle ages to what is going on now in the middle east versus what's going on in europe.

But it sounds good, and it's what the republican voter wants to hear, and belief and faith in myths they want to believe and the leaders they follow slavishly trumps reason. Scientific or historical evidence, as well as reality in general are disregarded since they have a well known liberal bias, you know. LOL

We are going backward as a society as some of the rest of the world moves forward with rational thought and progress.

Who is Ann? What is Ann? Why is Ann? Oh, you mean that Ann? I know Ann. Annnnnnnnn! Hey dude. LOL