world

Mormonism weighs on Romney candidacy

47 Comments

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

47 Comments
Login to comment

I guess I will start to worry when and if I see the leader of Romney's congregation shrieking from the pulpit, ala Obama's spiritual advisor the neo-segregationist and former Muslim Rev jeremiah Wright, for America's destruction.

What? No William Ayers reference. You are slipping. Why back in the good ol' days, you would have thrown in a William Ayers reference AND a tie pin notice to boot. What's happening to you? I think your obsession with the president is starting to wear you down. You are a shell of your former self.

Taka

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I guess I will start to worry when and if I see the leader of Romney's congregation shrieking from the pulpit, ala Obama's spiritual advisor the neo-segregationist and former Muslim Rev jeremiah Wright, for America's destruction.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Being a conservative means standing aside as the GOP works hard to strengthen America’s enemies by taking out those enemies’ worst enemies (Iran, Iraq) on the U.S. taxpayers’ dime, weakening America by engaging in massively expensive conflicts without paying for them, and then being too ill-informed to understand why doing the above is so damaging..

Surrender, it’s the conservative way.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

unreconstructed - "Romney has kiwis and canadians terrified"

You're right. Terrified that laughing at what a joke Romney is might damage my health. :-)

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Because you want to frighten Kiwis and Canadians? Doesn't America have enough enemies already?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Romney has kiwis and canadians terrified. I think I will reconsider his chances.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@sushisake

Sorry mate, anyone who has been keeping half an eye on the news over the last 2 years will instantly know that is flat out wrong. It’s largely been the GOP/TPs complete failure and refusal to do anything at all good for the people they deceitfully pretend to represent that has led a once great nation to the brink

Wolfpack is right. "sushisake" is, as usual, laughably wrong.

Obama had a majority in the House and the Senate, until 2011.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Wolfpack - "With the complete failure of President Obama's economic policies ..”

Sorry mate, anyone who has been keeping half an eye on the news over the last 2 years will instantly know that is flat out wrong. It’s largely been the GOP/TPs complete failure and refusal to do anything at all good for the people they deceitfully pretend to represent that has led a once great nation to the brink.

Wolfpack - “If history is a guide, Romney will win in a landslide next November."

Not if the other GOP/TP candidates don’t destroy him first, which is looking more likely by the day.

It won’t be long now before you’ll be watching Obama’s second inauguration speech.

4 more years.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Interestingly enough, I would not attack Romney for supporting polygamy. That would be a point of religious tolerance our supposedly secular country does not have. Monogamy is totally a Christian religious dictate and nothing more.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

smith: "Perry's MAJOR gaffe"

That's nowhere near as big as the mistakes Obama's made during the past 2 and a half years.

Foxie@12:02AM - Um, no.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Wolfpack, freedom of speech in America??? You lost that some time ago already.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@ExportExpert:

Any candidate who mentions , refers to, alludes to, speaks, utters or mumbles anything to do with any religion should immediately be disqualified.

Freedom of speech is a right so basic to America that such a notion of disqualifying a person from standing for elective office based on what they say is an untenable position. A speech code regarding religion or any other conceivable subject - whether people agree or disagree with it or not - is against American values. The voters are best equipped to determine whether a person is qualified or not.

There are some conservatives that will not support Romney because of his Mormon religion. There are some liberals that will not support Romney precisely because he considers himself a Christian. Romney will in all likelihood be the Republican nominee. With the complete failure of President Obama's economic policies and the dire conditions for so many Americans, it is more likely that Obama's inadequate handling of the economy will be a greater drag on his chances than Romney's religion to his. If history is a guide, Romney will win in a landslide next November.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Let’s face it – there are NO 100% genuine religious people out there of any faith.

EVERY religious person breaks commands, tenets, etc. all the time and we are all hypocritical creatures.

The only difference is to what degree we are ‘religious’, and even that is subjective and biased.

Very unfortunately, what there is a heck of a lot of, are people who think that they and their religion are “better” than the other ones.

But is it REALLY?

This is a very deep subject, as you can no doubt guess.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

edojin - "... that is, Obama's connection to the Black Muslims in America."

I trust it is a good connection and would hope it continues.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

SmithinJapan: "I went on to explain that religion, as Taka touched on, should have nothing to do with the election and that this man's personal views, so long as they don't dictate policy, are his own and his own alone. "

Exactly, exactly. Couldn't have said it better myself. People need to realize: every U.S. president in recent history has attended Christian churches, Christian prayer breakfasts, and supported Israel based on Biblical principles.

To have these same people then turn around and start making negative insinuations about potential future presidents possibly letting their (non-Christian) religions affect their policy-making is – of course – the height of hypocrisy.

The key, of course, is that most people posting on this board have been raised or at least significantly exposed to the Christian faith, and we think it is ‘right’ almost by default.

But let’s face it – people have murdered, raped and pillaged more people and places in the name of Christianity than any other religion in history.

SmithinJapan: “Regardless, the GOP has ZERO chance in the next election because they are not bothering to field anyone who is serious. You've literally got a bunch of circus animals running for the GOP top spot. The GOP themselves have handed Obama the White House again next year.”

Lol! Bang on. As I’ve mentioned a couple of times now, I’m STILL waiting for the GOP to field a serious candidate for president.

In all honesty, I never would have thought that this election cycle’s conservative candidates could have been worse than the last crop, but they are – WAY worse!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Religion and politics should be kept completely seperate.

Any candidate who mentions , refers to, alludes to, speaks, utters or mumbles anything to do with any religion should immediately be disqualified.

Religion has no place in goverment at all, EVER !

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Serrano: "smith, you must not have been paying attention, I have already said several times recently to get ready for a second Obama term and the continued decline of the United States."

I guess I DID miss your comment, probably because the latter half made it a paradox -- you see, Obama is DEALING with the rapid decline left to him by a former someone, and if not for people like the tools running for GOP leader saying 'no' to everything Obama suggested simply because he suggests it he would be getting a lot more done. The 'funny' part is that if one of the fools running for GOP head were to become PM you'd change your turn tout de suite and start saying in a couple year's time when the President flip-flops and tries to implement legislation Obama wanted to pass but could you'd be blaming it on him and saying it's not the President's fault.

Anyway, it's still pretty hilarious to watch these guys tripping all over themselves to screw each other over. Perry's MAJOR gaffe the other day is a big hit in particular!

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

smith, you must not have been paying attention, I have already said several times recently to get ready for a second Obama term and the continued decline of the United States.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

The M&M issues. The Democrats are raising the Morman issue concerning Romney. How about the other half of the M&M issue ... that is, Obama's connection to the Black Muslims in America. Isn't that more scary than Romney's Morman connection?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I can only pray that god/gods only save us from dingbat Republicans, no matter what color, religion they would only push the USA and the rest of the world back to Iraq and the world economy further and further down the drain, just my humble opinion folks, and I do like Mormons because they are so clean, great teeth and lovely smiles, but would that make me vote for Romney?? Nah! Think I am gonna go off to my local konbini and have a beer! OBAMA 5 more years! Yeah!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Serrano: "It's a lot less worse than Obama's ineptitude."

Nice try, Serrano, but you may as well accept the fact that Obama is in for nearly another five years. Or are you going to call this one like you called the last election for President? We all remember how that result turned out. :)

Unreconstructed: "No you don't."

Ummm, yes I do. I said I support Taka 100%, and I do -- who are you to tell me I don't? I went on to explain that religion, as Taka touched on, should have nothing to do with the election and that this man's personal views, so long as they don't dictate policy, are his own and his own alone.

As for the qualifications you mention, big deal? People born with silver spoons in their mouths often go to prestigious schools and rack up qualifications without being qualified -- just look at GWB (went to a great school and what not and was one of the dumbest world leaders in history, not to mention his ineptitude redefined the word!). Romney may well be less inept that him, but that's not saying a lot.

Regardless, the GOP has ZERO chance in the next election because they are not bothering to field anyone who is serious. You've literally got a bunch of circus animals running for the GOP top spot. The GOP themselves have handed Obama the White House again next year.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

I misread that as moronism...but then again that would be Rick Perry!

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Romney may be a Mormon but it doesn't matter, at least he doesn't have 55 wives like the bastard Brigham Young.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

JapanGal - "Don't Mormons promote multiple wives and sex with kids like the Muslims do?"

Doesn't Christianity endorse genocide, rape, infantacide and indiscriminate murder?

It does, oh yeah it does (& I can give you Bible verses if you like).

Anyway, what has any of that got to do with running America?

Anything at all?

I would say that the majority of religious people never follow their religious books and commands verse by verse, and to insinuate that people do is not particularly smart.

As an example, if Christians honestly followed their religion, the would sell all their possessions, never judge anyone, and love their neighbors.

Do you know ANY Christians who follow these commands?

I don't.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Don't Mormons promote multiple wives and sex with kids like the Muslims do? Anyone know their doctrines here?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

I'm still wondering...when is the Right going to prop up some serious candidates??

Surely, the current crop is just the comedic introduction to the main event?

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

'Faceless' knows nothing about the issue,

This accusation you make while completely dodging the Pepsi challenge. How sad. It was a simple question: What decision did Romney make that did conflicted with his Mormon beliefs but was for the secular good?

Don't reach for his pledge to be secular on abortion so fast. He did a quick about-face on that one and vetoed an emergency contraception bill, and otherwise clearly indicated that his previous secular stance has changed.

Did Romney 'Mormonize' Massachusetts when he held office for there for four years?

Totally beside the point as well as a completely ridiculous question that smacks of more dodging of the issue. The issue is: Does Romney make his decisions from the secular greater good, or does he make them based on his religious beliefs?

And don't care about his father. Unlike you, I would never foist the sins of the father on the son, so its moot.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

smithinjapan:

I agree with Taka 100%. The guy's ineptitude, while slightly less worse than all the other candidates, is what should be focussed on and preferably dealt with -- not religion.

No you don't. Taka criticizes Romney, rightfully so, for his numerous flip flops on key issues - Romney's inconsistency. How you call a very successful executive and former governor, one with with Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration degrees from Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School 'inept' is quite a leap, even for you.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Strange how the media never brings up the fact that their favorite 'conservative' ,Jon Huntsman, is also a Mormon. (Nor do they tell you he is not, as many want to believe, 'fluent in Mandarin!')

If he wants to be a leader in a secular country, I say, let him prove he can make secular decisions. He has had lots of time to this.

LOL. He had four years, to be exact.

'Faceless' knows nothing about the issue, only that Romney holds religious beliefs of some sort and therefore provides Faceless with the chance to try [yawn] and show us all, again, that he is like, a total iconoclast, man; a total and genuine nihilist, not to be challenged.

Romney is a former governor, Faceless. Did Romney 'Mormonize' Massachusetts when he held office for there for four years?

Did Romney's father, while governor of Michigan and a member of the LDS when their cult was far less 'inclusive' than it is today, 'Mormonize' the Wolverine State?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

it's nice to see the press calling attetnion to Romney's religion and then pretending they support freedom of speech

What has one got to do with the other? Maybe you are talking about freedom of religion?

Perhaps you could tell us some actions Romney took that were so clearly nothing to do with his religion that they actually went against common Mormon belief?

If he wants to be a leader in a secular country, I say, let him prove he can make secular decisions. He has had lots of time to this.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

As a registered Democrat I have to say it's nice to see the press calling attetnion to Romney's religion and then pretending they support freedom of speech, not to mention Christianity, in any form.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

What the man practices and believes in personally should have zero bearing on his run for the GOP leadership

That only works if what he practices and believes personally is not influencing his political positions in ways that are aimed at cramming his religious beliefs down our throats. Do you think this anti-gay, anti-porn, anti-abortion, pro-death stances are not a product of his Mormonism?

0 ( +3 / -3 )

"The guy's ineptitude, while slightly less worse than all the other candidates"

It's a lot less worse than Obama's ineptitude.

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

I agree with Taka 100%. The guy's ineptitude, while slightly less worse than all the other candidates, is what should be focussed on and preferably dealt with -- not religion. What the man practices and believes in personally should have zero bearing on his run for the GOP leadership and possibly the White House, so long as he keeps it personal and does not allow it to dictate policy.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Mormons, once a tightly knit and secretive group, have opened to the world and through a program of proselytizing now claim 14 million members in 170 countries.

Don't have much respect for this group I have to admit. When I witness them trying to recruit uniformed Japanese HS girls in the streets here, I find their arrogance offensive and culturally insensitive toward the locals. Any candidate would be wise to distance themselves from them.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Majority of the Americans belong to some religious institution and the U.S. Constitution states that no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any government or public office in the United States according to Article VI. Unfortunately since Mr. Obama took office, America has continued to fall into futhur debt to over $14 trillions dollars of IOU's. His policies have failed destroying the economy and leadership failures has increased in numbers. The unemployment rate has increased over unacceptable levels and the national debt is at a all time high. Americans are finally starting to figure that out and beginning to understand the relationship of growing the economy, adding on more debt and increase entitlement programs. Sadly his approval rating is now at the lowest and this indicates a weak and poor leader and his inability to make firm decisions with moral clarity, common sense and is unable to put his country first. All his efforts seem to be focused on getting reelected. Hence Americans can get an opportunity and privilege next November to show their intelligence by voting for a more experienced and qualified leader. America does need the real change, Good luck Mr.Romney

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Mainstream Mormonism has changed some over the last century and a half but appears to remain very exclusive. I've heard that non-Mormons are not allowed to attend Mormon weddings, even if related to the bride or groom.

Still, Romney is a better choice than Cain, who at first says he will never talk about sexual harassment again, and a few days later is cracking Anita Hill jokes with his fans.

Compare that with Romney's father, who, when governor of Michigan, cut through all the politician b.s. of the '60s when he said he had been brainwashed into supporting the Vietnam War. Cain would be smart to bring that kind of gravitas, not more limp sexual harassment humor.

Also in the race, there's this fella from Texas whose name I can't quite remember...

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I recommend studying the origins and preachings of Mormonism before judging them by their seemingly clean living behavior. It is a cult, and the secret nature of their membership, along with bigotry and racism is well noted within Joseph Smith`s flock...and his writings.

That aside, I disagree with a persons religion being the formost consideration for political office. But looking at the current lot of candidates. Romney is better qualified (not best), and we certainly do not need another Texas governor as president. I would rather vote for the unhealthy dirty drunk chewin chocolate.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Sorry, that should be 100% :-)

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Taka, I also agree 10 %.

The degree of a person's opposition to a candidates's religious beliefs is also the degree they should not be permitted to cast a vote.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Taka313 - Agreed 100 percent. Elbunda - Are you saying that Obama is an unhealthy dirty drunk who drinks cola and eats Hershey's all the time? Is it really all that simple?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I know plenty of Mormons, real nice folk. No alcohol, no caffeine, no no tea, no coffee no cigarettes real clean, healthy people, but I guess most Americans do not like people who are TOO clean?? I also guess most Americans think that the Mormons are some kind of cult so not much of a chance to get a too clean, sober, healthy person there into the US White House. What would would COCA COLA and Hershey's chocolate say!!

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

Mitt Romney's religion should have no bearing on this presidential race. Mitt Romney's inability to stick to a position is what should be brought to bear in this presidential race.

Taka

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites