Posted by
Neophyte Pundit on Thursday, December 06, 2007 12:26:07 PM
Mitt Romney gave the "religion" speech today. I must say that I was impressed by the speech. I have not, as yet, come to a decision on whom I will vote for in the primary. I really like Duncan Hunter, and would vote for him if he were a "top tier" candidate. I can see him as the Vice President, and maybe that is what he vying for.I could never vote for John McCain and/or Ron Paul, absolutely no way. I would even have a dilemma if either became the nominee (there is no way Ron Paul will ever, EVER be the nominee, no matter how much $$$ he raises). So, that leaves the top four.
Mitt Romney
Rudy Giuliani
Mike Huckabee
Fred Thompson
Fred Thompson, while an exciting entry, has done nothing to impress me. His candidacy has faltered as he is no Ronald Reagan. His speech and debate skills are lacking; he can bore you to death. Mike Huckabee has not impressed me as a true conservative. His spending and tax policy makes me wonder about his claim to be a Conservative. And, Rudy, Rudy has so much baggage. First his extramarital affairs really makes me very suspect about his honesty, and his claim to abide by any vows or promises. He may promise that he will nominate strict constructionists to the federal bench, but (and this is a big BUT) if he can't abide by the marital vows, one made before bride, friends, family and most importantly God. How can we take seriously that he would nominate someone that is likely to not legislate from the bench (ie.: Roe v. Wade). That leaves me looking seriously at Mitt Romney...
As an Evangelical Christian I am hesitant to vote for Romney because of his Mormon faith. That said, he made a rather coherent argument for tolerance of religion. His candidacy is similar to the JFK candidacy. At the time many voters were worried about the Pope, or Catholic Church influencing and/or running the White House. As president Romney has repudiated that thought; the Mormon Church will not influence his presidency. It will, however, color his decision making.
His faith shares many of the values that I do as a Christian. Family, Pro-life, hard work, tolerance, the golden rule, etc. Will that make his decision making similar to that of, say President Bush who is not afraid to talk about his faith. There are those that argue that Mormonism is a cult. While I disagree with their theology ever Mormon I have ever known was hard working, honest and very ethical.
Now, we come to the man, Mitt Romney. He has been with his wife for 38 years, and has been faithful to his family. He successfully the Olympics. He is a very successful businessman. He looks and sounds very presidential. He has a tendency to get flustered in the debates, and stumbles on reliance on lawyers. What is there not to like?
If we as Christians want religious tolerance, and pray not to have a religious test applied to ourselves, how can we be judgemental against a Mormon. The moral principles are there, the separation of church and state is abused by those who abhor anything Christian. As a nation founded on religious freedom and liberty how can we limit ourselves to those who of our own faith? We live in a time when there are those who want to remove all references and traditions that have long colored our great nation. Our Creator created us equal and endowed us with certain inalienable rights. Do we truly believe that or merely give lip service to that notion?
We must measure the man, his values, and his ability to make decisions. The founding fathers have created the greatest nation on God's Green Earth. If we believe in the principles espoused in the Constitution and our Bill of Rights can there be any reason to reject Romney based solely upon his religious beliefs? I think not.
This speech was excellent. He hit the points right on. It was a very Reaganesque speech. One that leaves me leaning toward suppporting and voting for him. If we can look to Mike Huckabee as an ordained Baptist Minister, how can we reject Romney for his faith?
What say you?