The Globe looks at Romney, bloggers, and modern Presidential campaigns:
"Over cold cuts, cookies, and soft drinks, Governor Mitt Romney made his presidential pitch two Sundays ago to prominent Tennessee Republicans at the home of a newly elected state senator outside Nashville."
"Romney's public schedule that day didn't list the event. Members of the mainstream press weren't invited."
"But influential Nashville-area bloggers Bill Hobbs and Nathan Moore were, and both penned accounts Romney must have liked. Hobbs likened the governor to Ronald Reagan. Moore called Romney impressive and declared him "'a formidable candidate for the 2008 nomination.'"
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Friday, December 29, 2006
The FT...
The Financial Times has a nice piece on the strength Mitt's business experience will give in a quest for the Presidency:
"Described by former colleagues as "tough-minded", "analytical" and bearing "Reagan-like leadership" qualities, Mr Romney - who holds degrees from Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School - became well known in the world of venture capital for his ability to parse a lot of information in a short time, his sharp attention to detail and his penchant for poring through facts and figures."
"Described by former colleagues as "tough-minded", "analytical" and bearing "Reagan-like leadership" qualities, Mr Romney - who holds degrees from Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School - became well known in the world of venture capital for his ability to parse a lot of information in a short time, his sharp attention to detail and his penchant for poring through facts and figures."
Q & A with Romney...
Romney sat down with Human Events online and discussed several important issues:
Listen or read Mitt's Q & A with Human Events Online.
Thanks to Moms 4 Mitt for sending me there.
Listen or read Mitt's Q & A with Human Events Online.
Thanks to Moms 4 Mitt for sending me there.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Deterrence and Foreign Policy...
As a former International Relations student I found the following question and answer between Hugh Hewitt and Mitt Romney to be interesting...
HH: "Now Governor Romney, China's been pretty helpful with North Korea. They've done some good things. But with Iran, they have not been helpful at all, and now Iran announced yesterday 3,000 more centrifuges towards uranium enrichment. They're on a path towards nukes. And the question I hope gets asked of every presidential candidate is if George Bush comes before the people of the United States in the next two years and says absent military action, Iran is going to go critical and acquire nukes, and therefore, I'm going to take that action. If he made that statement, would you support him in that, Governor Romney?"
MR: "Well, you know, the challenge with threatening a military strike is that that becomes a headline in and of itself. I think America has to maintain the option of military action, any time its interests are threatened. And certainly, having a nuclear weapon in Iran would threaten not only our interests, but the interests of our friends, and would threaten the entire world. It's a setting which would justify military action. The only time one could ever consider such an action is if every other reasonable option had been exercised to keep from having to use that option, and we're a long way from there at this point. You point out, one of the key ways of influencing and putting pressure Iran, and that is through China. China really is the key, both to the nuclear armament of North Korea, as well as to Iran. They're a huge trading partner with both. And China, of course, wants the oil very badly to keep their economy going, and therefore, they don't want to iritate the Iranians. But we're going to have to build our own type of pressure, to make sure that we get from them the kind of support that we need from someone who we want to become more of a friend in the world, and that is by them putting in place very tough restrictions, and supporting our tough acts against the Iranians, our sanctions against the Iranians, as they develop nuclear weaponry."
I think it is evident from this quote that Romney understands something about deterrence. Romney understands that how we talk about Iran is almost as important as what we do. We want Iran to think we might use military action but we also don't want to be irretractable from that position. Eisenhower was one of the greatest Presidents we have had in terms of keeping the pressure up but not letting the folks who want to run off into war get the better of the situation. He kept the generals and Chang Kai Shek in line when they were trying to prod the U.S. into nuclear war with China during the 1950's. I sensed from Romney's response some of the same understanding of the need to have a flexible deterrent.
Thanks to Evangelicals for pointing out the exchange.
HH: "Now Governor Romney, China's been pretty helpful with North Korea. They've done some good things. But with Iran, they have not been helpful at all, and now Iran announced yesterday 3,000 more centrifuges towards uranium enrichment. They're on a path towards nukes. And the question I hope gets asked of every presidential candidate is if George Bush comes before the people of the United States in the next two years and says absent military action, Iran is going to go critical and acquire nukes, and therefore, I'm going to take that action. If he made that statement, would you support him in that, Governor Romney?"
MR: "Well, you know, the challenge with threatening a military strike is that that becomes a headline in and of itself. I think America has to maintain the option of military action, any time its interests are threatened. And certainly, having a nuclear weapon in Iran would threaten not only our interests, but the interests of our friends, and would threaten the entire world. It's a setting which would justify military action. The only time one could ever consider such an action is if every other reasonable option had been exercised to keep from having to use that option, and we're a long way from there at this point. You point out, one of the key ways of influencing and putting pressure Iran, and that is through China. China really is the key, both to the nuclear armament of North Korea, as well as to Iran. They're a huge trading partner with both. And China, of course, wants the oil very badly to keep their economy going, and therefore, they don't want to iritate the Iranians. But we're going to have to build our own type of pressure, to make sure that we get from them the kind of support that we need from someone who we want to become more of a friend in the world, and that is by them putting in place very tough restrictions, and supporting our tough acts against the Iranians, our sanctions against the Iranians, as they develop nuclear weaponry."
I think it is evident from this quote that Romney understands something about deterrence. Romney understands that how we talk about Iran is almost as important as what we do. We want Iran to think we might use military action but we also don't want to be irretractable from that position. Eisenhower was one of the greatest Presidents we have had in terms of keeping the pressure up but not letting the folks who want to run off into war get the better of the situation. He kept the generals and Chang Kai Shek in line when they were trying to prod the U.S. into nuclear war with China during the 1950's. I sensed from Romney's response some of the same understanding of the need to have a flexible deterrent.
Thanks to Evangelicals for pointing out the exchange.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Micheal Reagan...
Michael Reagan on Hillary, Giuliani, and Romney.
"Romney has done much more and been credited with creating an environment that has attracted new jobs to his state, especially in the field of technology. Massachustts added jobs, New York lost them."
My family and I were a few of the thousands who spent the afternoon and evening outside the Reagan Library near our home for President Reagan's funeral. The funeral was on everyone's hand radio's and portable TV's. I have always been impressed by Michael since that time and every time I have heard him speak since.
Hat tip to My Man Mitt for pointing it out.
"Romney has done much more and been credited with creating an environment that has attracted new jobs to his state, especially in the field of technology. Massachustts added jobs, New York lost them."
My family and I were a few of the thousands who spent the afternoon and evening outside the Reagan Library near our home for President Reagan's funeral. The funeral was on everyone's hand radio's and portable TV's. I have always been impressed by Michael since that time and every time I have heard him speak since.
Hat tip to My Man Mitt for pointing it out.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Atheist, Muslim, or Mormon?
Tonight on KFI AM640 in Los Angeles the segment was about if the election were between an atheist, a Muslim or a Mormon who would you vote for. While the set up seemed sort of derogatory of Romney at first and the host clearly thought Romney's religious views were wacky, he otherwise spoke very positively about having a Mormon as President.
The first caller said that while he was an Evangelical, he would clearly choose the Mormon because even if Mormons were misguided about trying to become gods by being good people, that just meant they were trying to do the right thing and that would be a positive thing in the White House.
The second caller was, of course, me. I pointed out that I would vote for Romney over McCain and Giuliani as well.
The first caller said that while he was an Evangelical, he would clearly choose the Mormon because even if Mormons were misguided about trying to become gods by being good people, that just meant they were trying to do the right thing and that would be a positive thing in the White House.
The second caller was, of course, me. I pointed out that I would vote for Romney over McCain and Giuliani as well.
Friday, December 22, 2006
The "Churched"...
Great Quote on Religion from CNN.com:
Richard Land, head of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics Commission, said he doesn't see Romney's Mormon faith as an insurmountable problem.
"I think his Mormonism is going to be a bigger problem with the 'unchurched' than the 'churched,' " Land said. "The unchurched are fairly distrustful of and sometimes hostile of the churched, and they look upon Mormons as, sort of, religion on steroids. The churched respect people who take their faith seriously."
Richard Land, head of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics Commission, said he doesn't see Romney's Mormon faith as an insurmountable problem.
"I think his Mormonism is going to be a bigger problem with the 'unchurched' than the 'churched,' " Land said. "The unchurched are fairly distrustful of and sometimes hostile of the churched, and they look upon Mormons as, sort of, religion on steroids. The churched respect people who take their faith seriously."
A Merry Christmas to Mitt and Family...
From myself and anyone who cares to join me, a Merry Christmas to Mitt and Family this year. I know you have said that you intend to be with family to make your decision during the holidays as to whether you will run for President. So, I hope it is a joyous occassion for all of you and of course, a special time as you consult with them about the decision.
For what it is worth, we know you will do a great job if you decide to run and a superb job when you are elected.
For what it is worth, we know you will do a great job if you decide to run and a superb job when you are elected.
Announcement Forthcoming?
From Breitbart...
"Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is poised to announce his campaign for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination in two phases early next month, a top adviser told The Associated Press on Friday.
The Massachusetts chief executive is expected to file paperwork as early as Jan. 2 with the Federal Election Commission, establishing a presidential campaign committee and permitting himself to begin raising money for his race on the first business day of the new year. Romney will leave office on Jan. 4."
"Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is poised to announce his campaign for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination in two phases early next month, a top adviser told The Associated Press on Friday.
The Massachusetts chief executive is expected to file paperwork as early as Jan. 2 with the Federal Election Commission, establishing a presidential campaign committee and permitting himself to begin raising money for his race on the first business day of the new year. Romney will leave office on Jan. 4."
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Everything you do...
You know you are in for some fine tooth combing when even your Christmas card hits the Boston Herald: Read here.
Nice Family Photo though.
A Very Merry Christmas Party
From Krusty Konservative...
Last night, Governor Mitt Romney’s Commonwealth PAC hosted a Christmas Party in West Des Moines. Over 130 people attended, including members of the PAC advisory committee from more than 30 counties. There was an open bar, Meatballs, Shrimp, skewered Chicken, desserts, veggies and dip. Romney seems to always go all out, remember that breakfast spread he put out for the state konvention?
The group assembled was as diverse as any for the ‘08 field. Party leaders from Linn, Scott, Pottawattamie, Woodbury, Story, Polk and Dallas were well represented. The Romney team has built a strong foundation for a future campaign.
At one point, during his brief remarks, Governor Romney talked about the time he is preparing to spend with his family over the holidays. He mentioned that the whole family is going to talk about the decision he’s about to make. When he said “what do you think, should we do this?” the assembled crowd responded with enthusiastic applause.
After the 2006 elections, it’s good to see activists in our party start to get excited about something again. I know that the same will be true for other candidates who join in the Iowa Kaucus campaign. But on this night, in West Des Moines, a lot of Iowa Republicans showed why many people consider Mitt Romney’s Iowa team the klass of the field.
Last night, Governor Mitt Romney’s Commonwealth PAC hosted a Christmas Party in West Des Moines. Over 130 people attended, including members of the PAC advisory committee from more than 30 counties. There was an open bar, Meatballs, Shrimp, skewered Chicken, desserts, veggies and dip. Romney seems to always go all out, remember that breakfast spread he put out for the state konvention?
The group assembled was as diverse as any for the ‘08 field. Party leaders from Linn, Scott, Pottawattamie, Woodbury, Story, Polk and Dallas were well represented. The Romney team has built a strong foundation for a future campaign.
At one point, during his brief remarks, Governor Romney talked about the time he is preparing to spend with his family over the holidays. He mentioned that the whole family is going to talk about the decision he’s about to make. When he said “what do you think, should we do this?” the assembled crowd responded with enthusiastic applause.
After the 2006 elections, it’s good to see activists in our party start to get excited about something again. I know that the same will be true for other candidates who join in the Iowa Kaucus campaign. But on this night, in West Des Moines, a lot of Iowa Republicans showed why many people consider Mitt Romney’s Iowa team the klass of the field.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Commonwealth PAC Newsletter...
If you haven't signed up for the Commonwealth PAC Newsletter yet you can do so here. They send you cool highlights of Romney goings on, such as these...
Governor Romney on Fox NewsIn 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 on Fox NewsIn 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.”
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
The Conservative Choice...
Recently, some have been questioning Romney's commitment to conservative principles. These criticisms are fueled by those who feel threatened by Romney. For example, many who are clearly in McCain's camp are alleging that Romney isn't a true conservative. Of course, anyone familiar with McCain's longstanding liberal views and disdain for the Republican party finds that humorous. But that's not the point.
Romney has been gaining significant ground in the pre-primary world by his appeal to fundamental conservative principles, such as: Protecting the Family, Protecting our Nation's Security, and Fiscal Restraint and Responsibility. In these realms, Romney is clearly the conservative choice.
Part of the strength of the Mitt position is that McCain and Giuliani are so lacking in these categories.
When folks from McCain's camp attack Romney and claim he is really not so conservative, they are essentially trying to say, hey, this guy is just as liberal as me. They aren't standing up for conservative principles. They aren't forging a bold path ahead. They are simply trying to reduce Romney to their playing field by attacking his greatest strength vis-a-vis themselves. Really, it is a smart strategy, and definitely the one I would employ if I was a left leaning lackey for a liberal republican senator.
Hopefully, voters will focus on Mitt's clear record of governance in MA and realize that he is clearly the conservative choice.
Romney has been gaining significant ground in the pre-primary world by his appeal to fundamental conservative principles, such as: Protecting the Family, Protecting our Nation's Security, and Fiscal Restraint and Responsibility. In these realms, Romney is clearly the conservative choice.
Part of the strength of the Mitt position is that McCain and Giuliani are so lacking in these categories.
When folks from McCain's camp attack Romney and claim he is really not so conservative, they are essentially trying to say, hey, this guy is just as liberal as me. They aren't standing up for conservative principles. They aren't forging a bold path ahead. They are simply trying to reduce Romney to their playing field by attacking his greatest strength vis-a-vis themselves. Really, it is a smart strategy, and definitely the one I would employ if I was a left leaning lackey for a liberal republican senator.
Hopefully, voters will focus on Mitt's clear record of governance in MA and realize that he is clearly the conservative choice.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Romney's Social Positions...
In this intersting article, the Boston Globe details many of Romney's conservative positions on social isues.
I particularly found the account of when he vetoed a bill that required hospitals to give the morning after pill out amusing. As the article relates...
"The veto, which the Legislature eventually overrode, drew condemnation from reproductive rights advocates, because in 2002, Romney had answered "yes" to their survey questions about whether he supported efforts to increase access to emergency contraception."
I found this consternation by the pro-choice crowd to be entertaining because they usually take such glee when conservative nominees to the Supreme Court turn out to vote their way, like Justice Kennedy did in the Planned Parenthood v. Casey case. When someone goes the other way, it drives them crazy.
I particularly found the account of when he vetoed a bill that required hospitals to give the morning after pill out amusing. As the article relates...
"The veto, which the Legislature eventually overrode, drew condemnation from reproductive rights advocates, because in 2002, Romney had answered "yes" to their survey questions about whether he supported efforts to increase access to emergency contraception."
I found this consternation by the pro-choice crowd to be entertaining because they usually take such glee when conservative nominees to the Supreme Court turn out to vote their way, like Justice Kennedy did in the Planned Parenthood v. Casey case. When someone goes the other way, it drives them crazy.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Conservatism (Part III)...
Romney is on the Yahoo! home page again for the third time this week with this news story. In my estimation, the more Romney speaks, the more he impresses.
"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."
The number of news stories hitting the front lines in recent times is quite remarkable. Romney has clearly gained a lot of momentum.
"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."
The number of news stories hitting the front lines in recent times is quite remarkable. Romney has clearly gained a lot of momentum.
Romney on many fronts...
From the National Review Online:
On his trip to Asia: "[I]t is important for us as a nation to reach out to China and to chart out a course that is consistent with a free economy and a free society. This goal must be consistent with our own principles."
On the Iraq study group: "[T]heir recommendations read like the product of a flawed process — one more focused on reaching consensus for the sake of reaching consensus."
On serving as Governor: "I’m proud of what my team was able to get done by applying Republican principles and reaching across the aisle."
On Roe v. Wade: "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."
On the information age: "I trust the people and the power of ideas to triumph in the free and competitive information market that the new media provides."
And the best quote of all...
On Mormon Christmas celebrations: "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."
On his trip to Asia: "[I]t is important for us as a nation to reach out to China and to chart out a course that is consistent with a free economy and a free society. This goal must be consistent with our own principles."
On the Iraq study group: "[T]heir recommendations read like the product of a flawed process — one more focused on reaching consensus for the sake of reaching consensus."
On serving as Governor: "I’m proud of what my team was able to get done by applying Republican principles and reaching across the aisle."
On Roe v. Wade: "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."
On the information age: "I trust the people and the power of ideas to triumph in the free and competitive information market that the new media provides."
And the best quote of all...
On Mormon Christmas celebrations: "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."
The making of a great leader...
Check out this take on the Goodrich decision in MA as a defining moment for Mitt, by Steven at Evangelicals. I won't try and add to a very clear and intelligent analysis.
Romney Surges, Opponents Challenge...
This brief article from U.S. News about Romney's opponents preparing to attack his conservative credentials as he surges in his public standing is quite comical to me. Just how exactly is John McCain or Rudy Giuliani going to attack Mitt's conservative credentials?
Giuliani: Don't vote for him, he isn't really opposed to gay marriage. At least I admit I lived with a gay couple.
McCain: Don't vote for him, he isn't really for securing our borders. At least I am honest about amnesty for illegal immigrants.
Giuliani: Don't vote for him, he isn't really opposed to gay marriage. At least I admit I lived with a gay couple.
McCain: Don't vote for him, he isn't really for securing our borders. At least I am honest about amnesty for illegal immigrants.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
A Jewish perspective on Mitt...
"I want the Nice Jewish Website to be the first Jew site to endorse Mitt Romney as the next President of the United States of America. Seriously, Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is my favorite politician since Barry Goldwater. He is fantastic. Every time I hear him give a speech or see him on the news channels or hear him on the radio he never disappoints. He is a real conservative, with real standards, convictions, and genuine morals."
Read more here.
Read more here.
Conservatism (Part II)...
Last night I noticed Romney was on the Yahoo! home page. He hit the Yahoo! home page again tonight in this news story. Funny how one was questioning his conservatism and the second was about the fight he has led in MA to try and restore democracy to his state.
Why Mitt Should be President...
The American pretty much sums up why everyone should want Romney running the country, especially when it comes to the economy.
Some Highlights...
On Business Deals: "Romney was obsessed with numbers. 'My favorite thing to do is to bathe in data,' he says now."
On Health Care: "Romney focused on the fact that so many people who could afford health care had decided to go without it."
On Overall Charm: "It doesn’t hurt that Romney has star power. He was named one of People magazine’s 50 most beautiful people in 2002."
Some Highlights...
On Business Deals: "Romney was obsessed with numbers. 'My favorite thing to do is to bathe in data,' he says now."
On Health Care: "Romney focused on the fact that so many people who could afford health care had decided to go without it."
On Overall Charm: "It doesn’t hurt that Romney has star power. He was named one of People magazine’s 50 most beautiful people in 2002."
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Conservatism and Respect...
Romney has hit the front page of Yahoo! tonight. Oh wait, what kind of silly article is this?
Apparently, Romney has quickly emerged as the candidate to worry about amongst other aspiring office-holders and those who would rather not see a strong conservative in the White House. What better way to smear the clear conservative choice than to claim he is not really conservative?
It should be readily apparent that Romney worked extraordinarily hard to overturn the fiat of the MA Supreme Council and restore traditional marriage in his state. He continues the fight today. It should be noted that homosexuals don't wonder about whether Romney is conservative.
Romney believes marriage should be between a man and a woman and his position on that is clear. He supports a federal amendment to the Constitution to protect traditional marriage.
Why did Romney say he believes he would fight more for equal rights for gays than Kennedy? I only have my take on the question since he hasn't said why. I think Romney is a fair person who believes all people should be treated with dignity and respect. Which means that even if you don't think marriage should be redefined to include all committed relationships, that doesn't mean you treat people poorly or that they aren't entitled to equal protection of the law. Homosexuals are citizens as much as anyone and deserve to be protected as such. I think Romney recognizes that and seeks to uphold it strenuously.
On a related point, most Republicans do stand for equal protection of the law more than their Democratic counterparts. The affirmative action hypocrisy is a good example.
Apparently, Romney has quickly emerged as the candidate to worry about amongst other aspiring office-holders and those who would rather not see a strong conservative in the White House. What better way to smear the clear conservative choice than to claim he is not really conservative?
It should be readily apparent that Romney worked extraordinarily hard to overturn the fiat of the MA Supreme Council and restore traditional marriage in his state. He continues the fight today. It should be noted that homosexuals don't wonder about whether Romney is conservative.
Romney believes marriage should be between a man and a woman and his position on that is clear. He supports a federal amendment to the Constitution to protect traditional marriage.
Why did Romney say he believes he would fight more for equal rights for gays than Kennedy? I only have my take on the question since he hasn't said why. I think Romney is a fair person who believes all people should be treated with dignity and respect. Which means that even if you don't think marriage should be redefined to include all committed relationships, that doesn't mean you treat people poorly or that they aren't entitled to equal protection of the law. Homosexuals are citizens as much as anyone and deserve to be protected as such. I think Romney recognizes that and seeks to uphold it strenuously.
On a related point, most Republicans do stand for equal protection of the law more than their Democratic counterparts. The affirmative action hypocrisy is a good example.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Romney on Top of Republican Field...
"New Hampshire activist Bruce Keough is signing up with Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney's burgeoning presidential campaign for one reason: He considers Romney the opposite of John McCain... Converts such as Keough have pushed Romney to the top ranks of the Republican field."
Read full Bloomberg article here.
Read full Bloomberg article here.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Romney Refuses to Deficit Spend...
If you had any lingering doubts about Romney's commitment to only spend what you have and not to go into debt providing social services, then the last few weeks should have convinced you, he is the person for our financially debt-ridden country. Romney cut about $425 million from the last budget, according to the Globe. He reinstated some of it when more money than expected came into state coffers.
While people may believe in many of the social programs Mitt cut from, does everyone really think that the state should pull out its big credit card to pay for them?
When the state spends in a deficit, they end up having to pay for it with interest later. That reduces the amount of money available later to spend on social programs because it is spent paying off debt.
Every welfare organization should be advocating for more financially responsible government so there is the most money available to them. If they want to also advocate for higher taxes to give their programs more money, so be it. But don't pretend like Governor Romney is taking money away from you when there is no money to begin with and when much of it is for raises and increases in spending as opposed to normal spending.
While people may believe in many of the social programs Mitt cut from, does everyone really think that the state should pull out its big credit card to pay for them?
When the state spends in a deficit, they end up having to pay for it with interest later. That reduces the amount of money available later to spend on social programs because it is spent paying off debt.
Every welfare organization should be advocating for more financially responsible government so there is the most money available to them. If they want to also advocate for higher taxes to give their programs more money, so be it. But don't pretend like Governor Romney is taking money away from you when there is no money to begin with and when much of it is for raises and increases in spending as opposed to normal spending.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Illegal Immigration and State Police...
Governor Romney made a deal with the Feds to allow state troopers to check on the immigration status of individuals the contact in otherwise routine situations. One of the major problems with our current immigration system is the failure to coordinate local and federal law enforcement activity (I would add this is also a huge national security problem).
Hypothetical #1: Person is caught prowling around a neighborhood late at night. They have no ID. Officers talk to them but can't prove any crime. Person is let go. Wouldn't you want to check on the immigration status of this person first?
Hypothetical #2: Person is caught trying to run out of a Best Buy with a Xbox 360. They have no ID. They are relased with a signed citation to appear in court rather than being booked into jai. Wouldn't you want to check their immigration status before letting them go?
Hypothetical #3: Officers pull someone over for speeding and they have no driver's license, no insurance, and they are discovered to be under the influence of alcohol. They are subsequently booked into jail. Isn't it obvious that you would want to check on the immiration status of this person?
There are basically three situations when you would want to check on immigration status for various reasons. First, when you don't have anything to arrest a person you are highly suspicious of such as in hypothetical #1. Second, when you are going to let someone go with a signed citation, rather than actually booking them into jail for an offense, such as hypothetical #2. Three, when you are going to book someone into jail, but they are likely to get out very quickly before an ICE hold can be put on them or perhaps ICE won't discover they are there and won't put a hold on them, such as in #3.
Simply put, being able to check on the immigration status of the people police contact makes sense from a law enforcement standpoint and from an immigration enforcement standpoint. Not only should state troppers be allowed to do this, Federal Legislation requiring local law enforcement to check in many instances would be appropriate.
Hypothetical #1: Person is caught prowling around a neighborhood late at night. They have no ID. Officers talk to them but can't prove any crime. Person is let go. Wouldn't you want to check on the immigration status of this person first?
Hypothetical #2: Person is caught trying to run out of a Best Buy with a Xbox 360. They have no ID. They are relased with a signed citation to appear in court rather than being booked into jai. Wouldn't you want to check their immigration status before letting them go?
Hypothetical #3: Officers pull someone over for speeding and they have no driver's license, no insurance, and they are discovered to be under the influence of alcohol. They are subsequently booked into jail. Isn't it obvious that you would want to check on the immiration status of this person?
There are basically three situations when you would want to check on immigration status for various reasons. First, when you don't have anything to arrest a person you are highly suspicious of such as in hypothetical #1. Second, when you are going to let someone go with a signed citation, rather than actually booking them into jail for an offense, such as hypothetical #2. Three, when you are going to book someone into jail, but they are likely to get out very quickly before an ICE hold can be put on them or perhaps ICE won't discover they are there and won't put a hold on them, such as in #3.
Simply put, being able to check on the immigration status of the people police contact makes sense from a law enforcement standpoint and from an immigration enforcement standpoint. Not only should state troppers be allowed to do this, Federal Legislation requiring local law enforcement to check in many instances would be appropriate.
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