Comments on: Mitt Romney: Still the Best Choice http://morewhat.com/wordpress/mitt-romney-still-the-best-choice/ To build consensus on issues Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:14:00 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.3 by: Stanford Matthews http://morewhat.com/wordpress/mitt-romney-still-the-best-choice/#comment-1061 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 20:49:57 +0000 http://morewhat.com/wordpress/mitt-romney-still-the-best-choice/#comment-1061 The learning curve favors Giuliani. But most Presidents make decisions based on advice from the 'team'. Giulianii's rank in the polls may reflect single issue voters based on precisely that rationale, that his strength is reacting to crisis. I would rather a President avert crisis. Another question about 9/11 is "The Man Who Knew Too Much" (Frontline), the intel crowd and we should not have been taken by surprise due to the bombing plot in 1993 or Oklahoma City and McVeigh or by the single fact that the twin towers were engineered to withstand the impact of, I believe it was, a 737. Somebody was thinking about this stuff. What happened was dropping the ball. I have no preference who takes the blame for it. And blaming would solve nothing anyhow. The only reason I mention that is I would not want someone reading this and assume I was trying to lay blame. continue, if you wish..... The learning curve favors Giuliani. But most Presidents make decisions based on advice from the ‘team’. Giulianii’s rank in the polls may reflect single issue voters based on precisely that rationale, that his strength is reacting to crisis. I would rather a President avert crisis. Another question about 9/11 is “The Man Who Knew Too Much” (Frontline), the intel crowd and we should not have been taken by surprise due to the bombing plot in 1993 or Oklahoma City and McVeigh or by the single fact that the twin towers were engineered to withstand the impact of, I believe it was, a 737. Somebody was thinking about this stuff. What happened was dropping the ball. I have no preference who takes the blame for it. And blaming would solve nothing anyhow. The only reason I mention that is I would not want someone reading this and assume I was trying to lay blame. continue, if you wish…..

]]> by: AvoiceofReason http://morewhat.com/wordpress/mitt-romney-still-the-best-choice/#comment-1059 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 20:27:50 +0000 http://morewhat.com/wordpress/mitt-romney-still-the-best-choice/#comment-1059 #5 You raise some good points, and I would add to it the general confusion during the dilemma of the day itself with regard to communication of first responders. However, taken within a whole, some of these shortfalls are understandable. It is fair to argue that never in the history of this country has such a shocking event unfolded. Even at Pearl Harbor, the targets were military, which typically provides a command structure and operational procedures. While there were "SOP's" in NYC, it is reasonable to understand that a catastrophe of that magnitude was not anticipated. The other point that you don't mention but is alluded to in your post is in any one candidate's ability to achieve success, and I am adding within a national security context. While all the candidates will have some experience, and hopefully bring on qualified people to administer policy, I think the personal involvement in the management of this particular crisis will give an experience of what went wrong and what went right, which will provide a jump on Mr. Giuliani's learning curve. Thanks for the kudos on my site! #5
You raise some good points, and I would add to it the general confusion during the dilemma of the day itself with regard to communication of first responders. However, taken within a whole, some of these shortfalls are understandable. It is fair to argue that never in the history of this country has such a shocking event unfolded. Even at Pearl Harbor, the targets were military, which typically provides a command structure and operational procedures. While there were “SOP’s” in NYC, it is reasonable to understand that a catastrophe of that magnitude was not anticipated.

The other point that you don’t mention but is alluded to in your post is in any one candidate’s ability to achieve success, and I am adding within a national security context. While all the candidates will have some experience, and hopefully bring on qualified people to administer policy, I think the personal involvement in the management of this particular crisis will give an experience of what went wrong and what went right, which will provide a jump on Mr. Giuliani’s learning curve.

Thanks for the kudos on my site!

]]> by: Stanford Matthews http://morewhat.com/wordpress/mitt-romney-still-the-best-choice/#comment-1041 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 06:53:58 +0000 http://morewhat.com/wordpress/mitt-romney-still-the-best-choice/#comment-1041 No one person decides every decision in government alone. That is why campaign promises are limited in value. If one says they will pursue a certain agenda it is more favorable than one who says I will do this. Because it is unlikely that will happen without adequate support from others, e.g., Congress. Too much weight is being given to Rudy Giuliani's Mayoral history. If you think about it, it was not a story about prevention, but aftermath. He was a superb organizer of people and a comfort to the masses. That does not reflect what his success would be in providing national security against terrorism, only his intention to do so. It omits an analysis of his ability for success in those matters. If you are aware of all the first responders who are suffering ill effects from working at ground zero, your question for Giuliani as well as anyone else connected with the cleanup of ground zero should be why were people allowed to work in that environment without reasonable protective safety equipment as a mandatory requirement? All the respiratory ailments could have been prevented with available technology. Why did it not happen and then ask yourself if you still want to vote for Rudy Giuliani. No one person decides every decision in government alone. That is why campaign promises are limited in value. If one says they will pursue a certain agenda it is more favorable than one who says I will do this. Because it is unlikely that will happen without adequate support from others, e.g., Congress.
Too much weight is being given to Rudy Giuliani’s Mayoral history. If you think about it, it was not a story about prevention, but aftermath. He was a superb organizer of people and a comfort to the masses. That does not reflect what his success would be in providing national security against terrorism, only his intention to do so. It omits an analysis of his ability for success in those matters.
If you are aware of all the first responders who are suffering ill effects from working at ground zero, your question for Giuliani as well as anyone else connected with the cleanup of ground zero should be why were people allowed to work in that environment without reasonable protective safety equipment as a mandatory requirement? All the respiratory ailments could have been prevented with available technology. Why did it not happen and then ask yourself if you still want to vote for Rudy Giuliani.

]]> by: AvoiceofReason http://morewhat.com/wordpress/mitt-romney-still-the-best-choice/#comment-1040 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 06:41:20 +0000 http://morewhat.com/wordpress/mitt-romney-still-the-best-choice/#comment-1040 If you are concerned about terrorism and national security I think that Rudy Giuliani has to be your choice. Consider when he threw Arafat out of NYC Philharmonic back in '95. Mr. Giuliani was anti-terrorist and radically changed NYC. Of course the politicians at that time, including President Clinton, didn't appreciate His Honors handling of Mr. Arafat, but Rudy stood by his actions, “I would not invite Yasser Arafat to anything, anywhere, anytime, anyplace. I don’t forget.” Be sure not to forget this incident when you think about security and terrorism. If you are concerned about terrorism and national security I think that Rudy Giuliani has to be your choice. Consider when he threw Arafat out of NYC Philharmonic back in ‘95. Mr. Giuliani was anti-terrorist and radically changed NYC.

Of course the politicians at that time, including President Clinton, didn’t appreciate His Honors handling of Mr. Arafat, but Rudy stood by his actions, “I would not invite Yasser Arafat to anything, anywhere, anytime, anyplace. I don’t forget.”

Be sure not to forget this incident when you think about security and terrorism.

]]> by: Stanford Matthews http://morewhat.com/wordpress/mitt-romney-still-the-best-choice/#comment-1034 Tue, 13 Mar 2007 22:21:25 +0000 http://morewhat.com/wordpress/mitt-romney-still-the-best-choice/#comment-1034 Tancredo was my first choice for obvious reasons. My main concern is immigration and national security. But he certainly isn't making any noise yet, is he? It's a long way to 2008 and that is one reason I ask who people's favorites are. All of this can easily change. At this point I would nearly accept anyone but Hillary. Tancredo was my first choice for obvious reasons. My main concern is immigration and national security. But he certainly isn’t making any noise yet, is he? It’s a long way to 2008 and that is one reason I ask who people’s favorites are. All of this can easily change. At this point I would nearly accept anyone but Hillary.

]]> by: Maggie M. Thornton http://morewhat.com/wordpress/mitt-romney-still-the-best-choice/#comment-1032 Tue, 13 Mar 2007 21:59:25 +0000 http://morewhat.com/wordpress/mitt-romney-still-the-best-choice/#comment-1032 I do not see sin as having anything to do with going to church. I agree completely with, what I consider, "vile," pronouncements that lead away from New Testament grace. Many, many in Christian church service, IMHO, misrepresent the Bible. What we believe is a very private thing, and with whom we profess it, is very private. Mitt Romney should have the right to such privacy. I want to have the opportunity to vote for a solid conservative. Of those running right now, Romney and Guiliani (for his stance on homeland security) are at the top of my list. Have you given any thought to Tom Tancredo? Maggie I do not see sin as having anything to do with going to church. I agree completely with, what I consider, “vile,” pronouncements that lead away from New Testament grace. Many, many in Christian church service, IMHO, misrepresent the Bible. What we believe is a very private thing, and with whom we profess it, is very private.

Mitt Romney should have the right to such privacy.

I want to have the opportunity to vote for a solid conservative. Of those running right now, Romney and Guiliani (for his stance on homeland security) are at the top of my list.

Have you given any thought to Tom Tancredo?

Maggie

]]> by: Stanford Matthews http://morewhat.com/wordpress/mitt-romney-still-the-best-choice/#comment-1030 Tue, 13 Mar 2007 21:09:07 +0000 http://morewhat.com/wordpress/mitt-romney-still-the-best-choice/#comment-1030 I cannot really speak to anything on religion outside of my own personal experience. I am probably average or ordinary in terms of my religious endeavors as compared to the rest of America. All I know about the Mormon faith is common knowledge. I only knew one or two people that were Mormon and had no reason to even wonder what their religion was before I found out in conversation with others. Just like me I think those who told me only found it interesting as we never knew anyone before who was Mormon. I do find it bothersome with freedom of religion as a principle proclaimed as relevant in this country that so many would be polled as not willing to vote for a Mormon. Of course the comparisons are made to when JFK ran for President. OMG, an Irish Catholic for President? I think then as now, it is a political wedge manufactured by the opposition. Maggie, you stated your options regarding church membership. I was raised Catholic and joined the Lutheran Church when I was married. I haven't practiced organized faith for many years. I am one of those people many church leaders refer to as not religious. But the hypocrisy I was exposed to most of my "practicing" life helped me decide to do a one on one with God and hope that is sufficient. I probably focus on spiritual matters more since I made that decision. When the nuns told us that you wouldn't go to heaven unless you were Catholic or that the "pagan babies" would not either unless saved by our charitable collection, I found that odd even as young as six or seven. When a deacon of the Lutheran church we joined requested a meeting with my wife and I at our house and within 10 minutes of being in the door informed me we were expected to contribute 10% of gross before ever talking about faith, I was well on my way to concluding there was something wrong with organized religion. Having in-laws who criticized people who did not attend church and then slept through the entire service and spent the remainder of Sunday talking down the rest of the congregation did not help either. Let God judge me for who I am. See what you started Maggie? :-) As always, thanks for stopping. Your comments and contributions are always welcome. Maybe you should pray for this sinner. I cannot really speak to anything on religion outside of my own personal experience. I am probably average or ordinary in terms of my religious endeavors as compared to the rest of America. All I know about the Mormon faith is common knowledge. I only knew one or two people that were Mormon and had no reason to even wonder what their religion was before I found out in conversation with others. Just like me I think those who told me only found it interesting as we never knew anyone before who was Mormon.
I do find it bothersome with freedom of religion as a principle proclaimed as relevant in this country that so many would be polled as not willing to vote for a Mormon. Of course the comparisons are made to when JFK ran for President. OMG, an Irish Catholic for President? I think then as now, it is a political wedge manufactured by the opposition.
Maggie, you stated your options regarding church membership. I was raised Catholic and joined the Lutheran Church when I was married. I haven’t practiced organized faith for many years. I am one of those people many church leaders refer to as not religious. But the hypocrisy I was exposed to most of my “practicing” life helped me decide to do a one on one with God and hope that is sufficient. I probably focus on spiritual matters more since I made that decision.
When the nuns told us that you wouldn’t go to heaven unless you were Catholic or that the “pagan babies” would not either unless saved by our charitable collection, I found that odd even as young as six or seven.
When a deacon of the Lutheran church we joined requested a meeting with my wife and I at our house and within 10 minutes of being in the door informed me we were expected to contribute 10% of gross before ever talking about faith, I was well on my way to concluding there was something wrong with organized religion.
Having in-laws who criticized people who did not attend church and then slept through the entire service and spent the remainder of Sunday talking down the rest of the congregation did not help either.
Let God judge me for who I am. See what you started Maggie? :-)
As always, thanks for stopping. Your comments and contributions are always welcome. Maybe you should pray for this sinner.

]]> by: Maggie M. Thornton http://morewhat.com/wordpress/mitt-romney-still-the-best-choice/#comment-1028 Tue, 13 Mar 2007 19:31:54 +0000 http://morewhat.com/wordpress/mitt-romney-still-the-best-choice/#comment-1028 Hi Stanford, well your question is going to make me consider this issue of the next Republican Presidential candidate - and the fact that religion should not be a factor in our choice. Just as with Islam, I do not see the purpose in following a religion or movement that you do not believe in or profess. Having said that, I attend a very conservative Methodist church and I agree with everything I hear from the pulpit, but I do not agree with the necessity to send a portion of my money to the "Mother Church," who does not support a single conservative issue. So there I am. I cannot always have it my way. I can find another church that does not contribute to the "Mother Church" but what am I likely to hear from the pulpit, and what causes will be championed locally? Mormanism, however, is quite drastic in thought, when you really get into it. It is not intended for mainstream America to realize how out of the main stream Mormans are, from what most of us view as Christianity. Maybe they believe the Bible, but maybe they really only put true belief into The Book of Morman, The Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price. I can't figure it out. I think Joseph Smith, the Morman founder, sounds like a really odd guy, and I wonder why a Christian would get to Christianity by following Joseph Smith first. Having said that, I agree with everything you said in this article, and I can't see anything wrong with Mitt Romney, in fact, I like everything I see about him, and may be voting for him. Are you sorry you asked? :-) Maggie Hi Stanford, well your question is going to make me consider this issue of the next Republican Presidential candidate - and the fact that religion should not be a factor in our choice.

Just as with Islam, I do not see the purpose in following a religion or movement that you do not believe in or profess. Having said that, I attend a very conservative Methodist church and I agree with everything I hear from the pulpit, but I do not agree with the necessity to send a portion of my money to the “Mother Church,” who does not support a single conservative issue. So there I am. I cannot always have it my way. I can find another church that does not contribute to the “Mother Church” but what am I likely to hear from the pulpit, and what causes will be championed locally?

Mormanism, however, is quite drastic in thought, when you really get into it. It is not intended for mainstream America to realize how out of the main stream Mormans are, from what most of us view as Christianity.

Maybe they believe the Bible, but maybe they really only put true belief into The Book of Morman, The Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price. I can’t figure it out. I think Joseph Smith, the Morman founder, sounds like a really odd guy, and I wonder why a Christian would get to Christianity by following Joseph Smith first.

Having said that, I agree with everything you said in this article, and I can’t see anything wrong with Mitt Romney, in fact, I like everything I see about him, and may be voting for him.

Are you sorry you asked? :-)

Maggie

]]>