DC insiders: Romney must go JFK on Mormonism

There they go again. Why not Hillary
going "JFK" on being a Methodist; Obama going "JFK" on once being a Muslim; Edwards going "JFK" on being a Baptist or whatever he is. Read the Constitution; there is no religious test for being President. If a Mormon is not to be allowed, tell me, which other religions are you discriminating against? And I find it repulsive that the Tribune and other media keep bringing up Romney's religion while believing the other candidates to be just hunky-dory.

DC insiders: Romney must go JFK on Mormonism... and do something about those deep-set eyes. They look spooky on TV.

The Trib "brings it up" because it's still a news story. We've never had a Mormon president before, just like we've never had a black president before, or a female president before, or a dog president before...Religion is still a big issue in the United States, and therefore, is still a huge issue with voters.

A confessed atheist will likely not be elected as president in my life time - this Mormon, no matter how horrifying a thought it may be (the fact that he is Mitt Romney, not a Mormon), has a chance.

in regards to the previous comment. Romney's religion is of far greater importance because the republican party is composed of many people who vote only for members who will instill their religious views into politics. Religion is not as important to the democratic party.

Bonita-

Considering your indignation at Romney's religion being brought up, I'm sure you'll want to correct yourself for incorrectly bringing up the "fact" that Obama was once a Muslim. He was not.

Bonita,
These people offering advice to Romney are just speaking of the reality of the "Mormon factor", which are the perceptions, real or imagined, that many people have about the Mormon religion.

Phil Jackson, coach for the L.A. Lakers once called Mormonism a cult.

Southern Baptist, the heart of the "religious right", have historically been hostile to Mormons and claim they are not true Christians.

I suspect that the release of "September Dawn", which graphically dramatizes the real-life massacre of 120 men, women and children traveling through Utah 150 years ago, won't help. The "Mountain Meadow Massacre" happened on Sept. 11th (yes, 9/11), 1857. Although it's ancient history, people tend not to forget these sort of things (witness the Roman Catholic Inquisition and the Crusades).

You also have the polygamy factor. While the LDS church officially disavowed the practice back in 1890, an offshoot fundamentalist group known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints (RLDS), still practices polygamy, as well as the (FLDS), which seems to be the model for the HBO series, "Big Love".

http://www.rickross.com/reference/polygamy/polygamy9.html

Many people who witnessed the coverage of convicted Polygamist, Warren Jeffs (son of Ruland Jeffs) are not aware that he is leader of the (FLDS) and not the (LDS), or present-day Mormon Church of which Romney is a member.

I agree with you that religion should not be an issue, but the reality, because of how people perceive things, is quite different. It would behoove Romney to "clear things up", IMO.

Ben V., if religion is not important in the Demoncratic party, then why have all the Democrats running for the presidency been falling all over their faith and religious beliefs?

I could care less whether Romney is a Mormon or not. He is a decent man who could be a decent president. He certainly has mounds more experience than anything the Demoncratic candidates can muster -- COMBINED!!

So, Romney should apologize for being Mormon? Should Obama apologize for being black? Should Hillary apologize for being a woman?

If, as Ben says, religion is not important to the Democratic party, then why do they do so many campaign appearances in black churches? And then complain about the "religious right."

“Romney’s big problem: Lack of authenticity. He becomes authentic by fully embracing his faith and describing how the basic values he learned from it have made him the successful executive and family man he is today, and how they will guide him as president. It’s a great narrative, but he’s got to tell it soon.”

He's as authentic as a robot.

Bonita,

Contrary to what delusional Paulo might say, Obama is not a muslim.

Anonymous and unnamed Washington "insiders" say Romney's got to do this?

Wow. Who can argue with people that are Washington "insiders"? Not us middle America "outsiders", you bet! And doubly so, since they are such "insiders" that Washington "reporters" hang on their every word. It doesn't get any more blue ribbon expert than that!

To dt:

Your comments are typical of the misinformation and ignorance about Mormons. The Reorganized Church of JCLDS did not go West and did not ever practice polygamy. They are now known as Community of Christ and are centered in Missouri.
You should not pass yourself off as an authority about what a Mormon is. You are not!
My advice to any one else is to go to LDS.org or Mormon.org and be suspicious of anything else that purports to be about Mormons. There is a lot of bad stuff out there that is out of date or just plain wrong. The Main Stream Media is among the worst offenders.

Here we were having this nice little discussion about howe Romney's religion plays into his Presidential bid, and Bruce has to jump in with his own petty personal "axe to grind". Bruce can't stop whining about Chicago Tribune reporters or MSM and now the whiney Midwesterner is suddenly an expert on how people perceive Mormons.

Do you think maybe the good people out West in Mormonland might know a thing or two about how much of an issue this is? From the state's leading newspaper:

Americans know little of Islam or Mormonism, survey finds (43%)
09/25/2007 - Posted: 2:12 PM- WASHINGTON -- Many Americans say they don't know much about Islam or Mormonism but they believe both religions are very different from their own, according to a Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life survey released Tuesday.

The Salt Lake Tribune wire services

Mitt Romney and the Mormon question (54%)
09/21/2007 - Almost 40 years ago, a 21-year-old Mitt Romney watched as his father's presidential campaign stumbled to a halt. George Romney's 1968 bid for the White House failed for several reasons - his notorious remark that U...

By Dan Gilgoff Special to The Washington Post

Despite his efforts, Romney's faith still front and center a year into campaign (65%)
10/11/2007 - WASHINGTON - Snagging the cover of a well-read magazine is a big bump for any presidential candidate, but when Mitt Romney found his chiseled face on Newsweek's cover, he was less than thrilled.

By Thomas Burr The Salt Lake Tribune

In the Romney spotlight, LDS Church goes online to brief religion press (68%)
10/02/2007 - Posted: 12:56 PM- The LDS Church hosted its first online press conference today as a way to educate the nation's religion reporters and help clear up misunderstandings that have emerged in coverage of Mitt Romney's presidential campaign.

By Peggy Fletcher Stack The Salt Lake Tribune

Yeah, Bruce, you "middle America outsiders" understand all there is to know about Mormonism. That must be why the understanding folks of Nauvoo, Il. murdered the Mormon leader and prophet, Joseph Smith and drove the "Saints" out of Illinois.

And now Johnny Torture is suddenly in love with Willard too. Were you in love with him when he was governing like a Democrat in Massachusetts, John D? Maybe it was his bold proclamation that we needed "two Guantanamos" that won your devotion. Johnny's always got a soft spot for those who profess torture and denial of civil rights. So what, if Mitt's a world-class flip-flopper, as long as he's a repugnant, hey D?

Boise Boy,
I never said the RLDS went out west, just that it was an offshoot of the original. I never said I was an expert on the RLDS church either, or any other hundred or so "apostate" off-shoots.

And, BTW, I've been to the RLDS Church headquarters in Independence, and although they now are now known to the faithful as the Community of Christ, their legal name is still The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

It was at their Church headquarters (bazaar looking building, I might add) that some information guide told me that Joseph Smith never practiced polygamy (I got a good laugh out of that). I actually thought she was giving me the old (wink, wink) in regards to the polygamy thing, so thanks for correcting me on that point. It's my understanding, however, that the doctrine of Polygamy is still in Mormon scriptures, Doctrine and Covenants, section 132. The LDS Church doesn't condone it's practice here on earth, but if you're fortunate to make it through the pearly gates, I've been told, the possibilities are endless. My ex-wife even hit on me for the afterlife, (frightening).

As for the FLDS, it's no secret that they still practice polygamy, ask Warren Jeffs. In fact, I even know a few polygamist, and their assorted wives (some teenagers) and their gaggle of children (including the unfortunate Downs Syndrome victims) who very possibly are a byproduct of some degree of consanguinity.

And don't lecture me about Mormonism, spud-boy. Admittedly, I don't know much about the RLDS, nor do I want to, but I'm well versed in Mormonism. What's your Mormon pedigree, thou condescending, COC tater-head?

Thanks for the personal attack, "TheReamer".

Have you actually read the Book of Mormon? Bet you haven't. I have. And I don't think many sane people are still fixated about the death of Joseph Smith 163 years ago, or think that Midwesterners hold the same opinions of Mormonism today.

And get your facts correct. Joseph Smith was not killed by the "folks of Nauvoo", but rather by folks living in and around Carthage, where Smith was imprisoned. The "folks of Nauvoo" were Mormons and Smith's followers.

If "theReamer" can't even get such basic historic facts correct, why trust anything else he says?

Boise Boy,

Just because of that embarrassing little incident of yours at Lindberg, no need to be so cranky. Let me ask you, Mr. Smurf, do Methodist believe that homosexuals can be "cured", as Mormons do? Also, how can Community of Christ believers embrace Joseph Smith and reject polygamy? From the PBS series on the Mormons:

Polygamy's origins are unclear. What is known is that in 1843, Joseph Smith dictated the revelation authorizing polygamy, claiming God had commanded his people to live in plural marriages and thereby progress to the highest level of heaven.

So what's up with that? Are those RLDS people just cherry-picking their beliefs?

Maybe that LDS/RLDS rift is kinda like the Sunni/Shia beef, a disagreement over the valid successor of a murdered prophet? I hear the RSLDS "just said no" to Brigham Young. They fancied Joseph's son, but he was only 12, I think, a bit of a problem.

And speaking of B.Y., noted Utah Historian, Ken Verdoia, recounts that Brigham wasn't too keen on the idea of plural marriage at first:

To give you an idea of the impact of celestial marriage --or plural marriage, what we call polygamy sometimes --Joseph Smith turns to Brigham Young and said, "Brigham, you are being called to enter into this practice," and Brigham's initial reaction is: "No, I cannot. Ask me to do anything. Ask me to sacrifice my wealth, my fortune. Ask me to be away from my family. But don't ask me to do this."

Joseph Smith continually reintroduces the subject to Brigham Young month after month after month. And finally Brigham Young is watching a funeral entourage pass down the main street of Nauvoo, and he finally acknowledges: "I will accept this principle. And it's the first time in my life that I desire the grave. I wish I were dead rather than have to do this." But Brigham Young, once committed, [is] all the way in, ... and soon Brigham Young is noting in his journal "M.E." -- "married for eternity" -- page after page after page

I'll bet you won't find that on LDS.org.
Dang, it's all so confusing. How's one to know who the true fundies are anymore?
Can you illuminate things for me, brother Boise Boy?

If one sincerely wants to know about Mitt Romney's Church, please study mormon.org and lds.org. These official church sites are accurate, and give very plentiful information. (Please ignore un-Christian like, anti-Mormon, propaganda.)

Then, look at the good in the lives of faithful Mormons--neighbors, teachers,community/government leaders, business leaders, professional athletes and entertainers. Drop into any Sunday worship and Sunday School meetings--visitors always welcome at any local LDS Church.

You will find a Christ- centered church with sincere people trying to live Christ-centered lives of love, integrity, and service to God, family, and fellow man.

Actually, Obama is very vague in his two autobiographies about his early years. Read them and you will see. It is fact that
his father, stepfather and grandfather were Muslim and that is a controlling factor in Islamic society. There also is
no debate that they had influence over his younger years. The question is how much and how long. We don't need any surprises in the WH. Time for O to do a JFK.

Poor Brucie,

Above personal attacks, is he? Would you like for me to re-post the hundreds of personal attacks you've made towards individual Swamp reporters and others on this blog?

And BTW, Bruce, we don't really know all involved with Smith murders. The Mormons founded Nauvoo, but Smith had many "apostate" enemies there. And, if you recall, tensions were high in Nauvoo after Smith ordered a local press destroyed and declared marshall law.

"Illinois anti-Mormons, perhaps assisted by old enemies from Missouri, joined with a handful of determined Mormon defectors within Nauvoo. Several had held high Church positions and, when excommunicated, fueled efforts to destroy Joseph Smith and the Church.

The Prophet's life and his plans to resettle many of the Saints in the West (see Westward Migration) were cut short by a series of explosive confrontations with these conspirators. The igniting spark was the destruction of the defectors' intemperate newspaper, the Nauvoo Expositor, as a public nuisance by the Nauvoo city marshal, under orders from Joseph Smith and the city council. Removal of this press came after the first and only issue had vilified Joseph Smith, pledged to cause repeal of the protective Nauvoo charters, and invited mob action against the Saints. Joseph Smith's enemies countered the destroying of the press with criminal charges against him and his brother for inciting a riot."

http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/people/joseph_smith/martyrdom.html

And, while it's likely that many of the mob that participated in Smith's murder (est. at between 100 and 200 men) were from Carthage and Warsaw, Nauvoo is less than 20 miles from Carthage, and Smith and the Mormons DID have enemies there.

I'm pretty sure there aren't too many folks still bent over the Mormon's treatment in Ill. 163 years ago, but it's no stretch to believe that many Midwesterners today have "reservations" about the Mormons. After all, there are quite a few people of that ilk in Salt Lake City today.

And, for the record, I think that David accurately portrays the majority of Mormons. But they are no more or less fallible than anyone else. One is naive to think any different.

The true test of understanding someone's religious beliefs and true heart is to look at how that person has lived their life, what they stand for and what they do. Not what they say in a one-liner in front of the cameras. If you really want to know what Mormons believe, the information is open to all. Judge for yourself if these people are good Americans. I have known a couple of Mormons. Curious, I did my homework. Almost everything I was taught in my church about Mormons is not true. I don't know why I was told some of these things - by my own pastor. It confuses me even more. Why would my leaders take the time to downtrod Mormons, and lie to us at the same time? All I can say is to find out for yourself. I did and found that although Mormon doctrine is different from mine, their ideals and values line up more closely to mine than I ever thought.

Say Brucebot,

When you read the Book of Mormon, did the Gentiles get equal time? Just wondering.

If anyone wants to know about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint, about the Mormons or about the LDS please go to www.lds.org and click on Newsroom. Why should Romney explain the Mormon religion let his Church do it.

Romney will be best for our Economy and best for reasonable Energy in an Psuedo Environmental Era. The Al Gore constituency has made "renewable" energy the solution and as it turns out, according to a recent report from the OECD, renewables are more destructive to ecosystems, oceans, air quality, rivers, AND THEY WILL NEVER PROVIDE ENOUGH ENERGY. We need Romney to bring his business acumen to this problem. In 2008, when oil hits 100 dollars per barrel, we need him to lead a US strategy on energy in a big way. Otherwise our economy is TOAST. If the Dem's win in 2008, it will not even be 1 year before everyone, including Hillary, realizes we better get serious about Coal to Liquids, Oil Shale in the West, off shore drilling, and supporting the Unconvential Fuel Task Force recommendations to ramp up these fuels IMMEDIATELY. Mormon or not, Romney is, by far, the best to lead us in these matters. Our economy will shut down without solutions in these areas.

History Repeats

A presidential candidate was asked how his religion would effect the
discharge of his duties as President. And his response was the following:

"... the Constitution, Article One, provides for the separation of Church
and State and Article Six, which says there shall be no religious test for
office. That's why Massachusetts was founded, Maryland, a good many of the
Southern states were founded on the principle of religious freedom. I
believe in that. And, we will have a chance to see whether there is going
to be an opportunity to discuss the serious issues facing the United States
in a very dangerous and trying time. I don't happen to believe that one of
those serious issues is where I go to church on Sunday."

John F. Kennedy
1960 West Virginia Primary Election

Senator John F. Kennedy addressed the issue of religion and the White House
in his pivotal West Virginia primary.

Many historians believe that if JFK could not address his Catholic faith in
the West Virginia Primary, a state with the lowest percentage of Catholic
voters at the time (3-4 percent), he would have lost his bid for the
presidency.

He won the Primary by a landslide and cemented his presidential bid. He said
in a speech in Charleston, West Virginia on September 19, 1960, "...in view
of the fact that West Virginia made it possible for me to be nominated, I am
just asking you to help me along for another 6 weeks and get us elected."

Application to the Mitt Romney campaign is similar and poignant.

See video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJyb9R_TL8M