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This Speakout has not been edited

By Joseph Haynie, Fort Collins

America, the land of opportunity, founded on the principle of religious freedom, has reached a new low. Reminiscent of the 1960 elections, many Americans have disqualified Mitt Romney, an otherwise worthy presidential candidate, whose wholesome persona is unheard of in today's political arena, on the grounds that his Jesus is different from their Jesus. The public has allowed a man's religion to clout their judgment. Alas, theology, not policy, seems to be the deciding factor for the presidency.

It is plain to see that this man does not fit the commonplace misconceptions of Mormons. He does not have horns; I am sure he eats a lot of oatmeal; and it is apparent that he has but one wife - ironically enough, of all the Republican candidates he is the only one that has hade only one wife. So then, what is the brouhaha all about? Mere faith, not a qualification thereof, is of most importance.

It is sad to see that one's religious persuasion has now become their biggest hindrance in their quest for the Oval office. I resent headlines and news commentary that speak of Mitt the Mormon. They should instead read of Romney the remedy. Here is a highly educated man who has made a career out of turning around problems. The failure that was to be the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City was avoided by Romney who, in the midst of a scandal and financial fiasco, took over and made the winter games one of the most profitable in history, transforming a $379 million deficit into a $100 million profit. This marvelous feat was done in four years. Coincidentally, presidents serve four year terms. Given his track record, and the current economic circumstances we face, just imagine what he can do for our country.

Romney's rational and reasonable opponents - those who see past his religion - are critical of his political history. It is true that Romney has flip-flopped on social issues, most notably, gay rights. In 1994 he offered his support to the Log Cabin Republicans, a gay fraction of the Republican Party, stating his strong support of gay rights. However, in recent years, he has been an outspoken opponent of gay marriage, the pinnacle of the rights issues. Unfortunate, but true, Mitt has messed up.

This leads us to ask: how long should political black marks be relevant? Hilary Clinton, the Duchess of the Democratic Party, was a member of the Young Republicans and a sympathizer of Marxist thought. Why is she not wearing a scarlet letter? Is the use of illegal drugs by Democratic superstar, Barak Obama, relevant, or even pertinent, to his political aspirations? Apparently Chappaquiddick is irrelevant to Edward Kennedy's political profession, having become an infrequently mentioned footnote in his long senatorial tenure. The same can be said of Robert Byrd and his affiliation and leadership roles in the Ku Klux Klan of West Virginia. The dark secrets and flip-flopping ways of these individuals are far more dastardly than Romney's evolving stance on gay rights. Do you see the double standard? John Q. Public and all the others voters should be relieved that there is finally a presidential candidate who sports a relatively clean political slate.

President John F. Kennedy obviously managed this scenario gracefully and successfully. America judged him by the content of his character and not the credos of his church. Let us apply the same standard to Mitt. Let us see what he can bring to the table. If his history tells us anything, he's definitely the man, or, shall I say, remedy, for the nation.

READER COMMENTS

Know what's funny? The only Republican candidate for President with less than two wives is the Mormon!

ROTFLMAO!

That Romney could be elected governor of a liberal democratic state certainly speaks to his abilities as a politician. I hope that folks give him a chance and listen to what he has to say on the issues.

I know that I will listen with interest when the time comes. I hope he will not have been marginalized before then.

Nice parting comment, Neal.

The GOP has no one to blame but itself for the controversy over Mr. Rommey's religion. They've spent the last two decades using the cross as a stick to beat up on us non-believers. They've used organized religion as a ready-made recruiting and fundraising tool. And now all of a sudden religion and politics shouldn't be combined?

As for tolerance of Mr. Rommey's particular church, individual Mormons no doubt have their individual virtues. But their church hierarchy has traditionally supported the subjugation of women and minorities. Not much tolerance coming our way, so they can hardly expect much in return.

Romney has many qualifications, and I look forward to seeing him in debate with the other candidates. While he is certainly an excellent businessman and manager, his leadership on a national scale has yet to be seen.

As for his religious beliefs, those have far less to do with his qualifications than his actions. Those who disparage him for what he believes in are often much more intolerant themselves.

All religion is a mental illness.

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