Why hide the Mormonism? If that is his belief system why not be open about it? It seems to me that it's almost more insulting to Mormons that he shies away from talking about it just to win votes. What is that really saying? As a staunch Atheist I would never shy away from what I believe.

Not that I really care which candidate the Republicans choose, but I think Mitt just flushed his chances down the toilet. Unfortunately no candidate can escape the extreme religious fervor of this nation.

"We face no greater danger today than theocratic tyranny."
Isn't that EXACTLY what he's talking about doing, by incorporating god on "our currency, in our pledge, in the teaching of our history."???????????
WTF...this guy is a joke and the very LAST thing we need as a president!

Kennedy wasn't talking exclusively to Democrats, he was already the nominee at that point.

Wow, the title of this article really doesn't make any sense. I thought I was going to read that Mitt didn't support one of Americas growing faiths...Good to know thats NOT the case. I've been reading up on this guy and he sure seems to have his head on straight. So.. he believes in a religion and he doesn't want to display it in his campaign.. Good I say. If I want to know about his or any religion, I would want to get it from the source not the members. I looked up the web site he spoke of; www.Mormon.org and there is nothing there that I would have a problem with my president having as a value.

What I find most disturbing is that he states "Freedom requires religion..." and seems to equate liberty and religion left and right in his speech. I think Mitt Romney really has no idea about the ideals of this nation's founders.

Either or, his party can't seem to get over his Mormonism and I think talking about Romney as a legitimate presidential nominee at this point is a non-issue.

Jenn, have a look through this site while you are at as well. http://www.exmormon.org/

Would it be good for our country to have a man in the Whitehouse who believes in the "Fables" of Mormonism?
Their beliefs are almost as assinine as the Muslims who think they will inherit the harem of virgins when they reach their maker. Mit thinks he will get his own planet to rule and as I understand it there will not be any blacks in the hereafter because they cannot qualify for entrance into the "TEMPLE".
Whatever happened to "All God's Children, red and yellow, black and white?"
We don't need another BIGOT in our whitehouse.

I grew up in Arizona where Afro-Americans were refused admittance to Morman social events. In 1972 the Mormon church decided that Afro-Americans could be accepted into the clergy -- (Also Afro-Americans could alsoplay fotball at BYU) Is there any evidence that Romney publicly stated that Afro-Americans should and could be part of the Morman hierarchy and that their exclusion violated the precepts of the Constitution of the US - if not, nothing has changed for me - Romney is a comeleon who will say and do almost anything to be elected - he has changed so many times that I can not trust him to stay the course on his independence between Mormanism and the US Constitution.........

What get's me is Romney say's "difference in America should engender tolerance"so he say's people shouldnt hold his religion against him. And then in the next breadth he say's "we need religion in American political life" which means,esentially, that he wants to constitutionally limit the right's of gay's, women over their reproductive right's, ect. Talk about a double standard. Good old Two Faced Romney.

What gets me is how so many commenters use Mormonism's bigotry against Afro-Americans to attack it. "Afro-Americans were refused admittance to Morman social events. In 1972 the Mormon church decided that Afro-Americans could be accepted into the clergy" - GK

1972!! Not so many years after the Republican party (and much of America) grudgingly decided that Afro-Americans could attend the same schools as whites, didn't have to sit in th back of the bus, could use the same rest-rooms as whites, etc.

You really have to do better than state that Mormonism is bad because it reflected the views of the Republican party and much of America.

"Would it be good for our country to have a man in the Whitehouse who believes in the "Fables" of Mormonism?"

Probably no better than having a man (or woman) in the Whitehouse who believes the Fables of any other religion. (Including the 'Christian' religions.)

His speech answered nothing. Shame on fellow christians for not pointing out differences.
Is Christianity The this stuff:
Celestial Sex.
Baptism For The Dead.
Communicating With Dead.
Magic Clothing.(underwear)
Blood Attonement.
We Become Gods.
Multiple Wives.
Blood Oaths.
Spirit Babies.
Cult Practices And Secret Rituals.
Living Profits Today.

Watch Google video
"Mormons and the illuminati"

My point regarding the Mormon Church’s exclusion of Afro-Americans has two dimensions: That Christian religious tenets supposedly support brotherly love, while obviously, political parties may or may not, although in our founding documents there are plenty of “created equal” comments. Only 10% of the southern clergy came out in the 60’ for desegregation --- but the courageous one DID. Our we going to select candidates who reflect that uncommitted % or are we going to support those with the courage to state publicly to denounce any violation of the American Creed. Politicians are a dime a dozen, statesmen seem to be few and far between. Which do you want??

"I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind"—claiming that laying out such specifics for the judgment of the nation would "enable the very religious test the founders prohibited in the Constitution."

The fact that he felt it necessary to make the first statement seems to implicate the second.

Franklin: Can I give you another take on that? My understanding of the first amendment is that the state cannot dictate religions, but religious entities could petition the state for influence. See here:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

It clearly says that Congress shall make no law establishing or abridgine the freedom thereof, but it doesn't say anything about what the religions can do.

To read the Bill of Rights, it becomes clear that it is a restrictive document, not a permissive one. It restricts what the government can do, not a permission on what the people can do.

As for restricting GBLT rights, womens' rights, and the etceteras not listed, you have a pretty high hurdle to clear to get that through to the Constitution. 2/3 of the senate have to approve, as well as 2/3 of the house of representatives, followed by the 3/4 of the state legislatures.

We don't elect a dictator; we elect a presiding officer over the executive branch of our government. Nothing more, nothing less.

Lastly, where did Mr. Romney say anything bad about Islam, as a whole? Here is the quote from the speech:
: "America faces a new generation of challenges. Radical violent Islam seeks to destroy us.
(many paragraphs between)
"Infinitely worse is the other extreme, the creed of conversion by conquest: violent Jihad, murder as martyrdom... killing Christians, Jews, and Muslims with equal indifference. These radical Islamists do their preaching not by reason or example, but in the coercion of minds and the shedding of blood. We face no greater danger today than theocratic tyranny, and the boundless suffering these states and groups could inflict if given the chance."

It is quite clear that he is speaking of an element of Islam, not the whole religion.

(Controversial stuff coming up...)
I think that, as free thinkers, we need to go past journalists, Bill O'Reilly, politicians, and their ilk, and go straight to the source to understand what is said and meant by a person. Playing the "he said" "she said" game is pointless. I am so disappointed in the title and content of this article; Reading the speech gave me more insight on what Mr. Romney said than the sensationalistic headline and banal rehash.

The title of this article is EXTREAMLY missleading. I don't know much about Romney or his views, but the quote here is clearly not saying that all of Islam is evil. Romney is saying specific behaviors 'creed of conversion by conquest ..' are a form of 'theocratic tyranny'. I am very disappointed with the slant of the title of the article and that the MJones editors let this go out.

Norman and Sammy "get it"...Mormonism is really a deluded cult; David D is obviously clueless.
Mitt was obviously pandering to the Christian "right"...hoping for their support, same as Bush did....Bush never tried to live up to the agenda they put before him....and Mitt won't either...they are just trying to use the Christian right.

His whole speech was an attempt to say "Mormons are closer to evangelical fundies than those dirty secularists." Romney is running on hating non-jesus types. The "freedom requires religion" is his way of saying "people without religion are enemies of freedom."

I believe Mr. Rromney and anyone else who is trying to rewrite the History is telling the truth. Christianity has more blood on it's hands than any other religion in World. Christians are the only people who killed 6million++ Jews, caused ww1,ww2,and all wars around the globe today. Basically,they live on Blood, Hate, Racism and bigotry.

Well said, and unfortunately Stein has come to the right conclusion about the U.S. and Islam.

It's quite simple really. Ask Romney if he believes if an evangelical christian that commits adultery and commits battery is more moral than an Atheist that is faithful, kind and volunteers at a local soup kitchen. Obviously Romney would have to choose the latter and thus admit that morality and values are not dependent on religious beliefs. After admitting that, he would have no logical choice but to admit freedom does not really require religion either.

Of course he could choose the first option, but then that would be a disaster as well.

Although any worthy men of any skin color or race may hold Mormon priesthood rights, all information made known in Mormon scriptures stating that dark skin is the result of a curse of God has never been removed nor repudiated.

In fact, as of the Winter Semester at Brigham Young University, in the Genealogy 361 class the instructor, “Brother Bloxham” explained the curse. Brother Bloxham was explaining the Mormon religious concept that the spirit in heaven selects the body within to live. The student asked “Why would a spirit select the body of an African baby who was born to starvation.” Brother Bloxham gave the explanation of the curse. The same student asked “Why would a spirit choose the body of a white baby who is born addicted to crack” Brother Bloxham gave the plausible answer; “Poor choice”. I was a student in that class at the time Brother Bloxham made that above mentioned statements.

It’s as though the Mormon theology in reference to people of dark skin suggests “Yes you may ‘hold the Priesthood’ although you are inferior.”

Additionally, how are Mormons able to claim to be Christians when according to Mormon scriptures, Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon faith, was told by God that all the present religious denominations are wrong, which was the basis for the start of the Mormon religion. Early Mormon theology is reaffirmed in Mormon Fast and Testimony meetings. On one Sunday each month, members of the Mormon faith stands individually and begins (or ends) the testimony with this statement “I know the (Mormon) church is true (others are not) and I know Joseph Smith is the true prophet.” The Mormons still believe people of dark skin are inferior.

Reference:
http://www.irr.org/mit/skin-color.html

Get over it! So what if Kennedy had the nomination? Does that abdicate the "fear" that you all fear? He was Catholic...wanna talk monopoly on world religion, politics, world affairs, (yes all kinds), word-up and action/impact on all world political domination. Get it right...Mormon belief is that Jesus Christ is the Head of their church and follow His teachings from the Bible, hence The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints...albeit they use King James version of the Bible. They do not adhere to the practice of multiple wives, as has been misused by those against Romney's beliefs. For all those against Romney for religious reasons, then how do YOU reconcile YOUR need for domination based on YOUR beliefs? Same thing!
If Mohammad was a prophet and/or incarnation of Jesus Christ, and Buddha, etc., then why couldn't Joseph Smith be one too? Everyone who prays or talks to the Universe for spiritual enlightenment is capable of receiving revelation. Get over it. Look at the man's business record. None of the other candidates on either side of the aisle are squeaky clean, nor above board. Why hold a double standard? Makes you look the hypocrite that you proclaim Romney. By the way, I am voting for the best person for the job.

It is obvious that Mitt is in the pocket of the Jews with his anti-Muslim remarks. Vote Green.

It's always basically the same, always voting for the lesser of two evils. It's always a Ying-Yang thing, there's always bad with the good and good with the bad. OM

Prima Donnas First Ladies of the State: Chancellor: Golan (Goal) Cipel (to Cripple) I Crippled Golan Cipel. Break a Leg, Congratulations, Good Luck, Good Luck, Good Luck, Congratulations Throw Rice-Toast to Adolph Hitlers understudy Czar Michael Chertoff: The Producers of the Opera. We never seen shit like this, He has the whole world in his hands, Their freaking out in foreign lands. The 911 Emmy Osama Award goes to Wolf Blitzer, Situation Room. Awarded for picking up a 1938 Hollywood Contract, a script murdering Non Jews. No Jews or Presidential Candidates were prosicuted for picking up the old Hollywood Contract murdereing non Jews, killing our children for Christmas. Listen to The Phantom of the Opera: 1. Overture 7. Prima Donna 11. Wishing You Were Here Again 10. Masquerade.

Israel caused the USA dearly in terms of the costs of the "War on Iran" and in terms of its
"hated image" here and around the world. I am demanding immediate monetary relief from all parties
to Americans with their sincerest apologies, respect, dignity and integrity unveiled, and the satisfaction
I deserve for catastrophic, permanent damages this Israeli operation cost America $900 Trillion Dollars.
There are no facts in dispute and as a matter of law, Lawrence De Marco is entitled a default judgment.
I deserve for catastrophic, permanent damages this Israeli operation cost America. In God We Trust.
Decadence and disillusion pervade, and the spiritual core of the people was decimated by the inquisition.

Hollywood Royalty, Senators, News people and Congressmen on live television. Prosecute everyone
of them now. Start with Home Land Security Michael Chertoff polygraph to distinguish truthful from deceptive individuals, script readers polygraphed on live television to distinguish truthful from deceptive representatives. Subprime Foreclosures, Swindlers List of Traitors. Normandy, Sicily, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Manhattan,
Come and get it wholesale. Inside Traitors: Russia Knew in Advance and Encouraged Russian Citizens,
Sell Dollars, Buy “Judas Euros, Cursed as Blood Money, Dammed For All Time, Let Them Eat Euros”. Jesus Mohammed Christ Bloodlines are all God’s Children, named of the Father, Jesus Christ Super Star.

ANGELS IN AMERICA

Demanding Reward Money Promised to Lawrence De Marco will unveil the perpetrators of 911 forbidden to say my name, Lawrence De Marco. My Reward Money is Past Due. My salary has not yet been paid.
No one likes a debtor so its better that my salary be paid. Who would have the balls to send this. OG

Honorable United States Military are US FALLEN ANGELS IN AMERICA, Jewish Lightning Murdered.
US soldiers are dumb stupid animals who are good for nothing but pawns for our foreign policy. Kissinger.
Senator Frank Lautenberg of NJ is knowingly throwing the United States Military under a Amtrak train.
We will end euthanasia as the primary means of population control and enhance quality of life matters.

The Crucifixion Missal, Jewish Infamy Has Never Been Exceeded: Until Armageddon, and hence, Judas, thou art proved more criminal and unhappier than all; for when repentance should have called thee back to the Lord, and rescued thee from thy headlong fall. Why dost thou distrust the goodness of Him, But O man that nothing could convert, O "spirit going and not returning," thou didst follow thy heart's rage, and, the devil standing at thy right hand, didst turn the wickedness, which thou hadst prepared against the life of all the saints, to thine own destruction, so that, because thy crime had exceeded all measure of punishment, thy wickedness might make thee thine own judge, thy punishment allow thee to be thine own hangman, the rule of law, thine own judge, thy punishment be crucified.

Reward Money Promised to Lawrence De Marco is For Lawrence and not for the English Court Jews.
We remember the English Jews sending the German Jews to Auschwitz and too America Must Perish.

Dear Mrs. Sullivan: We remember your boys. And Now, Its Spring Time for Hitler Around The World.

Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, other new fascists, and yes, OUR CONGRESS are not incompetent,
they are following the plan precisely: Their job. Destroy America, and that's exactly what they are doing. To empty the US Treasury through a long series of wars from the Civil War to present day, deliberately prolonged, in order to transfer as much of the nation's money as possible to the elite royals sworn to death...... to have deliberate "no win" wars, i.e., Korea, Viet Nam, Iraq, (Iran, Israel, England).
Ask a Viet Nam Vet about the "Rules of Engagement". Psychopaths sworn to the death, this is the end.

To demoralize the people non-stop through relentless assassinations, black ops, false flags, that never get fully investigated and resolved, Oklahoma City, Waco, Texas, out source, take citizens jobs, pensions, their houses, their savings, to the point they'll be desperate for the government's intervention, even to the point of agreeing to giving up their guns, and martial law. Today's War is not a war against Adolph Hitler. Nor is it a war against the Nazis. It is a war against the Jews systematically killing Non Jews. Baiting and Switching, Israeli Manufactured Osama Terror. Israel caused the USA dearly in terms of the costs of the “War on Iran” and in terms of its “hated image” here and around the world.
Limiting choices of Presidential Candidates fast track primaries, media drives players and kill hope.

What an ignorant character this Mitt Romney is, how can you class Islam by the acts of extremists.

Maybe we should get Christianity’s view on black people from the KKK or a white supremacist group.

Mitt should study Islam from the source (ie Koran, Hadith) rather than Fox news.

The Koran and Hadith are hate books that are anti-Semitic. They should be burnt forthwith. There is no room in America for hate.

Ira C
Your response is predictable, any criticism is anti-Semitic, people like yourselves have cheapened this word.

Anti-Semitism is rampant in Europe and in Britain, in particular. You support the Palestinian terrorists.

It is true that Jews have endured tremendous hardship and suffering up until recent times (WW2) but now they are in a position of strength.

I will not use the word Jew but Zionist as Jews are a God fearing people.

Zionists abuse the power and influent they currently have to inflect the same hardship that their Jewish predecessors suffered, this is clear for the world to see this. Zionists do not fear God and do not believe in Judgment day but this day will come and it will be a day of great regret for them.

The British are religious tolerant people, unfortunately due to a Zionist influenced media they are becoming more Islamaphobic rather than anti-Semitic, still it is no way near as bad a America where the media is almost totally controlled by the Zionist movement.

Ira C

One more thing.

You call the Palestinians terrorists; I assume you refer to the suicide bombings and rockets randomly fired into Israel.

This is what happens when you take peoples land and impose concentration camp conditions, America hasn’t financed and armed the Palestinians to defend themselves like they have Israel so they resort to stones and suicide attacks.

It is criminal for the world to look on Israel and allow them to do what they do to the Palestinians, when people resort to suicide you should realise something is wrong, yet the American media makes them look like they have nothing better but harm innocent Israelis.

They are desperate people not terrorists.

Israel promotes NOT a vision of a inclusive "multi-cultural," "multi-ethnic" society (like we do in America) for Israel, but instead a racist exclusionary "Jewish state." It is racist because a Jew is defined as coming from a Jewish mother(genes). That state is openly dedicated to the advancement of the Jewish religion, culture, and even the genetic preservation of the Jewish people. Israel uses racial profiling. Israel values Judaism above other religions. Israel should seek to be welcoming and inclusive and respect all religions, or even those with no religion.
Israeli ethnocentric, chauvinism and xenophobic values are just too extreme. Israel does not share American values and let us therefore not share American taxpayer money with them. Israel needs to advance to the 21st century in its values. The days of racism should be a thing of the past. Israeli society is where America's society was 100 years ago. Israel can do better. Let us have that as our goal to advance Israel to the 21st century in the field of civil rights.

Hi Prof Wadsworth

I have read your response and agree with what you say, out of curiosity how much of the American public share your point of view.

If I were to have an educated guess I would say about 30% of the British public share that point of view.

If I were to restrict this to the University educated I would say 70% share your point of view.

What an ignorant comment...how can anyone judge any group, including Mormons, by one man/woman? How can YOU class MORMONISM by the acts of extremists; of which Romney clearly is NOT.

Or, we could just lose the three worst things that ever came out of the Middle-East; Jewdiasm, Xristianity, and Izlamb. Then the whole world would be a better place. Now see, wasn't that easy?

Allowing “…all worthy male members of the Church may be ordained to the priesthood without regard for race or color” (June 9, 1978 press release to the Deseret News) is not an apology. Its more like the KKK allowing blacks to put on the white hood.
Mormon scripture backed by 150 years of vicious hate, dehumanizing, toxic statements made by LDS presidents, “profits” and other church leaders CAN NOT BE WITHDRAWN by an over-simplified (as above quoted) statement. The LDS does not show any apologetic attitude or remorse for their contribution to the pain and suffering of Afro-Americans throughout history of the LDS church.

wooo!mitt romney is the best haters!!!!!