Commencing with Standards: Romney at Liberty

[gilliam]

You enter a world with civilizations and economies that are far from equal. Harvard University historian David Landes devoted his lifelong study to understanding why some civilizations rise, and why others falter. His conclusion was this: Culture makes all the difference. Not natural resources, not geography, but what people believe and what they value. Central to America’s rise to global leadership is our Judeo-Christian tradition, with its vision of the goodness and possibilities of every human life. The American culture promotes personal responsibility, the dignity of work, the value of education, the merit of service, devotion to a purpose greater than self, and, at the foundation, the pre-eminence of family.

The power of these values, this culture, is evidenced by a recent Brookings Institution study that Senator Rick Santorum brought to my attention. For those who graduate from high school, get a job, and marry before they have their first child, the probability that they will be poor is 2%. But, if those things are absent, 76% will be poor. Culture — what you believe, what you value, how you live — matters. Now, as fundamental as these principles are, they may become topics of democratic debate from time to time. So it is today with the enduring institution of marriage. Marriage is a relationship between one man and one woman.

http://www.nationalreview.com/corner...yn-jean-lopez#

[meltzerboy]

Originally Posted by gilliam

You enter a world with civilizations and economies that are far from equal. Harvard University historian David Landes devoted his lifelong study to understanding why some civilizations rise, and why others falter. His conclusion was this: Culture makes all the difference. Not natural resources, not geography, but what people believe and what they value. Central to America’s rise to global leadership is our Judeo-Christian tradition, with its vision of the goodness and possibilities of every human life. The American culture promotes personal responsibility, the dignity of work, the value of education, the merit of service, devotion to a purpose greater than self, and, at the foundation, the pre-eminence of family.

The power of these values, this culture, is evidenced by a recent Brookings Institution study that Senator Rick Santorum brought to my attention. For those who graduate from high school, get a job, and marry before they have their first child, the probability that they will be poor is 2%. But, if those things are absent, 76% will be poor. Culture — what you believe, what you value, how you live — matters. Now, as fundamental as these principles are, they may become topics of democratic debate from time to time. So it is today with the enduring institution of marriage. Marriage is a relationship between one man and one woman.

http://www.nationalreview.com/corner...yn-jean-lopez#

That's right, Mr. Romney, give your audience exactly what it wants to hear, as your opponent does. Mention all the key terms: Judeo-Christian tradition, American culture and global leadership, family values, even throw in Rick Santorum, and you're off. Leave out your liberal alma mater, Harvard University, next time; but you compensated by not including going to college as a prerequisite for a low probability of becoming poor. Good Job, Mitt!

[NiceMimi]

When we don't uphold the Constitution, anarchy will reign.

I hope and pray that this coming Presidential election, the majority will vote their faith. God first!

[Havard]

Originally Posted by meltzerboy

That's right, Mr. Romney, give your audience exactly what it wants to hear, as your opponent does. Mention all the key terms: Judeo-Christian tradition, American culture and global leadership, family values, even throw in Rick Santorum, and you're off. Leave out your liberal alma mater, Harvard University, next time; but you compensated by not including going to college as a prerequisite for a low probability of becoming poor. Good Job, Mitt!

Although I agree with your point about the benefits of college education in general, I think I'd expand your point to include alternatives. For example, Germany's vocational training dual system seems like a great option for many young Germans. I would love to see something like that implemented here.

[rlg94086]

Originally Posted by meltzerboy

That's right, Mr. Romney, give your audience exactly what it wants to hear, as your opponent does. Mention all the key terms: Judeo-Christian tradition, American culture and global leadership, family values, even throw in Rick Santorum, and you're off. Leave out your liberal alma mater, Harvard University, next time; but you compensated by not including going to college as a prerequisite for a low probability of becoming poor. Good Job, Mitt!

Are you opposed to the things you listed? Did Romney say things that disturb you?

[meltzerboy]

Originally Posted by rlg94086

Are you opposed to the things you listed? Did Romney say things that disturb you?

It disturbs me only in the political context of pandering to an audience. Obama does the same, and so do most politicians. Wouldn't it be refreshing for a politician to speak their mind for a change? I admire Santorum and Paul, not so much for their views, but for their honesty.

[rlg94086]

Originally Posted by meltzerboy

It disturbs me only in the political context of pandering to an audience. Obama does the same, and so do most politicians. Wouldn't it be refreshing for a politician to speak their mind for a change? I admire Santorum and Paul, not so much for their views, but for their honesty.

Ah. So, you don't think Romney agrees with what he said? I believe he was earnest and honest, even though it was something his audience wants to hear.

[meltzerboy]

Originally Posted by rlg94086

Ah. So, you don't think Romney agrees with what he said? I believe he was earnest and honest, even though it was something his audience wants to hear.

He may agree with it, but he would say it (the part regarding same-sex marriage) in a somewhat different way if he were addressing a different audience, using the language he had previously used about the issue, such as "tender" and sensitive. I don't really mean to single him out since, as I stated, it is the nature of politics. And Romney has become, slowly but surely, a rather good politician. But I still wonder what his core beliefs are on some of the more controversial issues.

[ringil]

Liberty University lololololol!!!!!

[ishii]

Originally Posted by ringil

Liberty University lololololol!!!!!

Ad hominem.

[NiceMimi]

What I love about our country is that we believe in what our forefathers set out to do: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In this coming election, what we need to think about is what is going on in our country, and which of these candidates is going to come closest to upholding the Constitution and doing the best possible to ensure that our country remains strong on all fronts. When we start nitpicking on the candidates, all we do is distract from our task at hand. Our country is in deep trouble, and we have to ask ourselves which of these two men do we think will respect our right to practice our religion freely, and do what the President is supposed to do: Uphold the Constitution.

[Ridgerunner]

Originally Posted by meltzerboy

Leave out your liberal alma mater, Harvard University, next time;

Gosh! You're not really blaming him for Harvard being Harvard, are you?