Mormons and politics

Romney's bringing the religion more into discussion.

Romney Seeks to Defuse Concerns Over Mormon Faith
(NY Times piece)
By MICHAEL LUO
Published: December 7, 2007
COLLEGE STATION, Tex., Dec. 6 — In a heavily anticipated speech addressing the religion issue that has dogged the campaign of Mitt Romney, the Republican candidate mentioned the word “Mormon” only once today in asking the nation not to reject his presidential candidacy based upon his faith.

The speech's text

Of course, he doesn't hit it head on, but he knew he'd have to address it. I think his request, "hey, treat me simply as a man of faith" is a fair one- of course, I also seem to believe that Mormons don't have horns growing out of their heads.

One "outsider's" perspective on her experience with Mormons, and at a school that I taught at and from which have earned BS and MBA.

From the Wall Street Journal...

What Iowans Should Know About Mormons
By NAOMI SCHAEFER RILEY
December 7, 2007; Page W13

Yesterday, at the end of Mitt Romney's speech, he told a story from the early days of the First Continental Congress, whose members were meeting in Philadelphia in 1774: "With Boston occupied by British troops . . . and fears of an impending war . . . someone suggested they pray." But because of the variety of religious denominations represented, there were objections. "Then Sam Adams rose and said he would hear a prayer from anyone of piety and good character, as long as they were a patriot."

I participated in that touted ROTC program- distinguished military graduate, even. When I was visiting faculty in psychology at BYU, I did my Reserve duty by teaching a leadership course in the ROTC program as well. As we can all see by my duty assignment, that minor in military science has paid off in spades!

In terms of brushes with greatness, I served a mission with Taggart, Mitt's son, back in France around 1989-1991 or so. Good guy, now running his Dad's campaign. Of course, some of us choose to serve in different ways.

:-)