I have been a Mitt Romney fan since 1999. The 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City have been one of the great highlights of my life and that was thanks to Mitt. If you don't remember why, let me tell you.
In 1995 Salt Lake City was awarded the opportunity to host the 2002 winter games. I remember being downtown when the announcement was made. It was just like Christmas for little 9-year old Craig. However, by 1998 little progress had been made and now there were lengthy damning allegations of bribery, corruption and catastrophe and some serious discussion about the continued feasibility of hosting the games in Utah. Suddenly there were criminal charges and mass resignations and Mitt Romney, CEO of Bain Capital, was hired to turn the entire organization around. He was brilliant. He cut costs, restored trust, built new partnerships, expedited construction of new Olympic venues and staged what is arguably one of the most successful winter games in history. Oh, and did I mention he didn't take a penny for salary?!
Next thing ya know, Mitt is running for Governor of Massachusetts. Nearly bankrupt, rife with corruption and greed, he wins the liberal state and in one term, balances the budget, stabilizes the economy, repairs the infrastructure and successfully implements a plan to provide affordable health care to everyone in Massachusetts. And wouldn't ya know, he didn't take a cent in taxpayer salary typically given a Governor.
How was this possible? Well, first, Romney is smart. He uses time and money wisely. He knows how to compromise. He's sees the value of a certain outcome over the selfish arrogance which usually guides policy decision making in politics today. And he's relentless. When the going gets tough, he pushes through. Failure is not an option. Oh, and he has a moral compass the North Star would be jealous of.
These qualities are incredibly important for the leader of a world I want my family to grow up in.
To me, this should be enough to convince anyone Romney is the best man for the job. And it boggles my mind and pains me that this isn't the case.
THE MORMON QUESTION
Personally, Mitt's religion is of crucial importance to me and one of his greatest strengths in my book. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides a structure for moral living. I'm not talking about smoking or swearing or shopping on Sunday, though the church does address those issues. I'm talking about honesty. Integrity. Family. Self-reliance. Serving others and seeking the Lord's guidance in our lives. Obviously my opinions are based in my belief in Christ and my testimony of the gospel, and if you don't share that, it might confuse you or put you off. I'd be happy to answer any questions because I think you'll easily see the benefits of these teachings. Next, for those that don't know, the Church builds Temples of the Lord where the righteous may go to commune with God. A recommend of worthiness is required to enter and must be obtained through confidential interviews with two local church leaders. Mitt Romney holds one of these recommends and can enter the temple to provide service, receive instruction and seek answers from the Lord. Recently I was able to enter the temple for the first time and participate in the same ordinances and sacred rituals as many other Mormons like Mitt. I haven't been given the key to world peace or instructions on how to end world hunger, and in all likelihood, Mitt won't receive those answers if President either. But there are things I've felt and direction I have received while in the temple and I think if our President of the United States had access to that same environment and spiritual one-ness with God, our country would be in an infinitely better place. Anyone can pray to God and receive his guidance and blessings whether they be Mormon or not, but the Temple is a special place. *Side note: Every one of God's children are invited to come to the Temple, but requirements are set out beginning with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and joining his church on earth today.
The Mormons are well known for an additional book of scripture called the Book of Mormon. We are asked to read it daily throughout our lives. In my recent readings I've (re)discovered prophecies about the end of days. Based on those prophecies, the end of days look closer than they ever have before. I don't want to get in to every detail, or back story, but even the words from Isaiah the great prophet in the Bible spell out and predict the world in the 21st century with accuracy that can only be termed prophetic. One passage particularly worries me 2 Nephi 15:20 "Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil". I see this everyday. EVERY SINGLE DAY. You turn on the news and you can't miss it. And this, is why I think Mitt Romney will not become President of the United States in November.
America in the 21st century is simply too eager to disregard good and glorify evil. Initially an evil act might abhor or appall, but in hours or days, it's "just what the world is coming to". When attacking Mitt Romney, the most elaborate and ridiculous accusations are made. Okay, he put his dog on the top of his car, smart? maybe not, but at that time, seatbelts weren't even in most cars. He might have said some unkind thing in high school to another person. Well of course he did, but didn't you? Is that the very worst you can come up with? Yes? That's what I thought. Isn't that amazing! Yet we are more than okay with public figures who cheat on their spouses, who conduct dishonest business, who shame and attack others for being different. Mitt Romney...it just doesn't even get through anymore. What some people call flip-flopping, I call pragmatic learning. Have you never changed your mind? Don't you think some issues are better suited for a certain organization to handle? RomneyCare was very successful. On a state level with a state's guidance and citizen's actively included in the process. But that doesn't mean ObamaCare works, or is the right plan for the entire nation. Is 50 States too many? Maybe it is.
Obama is not an evil person. I'm sure he tries every day to be a good husband and father. I'm sure he's trying to be a good President. But he's lost, he's confused and he's out of his league. Obama's foreign policy experience before becoming President was growing up in Hawaii and having a father from Kenya. Romney has served a 2 year mission in France. Living there, speaking there, serving others there. Then he went on to create a hugely successful event bringing together...what? WORLD leaders, athletes, visitors, businesses. I don't understand what the disconnect is. Romney's rich? Obama isn't living off food stamps. Come on. So Obama is more eloquent. Well Moses wasn't that great of a public speaker either.
Finally, even if Mitt Romney is elected, I know things won't change over night. I know he'll make mistakes and have difficulties and challenges. Being President probably sucks. You are told you have all this authority, but you don't. You have to work with others who hate you. You have to deal with policies and institutions that you didn't create and you can't just 'wipe them away'. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes that only a President knows. But Romney is better equipped with experience in the real world and resources in the spiritual world that I believe can right the wrongs in our country today.
In 1995 Salt Lake City was awarded the opportunity to host the 2002 winter games. I remember being downtown when the announcement was made. It was just like Christmas for little 9-year old Craig. However, by 1998 little progress had been made and now there were lengthy damning allegations of bribery, corruption and catastrophe and some serious discussion about the continued feasibility of hosting the games in Utah. Suddenly there were criminal charges and mass resignations and Mitt Romney, CEO of Bain Capital, was hired to turn the entire organization around. He was brilliant. He cut costs, restored trust, built new partnerships, expedited construction of new Olympic venues and staged what is arguably one of the most successful winter games in history. Oh, and did I mention he didn't take a penny for salary?!
Next thing ya know, Mitt is running for Governor of Massachusetts. Nearly bankrupt, rife with corruption and greed, he wins the liberal state and in one term, balances the budget, stabilizes the economy, repairs the infrastructure and successfully implements a plan to provide affordable health care to everyone in Massachusetts. And wouldn't ya know, he didn't take a cent in taxpayer salary typically given a Governor.
How was this possible? Well, first, Romney is smart. He uses time and money wisely. He knows how to compromise. He's sees the value of a certain outcome over the selfish arrogance which usually guides policy decision making in politics today. And he's relentless. When the going gets tough, he pushes through. Failure is not an option. Oh, and he has a moral compass the North Star would be jealous of.
These qualities are incredibly important for the leader of a world I want my family to grow up in.
To me, this should be enough to convince anyone Romney is the best man for the job. And it boggles my mind and pains me that this isn't the case.
THE MORMON QUESTION
Personally, Mitt's religion is of crucial importance to me and one of his greatest strengths in my book. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides a structure for moral living. I'm not talking about smoking or swearing or shopping on Sunday, though the church does address those issues. I'm talking about honesty. Integrity. Family. Self-reliance. Serving others and seeking the Lord's guidance in our lives. Obviously my opinions are based in my belief in Christ and my testimony of the gospel, and if you don't share that, it might confuse you or put you off. I'd be happy to answer any questions because I think you'll easily see the benefits of these teachings. Next, for those that don't know, the Church builds Temples of the Lord where the righteous may go to commune with God. A recommend of worthiness is required to enter and must be obtained through confidential interviews with two local church leaders. Mitt Romney holds one of these recommends and can enter the temple to provide service, receive instruction and seek answers from the Lord. Recently I was able to enter the temple for the first time and participate in the same ordinances and sacred rituals as many other Mormons like Mitt. I haven't been given the key to world peace or instructions on how to end world hunger, and in all likelihood, Mitt won't receive those answers if President either. But there are things I've felt and direction I have received while in the temple and I think if our President of the United States had access to that same environment and spiritual one-ness with God, our country would be in an infinitely better place. Anyone can pray to God and receive his guidance and blessings whether they be Mormon or not, but the Temple is a special place. *Side note: Every one of God's children are invited to come to the Temple, but requirements are set out beginning with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and joining his church on earth today.
The Mormons are well known for an additional book of scripture called the Book of Mormon. We are asked to read it daily throughout our lives. In my recent readings I've (re)discovered prophecies about the end of days. Based on those prophecies, the end of days look closer than they ever have before. I don't want to get in to every detail, or back story, but even the words from Isaiah the great prophet in the Bible spell out and predict the world in the 21st century with accuracy that can only be termed prophetic. One passage particularly worries me 2 Nephi 15:20 "Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil". I see this everyday. EVERY SINGLE DAY. You turn on the news and you can't miss it. And this, is why I think Mitt Romney will not become President of the United States in November.
America in the 21st century is simply too eager to disregard good and glorify evil. Initially an evil act might abhor or appall, but in hours or days, it's "just what the world is coming to". When attacking Mitt Romney, the most elaborate and ridiculous accusations are made. Okay, he put his dog on the top of his car, smart? maybe not, but at that time, seatbelts weren't even in most cars. He might have said some unkind thing in high school to another person. Well of course he did, but didn't you? Is that the very worst you can come up with? Yes? That's what I thought. Isn't that amazing! Yet we are more than okay with public figures who cheat on their spouses, who conduct dishonest business, who shame and attack others for being different. Mitt Romney...it just doesn't even get through anymore. What some people call flip-flopping, I call pragmatic learning. Have you never changed your mind? Don't you think some issues are better suited for a certain organization to handle? RomneyCare was very successful. On a state level with a state's guidance and citizen's actively included in the process. But that doesn't mean ObamaCare works, or is the right plan for the entire nation. Is 50 States too many? Maybe it is.
Obama is not an evil person. I'm sure he tries every day to be a good husband and father. I'm sure he's trying to be a good President. But he's lost, he's confused and he's out of his league. Obama's foreign policy experience before becoming President was growing up in Hawaii and having a father from Kenya. Romney has served a 2 year mission in France. Living there, speaking there, serving others there. Then he went on to create a hugely successful event bringing together...what? WORLD leaders, athletes, visitors, businesses. I don't understand what the disconnect is. Romney's rich? Obama isn't living off food stamps. Come on. So Obama is more eloquent. Well Moses wasn't that great of a public speaker either.
Finally, even if Mitt Romney is elected, I know things won't change over night. I know he'll make mistakes and have difficulties and challenges. Being President probably sucks. You are told you have all this authority, but you don't. You have to work with others who hate you. You have to deal with policies and institutions that you didn't create and you can't just 'wipe them away'. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes that only a President knows. But Romney is better equipped with experience in the real world and resources in the spiritual world that I believe can right the wrongs in our country today.
