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Romney Hits It Out Of The Park-By: Michael A. Minton   

For anyone who has been in a cave or a coma for the past 24 hours, Mitt Romney on Thursday gave the speech of a lifetime. At least, a political lifetime, as he is in the fight of his political life. And as fights go, I would have to give Gov. Romney the Heavyweight Title for his inspirational speech.

It was a speech that did not come without its controversy; some of the Governor’s own advisors were against the idea. However, now that it’s over, I can honestly say that Mitt made the right decision in confronting the national debate over his Mormonism head-on. And to me, it also showed that he is a man of character who is going to do what he feels is the right thing, no matter what others may say. A man of conviction, who isn’t afraid to stand by what he believes. In other words…a LEADER.

The former Massachusetts governor delivered a 20 minute speech cleverly entitled “Faith in America,” in which he made clear the distinction he feels is necessary between religion and public service. At one point in his speech, Romney said, “We separate church and state affairs in this country, and for good reason. No religion should dictate to the state nor should the state interfere with the free practice of religion.”

But, he didn’t stop there. He went on to say how some people in this country (in which I would include the ACLU) have basically bastardized the idea of separation of church and state, saying, “But in recent years, the notion of the separation of church and state has been taken by some well beyond its original meaning. They seek to remove from the public domain any acknowledgment of God. Religion is seen as merely a private affair with no place in public life. It is as if they are intent on establishing a new religion in America – the religion of secularism. They are wrong."

It was, by far, the best speech I have heard come from the lips of any presidential candidate of either party. A couple of the most impressive quotes were: “These American values, this great moral heritage, is shared and lived in my religion as it is in yours. I was taught in my home to honor God and love my neighbor…I saw my parents provide compassionate care to others, in personal ways to people nearby, and in just as consequential ways in leading national volunteer movements.”

Romney was also very clear on the role that his religion would play in his service to this great country. He said basically that, while the convictions of his faith will inform his presidency, they will not dictate his decisions or actions. Basically he said that the dictates of the church end where the dictates of public service begin.

He was also clear that while a person’s religion should not be considered a reason to accept him/her, it also should not be grounds to reject that person as a viable candidate and leader.

Apparently, Romney’s speech was also well-received by many religious leaders in the public eye. Borrowing quotes from the Fox News website, C. Welton Gaddy, a Baptist preacher, author and president of the Interfaith Alliance said, “I thought it was as good a statement on religious freedom as we could ever expect from a candidate running for public office…I saw nothing in the speech that could cause concern in the evangelical community,” he said.

Ralph Reed, former executive director of the Christian Coalition, said, “Evangelicals and other conservative people of faith are not only more than willing to vote for someone … who is a member of a different church or synagogue or mosque, but they have actually demonstrated that throughout their history,” Reed said. "I think they need to be addressed and I think (Romney) did so today."

Even Romney’s rivals had nothing bad to say about the speech. Fred Thompson is quoted on the Fox website as saying, “I think it was a good speech. I mean, He made some general points about the importance of faith, which I certainly agree with. We have no religious test in this country for president,” Thompson said, adding “I don’t know why he felt compelled to (give the speech).”

This is just my opinion, but I am Mr. Right Opinion, but that last part of Mr. Thompson’s statement sounded a little bit to me like the speech might have shaken him up a bit. It almost sounds like he’s saying, “It was so good, I wish he hadn’t given it.”

And as for Giuliani, he said, “You would wish that everybody would move beyond (religion)," Giuliani said. "I believe his talk helped to put that issue to rest." Well, I’m sure the former New York mayor does wish people would move beyond religion. I mean, the man married the woman he with whom he was cheating on his former wife, he supports abortion, and there have been recent allegations that he mishandled city funds. I guess I would want voters to put aside religious convictions too, were I in his shoes.

All in all, I can honestly say that Gov. Romney looked, and sounded, more presidential than any other candidate I have seen so far.

I am officially throwing Mr. Right Opinion’s support behind Mitt Romney for President of the United States of America!

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