President Ninja Swats Fly: PETA - "All We Are Saying, Is Give Flies A Chance"; Obama Orders Haircut for Colbert; News - Romney Has Not Had An Affair

Here we see the Leader of the Free World deal with a pesky fly. Iran, North Korea and terrorists everywhere: Beware! Mr Miyagi is a real amateur compared to our President of the Flies. The Fly Swatter in Chief has Ninja Leader written all over him. Good thing we did not give him a bad time when he visited our favorite Biker Bar in Reno:

The Commander in Chief orders 4 star general Ray Odierno to give Stephen Colbert a haircut in Iraq:


Congratulations: Mitt Romney has not had an affair, but he did have that Irish
Setter vacation scandal (see below). I think they made a movie about it with Chevy Chase. We are still holding to our prediction that Mitt will be the Republican nominee and he will win the White House in 2012. Who cares if he is a Muslim, Mormon or Methodist. Mitt is no theologian or religious zealot, just born and raised a good Mormon and there is nothing wrong with that. We met all the candidates and this democrat likes Mitt!

JFK on his Catholicism and the religious affiliations of our Presidents:

We have to wonder about Mike and his blog the Third Eye on Reno. Now Mike has a great looking blog with lots of visuals. He has some pictures of nude paintings by appropriately named artist Dave Cherry that are on display now in Room 203 over at the Cortez Hotel. Mike is not showing us the really pornographic stuff, so you will have to go over and see it for yourself. Cherry's art is part of the Nada Dada art event. Great pictures here of Nada Dada. We ran into Mike at our local coffee shop. He told us about the monthly blogger dinners. What do bloggers talk about when they get together, we wonder? But after getting to know him for awhile we are suspicious. Mike worked on the Obama campaign and had an hour and a half meeting with Obama in person. What did you talk with Barack about Mike? Why did you post a UFO sighting report near Peavine Mountain in Reno on your blog? Come on Mike, quit being disingenuous, we know you know much more than you are letting on. No mention of the secret base and the earthquakes? Trying to smoke folks out Mike? Sixteen years ago this July (Monday, July 5, 1993) you marched in front of the White House for the peoples right to know, whats changed Mike? When did you go to the other side, or even worse, were you with them the whole time? Mike can be clearly seen 1:31-1:37 in the video below carrying a long banner wearing a striped shirt, white pants, glasses, mustache and long hair:


UFO Base near Ruth Mine in Ely:


A few days ago we met Paul the Writer, he has a blog called Hippo A Go-Go. He just posted a very poignant story of a bus driver not letting a young girl and her even younger brother ride the bus because she could not prove she was a student. The bus driver left her on the curb crying. Citifare, you suck! Seems like everyone in the coffee shop has a blog. Another blog we just discovered is Vegas Tea Room (we do coffee in Reno, unless its happy hour in the bar). Mike said the Guy By the Door was kinda snooty to him once, but at least he allows unmoderated comments. Another comment or two from us and that probably will change. But we like the pornographic writing style and the blog has a decidedly anti Bob Beers perspective. We remember covering the Republican state convention in Reno whose chairman was Bob Beers. They had a state convention that Robert Mugabe would be proud of - no delegates were selected there, the state convention was shut down at 5 PM Saturday, apparently it was past Bedtime for Beers. The State Central Committee later choose the delegates. No wonder Nevada went Obama. We remember that weekend, even God was displeased giving us a 4.7 earthquake (check out our earthquake prediction over at the UK Skeptics Forum - we got it all right but the magnitude, prayer does work! - eat your heart out "remote viewer" Ed Dames). 45 showed up at the convention, but he couldn't wait to get out of Dodge. No wonder, the Nevada Republican Convention turned out to be a real national embarrassment to Nevada. 45 (Mitt Romney of course) is going to be one of the better presidents, wait and see. All this talk of pornography has us worked up so we are heading over to room 203 at the Cortez and maybe later get on a certain bus. But before we go, here is a picture we stole from one of the more interesting if hypersensitive bloggers out there, Guy By the Door, with our own caption added to it (and thanks for the razz-berry):

We are a small state so we should vote out Harry Reid in 2010? Folks he is the Senate Majority Leader, tell em where to go Harry:















Old News on the Nevada State Republican Convention held in Reno (good job Mitt on getting out of there fast. 45 was overheard saying: "Lets get out of here, NOW, I'd rather be varmint hunting!"):
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Why Nevada is a Blue State now (Mike says we are not red or blue, but purple, click on to enlarge):









Not only is 45 a skilled varmint hunter, but he knows how to hunt polar bears:


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The Worst Dirt (in this case, Doo Doo) we could dig up on "45":

After looking and looking, this is about the worst we have found out about Mitt Romney, other than he speaks French with a Parisian accent. In 1983, Romney's dog made a 12-hour trip from Boston to Ontario in a carrier (it had a windscreen) lashed to the top of the family station wagon. The dog was not hurt as far as we know and Governor Romney said that his dog liked being on the roof. "He scrambled up there every time we went on trips," Mitt said. Time reported:

Before beginning the drive, Mitt Romney put Seamus, the family's hulking Irish setter, in a dog carrier and attached it to the station wagon's roof rack. He'd built a windshield for the carrier, to make the ride more comfortable for the dog.

As the oldest son, Tagg Romney commandeered the way-back of the wagon, keeping his eyes fixed out the rear window, where he glimpsed the first sign of trouble. ''Dad!'' he yelled. ''Gross!'' A brown liquid was dripping down the back window, payback from an Irish setter who'd been riding on the roof in the wind for hours.

As the rest of the boys joined in the howls of disgust, Romney coolly pulled off the highway and into a service station. There, he borrowed a hose, washed down Seamus and the car, then hopped back onto the highway. It was a tiny preview of a trait he would grow famous for in business: emotion-free crisis management.

Mitt speaks French:


Adult Commentary: Jackie and Dunlap on the Mitt Romney Shaggy Dog Scandal (the dog was never hurt or in any danger) (foul language, potty humor):


Mitt and Ann with the station wagon without Seamus:














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Why We Like 45 Reason #17 - Super Mitt! - Romney to the Rescue:

By Ronald Kessler

Mitt Romney was faced with a crisis in July 1996. The 14-year-old daughter of Robert Gay, a partner in Romney's new venture capital firm, Bain Capital, had disappeared. As it turned out, she had attended a rave party in New York City and had become high on ecstasy. Three days later, her distraught father had no idea where she was.

Romney took immediate action. He closed down the entire firm and asked all 30 partners and employees to fly to New York to try to find Gay's daughter.

Romney set up a command center in a conference room at the LaGuardia Marriott just outside Manhattan. He hired a private detective firm to assist with the search and established a toll-free number for tips, coordinating the effort with the New York City Police Department, but he still wasn't satisfied. He raced through his Rolodex and called everyone Bain did business with in New York. He asked them to help his company find their friend's missing daughter.

The company's accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and its law firm, put up posters on street poles with a photo of the missing teenager. Cashiers at Duane Reade Pharmacies, which was owned by Bain Capital, put fliers in the bag of each shopper.

Romney and others from the Bain Capital posse trudged through every part of New York, even scouring Central Park, and talked with everyone they could - prostitutes, drug addicts - anyone who may have seen her. They also made rounds at the local nightclubs at 3 a.m., hoping someone somewhere could identify her.

The same day the Romney team came to New York, the hunt made the evening news. Television cameras showed photos of the girl and video of investment banker types prowling through Central Park.

The next day, a teenage boy she was with phoned in. He asked if there was a reward. But the boy got nervous and quickly hung up. Luckily, the police traced the call to a home in Montville Township, N.J.

Gay's daughter, when they found her in the basement of that home, was shivering through detox after a massive dose of ecstasy. Doctors later told Gay that he was indeed fortunate - his daughter probably would not have lasted another day.

"It was the most amazing thing, and I'll never forget this to the day I die," Gay says, adding of Romney's intervention, "I'm not sure we would have gotten her back without him."

It is often during a crisis that we gain insight into a person's real character. Romney's action demonstrated leadership, loyalty, and selflessness - attributes that Americans just might like to see in a president of the United States.

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The top ten reasons Mitt dropped out in 2008:


After winning Nevada, the real reasons 45 dropped out in 2008:

No. 10: There weren't as many Osmonds as he thought.
No. 9: Got tired of the corkscrew landings of his campaign plane while under fire
No. 8: As a lifelong hunter, I didn't want to miss the start of varmint season.
No. 7: There wasn't room for two Christian leaders in the presidential race
No. 6: I was upset that no one bothered to search my passport files.
No. 5: I'd rather get fat, grow a beard and try for the Nobel prize.
No. 4: Got tired of wearing a dark suit and tie, and I wanted to kick back in a light colored suit and tie.
No. 3: When my wife realized I couldn't win the GOP nomination, my fundraising dried up.
No. 2: I took a bad fall at a campaign rally and broke my hair.
And the No. 1 reason Romney dropped out: His campaign relied on a flawed campaign strategy that as Utah goes, so goes the nation.

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Not for the squeamish: Does this interview make you squirm? Ron Paul being interviewed by Bruno:

4.7 Earthquake! We Run Into 45, State Republican Convention Recesses Zimbabwe Style, Governor Moves Out of Mansion, Prepare! 7 Plus Quake Imminent!

Walking out of our favorite sports book in Reno, we ran into 45. He was coming into the Peppermill Hotel and Casino to address the Nevada Republican State Convention. We were tempted to ask him how he liked Utah's chances in the NBA Playoffs - but we just got out a feeble "Hey dude, you look a lot like Mitt Romney."

Mitt (or as we like to call him, 45) was there to address the Republican State Convention on behalf of John McCain. Mitt won the most delegates but because he is out of the race the Convention was just supposed to be an endorsement of Senator McCain. But after Doctor Ron Paul showed up, the trouble started. The delegates burnt the script and took over. 45 left before the fracas started. The Reno Gazette Journal reported:

After a super-majority of Ron Paul supporters captured control of the Republican state convention Saturday, state party officials abruptly canceled the event without electing delegates to the national convention.

The GOP State Convention Chairman Bob Beers was seen racing out of the building escorted by Peppermill security after announcing their time in the facilities were up. Seems like Zimbabwe under President Mugabe is not the only place having their electoral problems.

Before the revolution, Governor Jim Gibbons addressed the convention. He has made the move back to his house in Reno, moving out of his official residence in Carson City. Apparently the Governors Mansion is not big enough for him and his wife Dawn. We suggest the state moves Dawn into an apartment and then board up the Mansion as a budget saving measure.

But welcome back to Reno Governor Gibbons. You are just in time for the 7.0 plus quake thats coming. Your experience will be sorely needed to direct rescue operations. Friday night we had the biggest quake since 1953, a 4.7. There are many small quakes coming from the same location, shallow quakes practically under the city. The Great Reno Quake is imminent. Prepare.

Just in case you think I made all this up:

Wacky Paultards Ruin Nevada GOP Convention
Nevada GOP and McCain try to steal Nevada from Ron Paul - Ron Paul Forum
Wonkette
Chaos over Paul cut shorts convention
Convention reveals party in disarray
Writer slams "Ron Paul losers" - from Chuck Muth's blog
Marian's Blog
Marital problems causes governor to move out of mansion
Update - Governor Jim Gibbon files for divorce, asks back into the mansion
Dozen of small quakes follow the major 4.7 quake
Reno Gazette Journal Pictures of the Republican State Convention
Map of Recent Earthquakes in Nevada and California
List of Recent Earthquakes in Nevada and California
Prepare for the Great Reno Quake

Media coverage of the Nevada Republican State Convention:


More than you ever wanted to know about the Nevada Republican State Convention fracas (part 1 of 6):

Part 2 of 6 video
Part 3 of 6 video
Part 4 of 6 video
Part 5 of 6 video
Part 6 of 6 video

GOP State Convention Chairman Bob Beers Statement

What are the plans now? From GOP State Convention Chairman Bob Beers:

• This delay (of probably more than a week) will give the nomination committee time to produce a comprehensive list of national delegate candidates
• The same credentialed delegates who attended the meeting in Reno, and only those credentialed delegates, will be called back to order and quickly vote for the remaining 22 national delegates.
• The re-convening will be held in Las Vegas, so that those who already paid to fly across the state once won’t have to do that again this year.
• The elections committee can come up with a system to rapidly and transparently count the ballots under the watch of all concerned parties
• We will finish up whatever few minor agenda items remain and adjourn the convention so we can move forward together to elect common sense, limited government, pro liberty Republicans up and down the ballot.

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Update:

Chairman Sue Lowden's Statement on 2008 Nevada Republican Party Convention:

I would like to thank you and everyone who attended last weekend’s Republican State Convention in Reno. We had a record turnout and we are pleased that so many Nevada Republicans chose to participate.

Unfortunately, we had to recess the convention without completing all of our work. This was done due to a rule change that took place early in the morning – which caused the convention process to take far longer than expected. Over 200 individuals’ names were submitted to the Nominations Committee for consideration to be selected as delegates to the National Convention. Once voting was opened to the floor, another 187 names were submitted. Although some names may have been duplicates, our Nevada Republican Party By-Laws allow delegates the opportunity to speak on their own behalf. Therefore, the process would have lasted well into the evening and perhaps early into Sunday morning. In addition, individual ballots for those names would have to be printed. Therefore, it was evident a recess was in the best interest of the State Convention and its attendees. This was done primarily due to time restraints and the fact that our contract with the Peppermill for the convention hall had expired.

Aside from delegate selection, I am proud to say that we completed all other convention business. We passed rules, bylaws, credentials, and adopted a State Platform which we hope all Nevada Republicans can be proud of. However, delegates still need to be selected to the national convention and we look forward to doing so in the very near future.

Currently the Nevada Republican Party is working hard to find the best possible way to complete our convention business with the selection of delegates to the National Convention. We will work from within our existing By-Laws, which state that the remaining business must be conducted in Washoe County. It is our sincere hope that once we determine the best way to complete our business for the 2008 State Convention, we will have maximum participation and the process will have taken its course in a fair and respectable manner.

Rest assured that once we determine the process by which we can complete our business, all delegates will be notified directly. We would like to thank everyone for their patience during this time.

Sincerely,

Sue Lowden
Chairman

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Clark County Republican Party

Las Vegas, Nevada

Chairman's Message

My Fellow Clark County Republicans;

Thank you for indulging me in this special message. I have just returned from the Nevada Republican Convention in Reno, and as a result of the events that unfolded there on Saturday, I was urged by many of you to write this message. The purpose is to inform you of what happened, but more importantly, communicate how we go forward as a unified Republican Party.

First, a little background. As you may know by now, the State Convention was recessed at approximately 6 p.m., after much work had been done but before we were able to finish all of GOP convention business. The reason for the temporary recess, which I have now confirmed with the State Republican Party Leadership, was due to the expiration of the contract with the hosting casino for the convention room space. The contract indicated that the room had been reserved until 5 p.m., and as there was still many hours of work that needed to be done, the decision was made by the State Party Leadership to recess the meeting to another time. As a result we failed to elect delegates to the national convention.

This action has left many delegates disappointed and angry. Some have suggested nefarious ulterior motives for the sudden halt to the convention. For example, some have claimed that it was an attempt by the Party Leadership to circumvent the will of the "Ron Paul" Republicans at the convention. Yet it was precisely our Party's leader, Sue Lowden, who brought Dr. Paul to speak at the convention. I, too, am disappointed today, as I am now seeing and hearing the emotional finger-pointing that is causing division and ill-will amongst our ranks, and that appears to be choking the life out of the party. Because of this, I write to you today and ask earnestly that you remain calm and unified while we await the decision by the State Party Leadership on how we will go forward and complete the work of the State Convention.

I realize the difficulty in requesting that you stand-by for further instructions, but that is precisely what I am asking you to do, because it is what we need to do for now. We need to stand-by, yet desperately need to stand unified and strong. I ask that you squelch any desire you may have to blame, impugn, or attack other, fellow Republicans. We cannot defeat the Democrats in November unless we are all working together with one, unified message.

Whatever problems we have right now, we will get through them, but we must endeavor to persevere. Keep focused on the fact that, we, as a united Republican Party are able to agree on many, if not most things, and those agreements are far more important than all of our differences. No small proof of this fact is more evident than our ability to agree on twenty (20) hugely important planks of our State Party's platform this weekend.

I promise you that, as quickly as information about how and where we will resume the state convention is passed on to me, I will communicate it to you. Please, stand strong, and stand unified as Republicans.

In Republican unity,

Bernie Zadrowski

Chairman, Clark County Republican Party

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45 and the delegates mingling (From Marion's Blog):








Who is this Mike Weber guy? Seems all factions like him for his fairness and knowledge of parliamentary procedure:








Interview with Mike Weber on what really happened at the 2008 Nevada State Republican Convention (our prediction - this guy will be in Carson City filing for an assembly seat soon):


Why would you be a delegate to the Nevada State Republican Convention? Delegate JR Stephens gives his opinion:


More video:


It was all Congressman Dean Hellers fault (just kidding):

Governor Mitt Romney: Top Ten Reasons I Dropped Out

Governor Mitt Romney's “Top 10 Reasons for Getting Out of the Race"

10. There weren't as many Osmonds as I had thought.
9. I got tired of the corkscrew landings under sniper fire.
8. As a lifelong hunter, I didn't want to miss the start of varmint season.
7. There wasn't room in the campaign for two Christian leaders.
6. Word leaked out that nobody had bothered to search my passport files.
5. I'd rather get fat, grow a beard and try for the Nobel prize.
4. I wanted to finally take off the dark suit and tie, and kick back in a light-colored suit and tie.
3. Once my wife Ann realized I couldn't win, my fund raising dried up.
2. I took a bad fall at a campaign rally and broke my hair.
1. There was a flaw in our campaign theory that as Utah goes, so goes the nation.


Vice-President Dick Cheney Speaks at the Annual Radio and Television Correspondents Dinner:


Following is the transcript of Vice-President Dick Cheney's remarks at the 2008 Radio-TV Correspondents' dinner:

You'd be amazed at how many guys want to go fishing with me these days.

Well, thank you very much, Steve. Thanks for the introduction. Lynn and I have enjoyed ourselves very much this evening. We want to thank the Radio Television Correspondents' Association for inviting us, and we congratulate all the award recipients.

You all know how to make a guy feel welcome. Obviously, you're not the kind to look down on a "bitter" man who clings to his guns.

And I was just as surprised as you were to see Governor Mitt Romney. And though I enjoyed his props and slides, I won't be needing any myself.

I'm counting, as usual, on the power of my charm and charisma.

But Mitt was great, and I understand he's interested in running for vice president with Senator McCain. Mitt, let me give you a little nugget of advice. Never mind the resume, the policy ideas, or any of that stuff. Just get yourself on that search committee.

As the president said in his video message, he's hosting a dinner in honor of the visit of Pope Benedict, and I myself met with His Holiness this morning at the White House. So between that and this dinner with the media, it's been quite a day for me. I spent the morning with one infallible authority, and now I get to spend the evening with a thousand of them.

I was glad to talk to the pope. It's rare that I run into somebody who's heard more secrets than I have. When the moment was right, I even took the pope aside and confided to him that I'd been thinking a lot of unkind thoughts lately about the news media. I went on and on, and finally said, "Your Holiness, I just don't think they like me."

The pope replied, "So?"

It's always very exciting when the pope comes to town. And I am modest enough to realize that all of you would rather see the pope standing here than me. But instead of the successor to St. Peter, you're stuck with me, the successor to St. Al.

Speaking of Vice President Gore, I'm sorry to relate that he's a little bit sore at me. He's convinced that, on global warming, I just don't get it. But lately with every passing day, the evidence has been catching my attention. I have no doubt, none at all, that we are in the midst of a global warming, or as I prefer to call it, spring. And I don't want to sound like an alarmist, but it's going to get a lot warmer before it gets cooler.

But I want you to know I'm doing my part to meet the crisis by reducing my carbon footprint big-time. Every time I'm rushed to the hospital, I insist on a hybrid ambulance.

You heard it from the president himself tonight, that I'm the funniest guy he knows. I'll take that compliment, but I'll try to forget that it comes from the same fellow who thinks that 9 p.m. is late, who believes ginger ale is a night cap, and who thinks paradise is 40 miles west of Waco.

It could also be that, by sending me here, the president's trying to soften up my image. After all these years, all the time we've spent together, he persists in thinking I come across as a cold, forbidding, even frightening man.

But the president's not alone. Even my wife seems to think my image needs polishing. At breakfast today I asked Lynn if, deep down, it bugs her that people have taken to calling me Darth Vader. She said, "Not at all. It humanizes you."

All the same, I'm very glad to be here tonight, in the president's usual place, and it's good to share the stage with so many dignitaries, including Majority Leader Hoyer, Minority Leader McConnell, Chairman Dingell, Minority Whip Kyl, and that great TV personality and blogger, Mo Rocca.

In case you don't know it, Mo's blog is titled "Mo Rocca 180: Only Half as Tedious as the Regular News." Among his other credits, Mo used to host a TV show called "Things I Hate About You." I'm sure I've seen that program. Only I believe it's now called "Countdown with Keith Olbermann."

Keith's not here tonight to savor my company, but we do have many big names from the broadcast media. And you could use a little good cheer, because these are tough times in your industry, in this age of YouTube and the blogs that threaten to overshadow the old media.

At times you must feel like you're at the center of events, but nobody's really paying attention to you. You understand the world better than anybody, but no one wants to hear it. Now you know exactly what it's like to be vice president.

But I've had frustrations of my own. I'm old news in this election, but I want a piece of the action. I'm fired up for my own candidate, but the feeling isn't always returned. I feel kind of like Bill Clinton.

But like you, I've been watching the campaign with interest, and I really want John McCain to win. I'm proud to support John, even though one of the Democrats running is a relative of mine. He's Senator Obama to you, but he's cousin Barack to me.

Amazingly enough, it turns out that Barack is also related to Brad Pitt. That means Dick Cheney and Brad Pitt are related, which explains what Angelina sees in that guy. In case you're looking -- in any case, you're looking at somebody who is just a couple degrees of separation from the sexiest man alive.

Barack Obama and I have had our disagreements, and, frankly, I do wish he'd keep these things in the family. For example, I keep telling him it's time to start thinking about a choice for vice president. He says he'll find a running mate just as soon as he's got himself a new pastor. I like that one.

I guess my cousin Barack has sat through some mighty riveting sermons over the years. If he gets elected, you're not going to want to miss those Washington prayer breakfasts.

Of course, there are two Democrats running, and they're still hopelessly divided over who's the real uniter. And you in the press need to go easy on Senator Clinton on the whole business about running and ducking from gunfire in Bosnia. She made an honest mistake. She confused the Bosnia trip with the time I took her hunting.

Did you see that footage of Hillary knocking that -- back that shot with a beer chaser? People say she did it like an old pro. I hadn't realized she'd been in the Senate that long. Looks like she replaced Mark Penn with Johnny Walker.

Apparently, it was pretty strong whiskey, and there might have been a few more when the cameras stopped rolling. When the 3 a.m. phone call came in, it went right to voice mail.

Maybe I've sympathetic to Hillary because I've had my own troubles.

The big buzz last week was about that picture of me fishing. In the reflection in my sunglasses, it looked like I'd reeled in something a lot more interesting than trout. You should have seen the one that got away.

I get asked a lot about that photo. The most common question is: what lure was I using? Anyway, that's the last time I'll go with an outfitter called the Emperors Club VIP.

With that, I think it's time for Mo Rocca and less Cheney. But before I turn over to Mo, I want to tell you that I like and admire the broadcast media more than I usually let on. I want to tell you how much I've come to appreciate the work you do, often under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. I want to tell you that you're here in Washington, because you're among the finest in your profession. You do hard work. And you do it well. I want to tell you all these things, but I just can't bring myself to do it. But since it is our last time together at this dinner, I think it's enough to leave you with words I once addressed to Senator Pat Leahy. Go straight home, have a good night, and thank you very much.

Mitt Romney's Faith in America Speech

Mitt Romney's Faith in America Speech - Part One:


Mitt Romney's Faith in America Speech - Part Two:


John Kennedy's 1960 Faith in America Speech:


Transcript of Mitt Romney Faith in America Speech:
The following is a transcript (as prepared for delivery) of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's speech "Faith in America," delivered Thursday, December 6, 2007 at the George Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas. Romney discussed his views on religious liberty, religious tolerance and how faith would inform his presidency. The speech begins with Romney addressing former President George H.W. Bush, who introduced the former governor.

Romney: Thank you, Mr. President, for your kind introduction.

"It is an honor to be here today. This is an inspiring place because of you and the first lady, and because of the film exhibited across the way in the Presidential library. For those who have not seen it, it shows the President as a young pilot, shot down during the Second World War, being rescued from his life-raft by the crew of an American submarine. It is a moving reminder that when America has faced challenge and peril, Americans rise to the occasion, willing to risk their very lives to defend freedom and preserve our nation. We are in your debt. Thank you, Mr. President.

"Mr. President, your generation rose to the occasion, first to defeat Fascism and then to vanquish the Soviet Union. You left us, your children, a free and strong America. It is why we call yours the greatest generation. It is now my generation's turn. How we respond to today's challenges will define our generation. And it will determine what kind of America we will leave our children, and theirs.

"America faces a new generation of challenges. Radical violent Islam seeks to destroy us. An emerging China endeavors to surpass our economic leadership. And we are troubled at home by government overspending, overuse of foreign oil, and the breakdown of the family.

"Over the last year, we have embarked on a national debate on how best to preserve American leadership. Today, I wish to address a topic which I believe is fundamental to America's greatness: our religious liberty. I will also offer perspectives on how my own faith would inform my presidency, if I were elected.

"There are some who may feel that religion is not a matter to be seriously considered in the context of the weighty threats that face us. If so, they are at odds with the nation's founders, for they, when our nation faced its greatest peril, sought the blessings of the Creator. And further, they discovered the essential connection between the survival of a free land and the protection of religious freedom. In John Adams' words: 'We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion... Our constitution was made for a moral and religious people.'

"Freedom requires religion just as religion requires freedom. Freedom opens the windows of the soul so that man can discover his most profound beliefs and commune with God. Freedom and religion endure together, or perish alone.

"Given our grand tradition of religious tolerance and liberty, some wonder whether there are any questions regarding an aspiring candidate's religion that are appropriate. I believe there are. And I will answer them today.

"Almost 50 years ago another candidate from Massachusetts explained that he was an American running for president, not a Catholic running for president. Like him, I am an American running for president. I do not define my candidacy by my religion. A person should not be elected because of his faith nor should he be rejected because of his faith.

"Let me assure you that no authorities of my church, or of any other church for that matter, will ever exert influence on presidential decisions. Their authority is theirs, within the province of church affairs, and it ends where the affairs of the nation begin.

"As governor, I tried to do the right as best I knew it, serving the law and answering to the Constitution. I did not confuse the particular teachings of my church with the obligations of the office and of the Constitution - and of course, I would not do so as president. I will put no doctrine of any church above the plain duties of the office and the sovereign authority of the law.

"As a young man, Lincoln described what he called America's 'political religion' - the commitment to defend the rule of law and the Constitution. When I place my hand on the Bible and take the oath of office, that oath becomes my highest promise to God. If I am fortunate to become your president, I will serve no one religion, no one group, no one cause, and no one interest. A president must serve only the common cause of the people of the United States.

"There are some for whom these commitments are not enough. They would prefer it if I would simply distance myself from my religion, say that it is more a tradition than my personal conviction, or disavow one or another of its precepts. That I will not do. I believe in my Mormon faith and I endeavor to live by it. My faith is the faith of my fathers - I will be true to them and to my beliefs.

"Some believe that such a confession of my faith will sink my candidacy. If they are right, so be it. But I think they underestimate the American people. Americans do not respect believers of convenience.

Americans tire of those who would jettison their beliefs, even to gain the world.

"There is one fundamental question about which I often am asked. What do I believe about Jesus Christ? I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind. My church's beliefs about Christ may not all be the same as those of other faiths. Each religion has its own unique doctrines and history. These are not bases for criticism but rather a test of our tolerance. Religious tolerance would be a shallow principle indeed if it were reserved only for faiths with which we agree.

"There are some who would have a presidential candidate describe and explain his church's distinctive doctrines. To do so would enable the very religious test the founders prohibited in the Constitution. No candidate should become the spokesman for his faith. For if he becomes president he will need the prayers of the people of all faiths.

"I believe that every faith I have encountered draws its adherents closer to God. And in every faith I have come to know, there are features I wish were in my own: I love the profound ceremony of the Catholic Mass, the approachability of God in the prayers of the Evangelicals, the tenderness of spirit among the Pentecostals, the confident independence of the Lutherans, the ancient traditions of the Jews, unchanged through the ages, and the commitment to frequent prayer of the Muslims. As I travel across the country and see our towns and cities, I am always moved by the many houses of worship with their steeples, all pointing to heaven, reminding us of the source of life's blessings.

"It is important to recognize that while differences in theology exist between the churches in America, we share a common creed of moral convictions. And where the affairs of our nation are concerned, it's usually a sound rule to focus on the latter - on the great moral principles that urge us all on a common course. Whether it was the cause of abolition, or civil rights, or the right to life itself, no movement of conscience can succeed in America that cannot speak to the convictions of religious people.

"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 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.

"The founders proscribed the establishment of a state religion, but they did not countenance the elimination of religion from the public square. We are a nation 'Under God' and in God, we do indeed trust.

"We should acknowledge the Creator as did the Founders - in ceremony and word. He should remain on our currency, in our pledge, in the teaching of our history, and during the holiday season, nativity scenes and menorahs should be welcome in our public places. Our greatness would not long endure without judges who respect the foundation of faith upon which our constitution rests. I will take care to separate the affairs of government from any religion, but I will not separate us from 'the God who gave us liberty.'

"Nor would I separate us from our religious heritage. Perhaps the most important question to ask a person of faith who seeks a political office, is this: does he share these American values: the equality of human kind, the obligation to serve one another, and a steadfast commitment to liberty?

"They are not unique to any one denomination. They belong to the great moral inheritance we hold in common. They are the firm ground on which Americans of different faiths meet and stand as a nation, united.

"We believe that every single human being is a child of God - we are all part of the human family. The conviction of the inherent and inalienable worth of every life is still the most revolutionary political proposition ever advanced. John Adams put it that we are 'thrown into the world all equal and alike.'

"The consequence of our common humanity is our responsibility to one another, to our fellow Americans foremost, but also to every child of God. It is an obligation which is fulfilled by Americans every day, here and across the globe, without regard to creed or race or nationality.

"Americans acknowledge that liberty is a gift of God, not an indulgence of government. No people in the history of the world have sacrificed as much for liberty. The lives of hundreds of thousands of America's sons and daughters were laid down during the last century to preserve freedom, for us and for freedom loving people throughout the world. America took nothing from that Century's terrible wars - no land from Germany or Japan or Korea; no treasure; no oath of fealty. America's resolve in the defense of liberty has been tested time and again. It has not been found wanting, nor must it ever be. America must never falter in holding high the banner of freedom.

"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 father march with Martin Luther King. 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. I am moved by the Lord's words: 'For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me...'

"My faith is grounded on these truths. You can witness them in Ann and my marriage and in our family. We are a long way from perfect and we have surely stumbled along the way, but our aspirations, our values, are the self-same as those from the other faiths that stand upon this common foundation. And these convictions will indeed inform my presidency.

"Today's generations of Americans have always known religious liberty. Perhaps we forget the long and arduous path our nation's forbearers took to achieve it. They came here from England to seek freedom of religion. But upon finding it for themselves, they at first denied it to others. Because of their diverse beliefs, Ann Hutchinson was exiled from Massachusetts Bay, a banished Roger Williams founded Rhode Island, and two centuries later, Brigham Young set out for the West. Americans were unable to accommodate their commitment to their own faith with an appreciation for the convictions of others to different faiths. In this, they were very much like those of the European nations they had left.

"It was in Philadelphia that our founding fathers defined a revolutionary vision of liberty, grounded on self evident truths about the equality of all, and the inalienable rights with which each is endowed by his Creator.

"We cherish these sacred rights, and secure them in our Constitutional order. Foremost do we protect religious liberty, not as a matter of policy but as a matter of right. There will be no established church, and we are guaranteed the free exercise of our religion.

"I'm not sure that we fully appreciate the profound implications of our tradition of religious liberty. I have visited many of the magnificent cathedrals in Europe. They are so inspired . so grand . so empty. Raised up over generations, long ago, so many of the cathedrals now stand as the postcard backdrop to societies just too busy or too 'enlightened' to venture inside and kneel in prayer. The establishment of state religions in Europe did no favor to Europe's churches. And though you will find many people of strong faith there, the churches themselves seem to be withering away.

"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.

The diversity of our cultural expression, and the vibrancy of our religious dialogue, has kept America in the forefront of civilized nations even as others regard religious freedom as something to be destroyed.

In such a world, we can be deeply thankful that we live in a land where reason and religion are friends and allies in the cause of liberty, joined against the evils and dangers of the day. And you can be certain of this: Any believer in religious freedom, any person who has knelt in prayer to the Almighty, has a friend and ally in me. And so it is for hundreds of millions of our countrymen: We do not insist on a single strain of religion — rather, we welcome our nation's symphony of faith.

Recall the early days of the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia, during the fall of 1774. With Boston occupied by British troops, there were rumors of imminent hostilities and fears of an impending war. In this time of peril, someone suggested that they pray. But there were objections. They were too divided in religious sentiments, what with Episcopalians and Quakers, Anabaptists and Congregationalists, Presbyterians and Catholics.

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. And so together they prayed, and together they fought, and together, by the grace of God, they founded this great nation.

In that spirit, let us give thanks to the divine author of liberty. And together, let us pray that this land may always be blessed with freedom's holy light.

God bless this great land, the United States of America.

Of all the Novels Written, Mitt Romney's Favorite is "Battlefield Earth" by L. Ron Hubbard, Hey Mitt, You Ever Read the Stand By S. King? Its Our Fav

Mitts Favorite Novel - "Battlefield Earth" by L. Ron Hubbard


Hey, Lighten Up Slightly, Did Mitt Romney Really Flip Flop on His Favorite Novel, "Battlefield Earth"?:


What Mitt Really Believes, and to be fair, his favorite book is the Bible:


Mitt on the Tonight Show, Mitt is a Likable Guy:


Dennis Miller on Mitt, Dennis Likes Mitt:


Mitt's Favorite Joke, We Like His Clean Humor, The Texas Polar Bear Hunter:

The shocking truth about Mitt - he speaks French!

Mitt Romney is Pro Life on Abortion

Mitt Romney said he was unwavering pro-choice, but he has flip-flopped and now says he is pro-life:


We had earlier posted videos of Mitt Romney's effective pro-choice stand on abortion. Now he says he is pro-life. Is this a flip-flop, or has he come full circle on this issue?

While governor of Massachusetts he was pro-choice and said he would not waver on that stand. But he seems to have wavered big time:

Mitt Romney's Flip Flop on Abortion
Well what a flip-flop. To get elected governor of Massachusetts he needed to be pro-choice. To get the 2008 Republican presidential nomination he needs to be pro-life but he just does not come out and say that, instead he said his position has "evolved". His advisor Michael Murphy said that "he's been a pro-life Mormon faking it as a pro-choice friendly." Makes you wonder if he was ever pro-choice to begin with. Is Mitt Romney a political opportunist? We just hope he respects states rights. In Nevada we had two elections to put the pro-choice position in our state constitution. We can live with his pro-life position as long as he respects our state constitution. This would be terrible if this becomes a big campaign issue. Nothing worse than another big debate on abortion, especially with the huge problems facing the country. We got no problem with Mitt being a Mormon. A huge plus for Governor Romney - his business background but we wonder about his track record as governor of Massachusetts. Jim Cramer called him the best businessman in North America. The next president will need those skills. Those skills are more important than his position on abortion, unless he decides to shove his latest opinion on abortion down the rest of the country's throat.

A real positive for the Mitt Romney campaign is Ann Romney. Here is a video on the decision to run for president. While still upset about Mitt's flip-flop on abortion, we think Ann would be an excellent first lady:


One thing we can all can agree with is we should support the troops. We support the "Surge of Support" for the troops:


Doonesbury cartons on Mitt Romney flip-flops
Commentary from Bruce Wilson: Like father, like son
How Mitt Romney's corporate success explains his campaign—and his flip-flops
Slick Dancing Mitt
Why I'm not voting for Mitt Romney (even though I'm Mormon)
Romney's Economic Record in Massachussets
Lying For the Lord
Governor Romney - Meet Governor Romney
Why I (Still) Like Mitt
Flip-Flop Mitt - The Road to Damascus

Should candidates have to answer questions from a snowman?


Mitt is not the only republican who does not want to answer a question from a snowman:


We are still confused on when Mitt changed his position on abortion:

Mitt Romney's Five Sons Speak Out on Whats Wrong With Dad, Mitt Romney on Polar Bear Hunting

Whats wrong with Mitt Romney:


On running for President:


Greta Van Susteren drives the Mittmobile:


Mitt Romney on the Texas Polar Bear Hunter:


We think Mitt Romney will win the Republican nomination. He is the best funded and most organized according to Mark Halperin:

We agree with Mr. Halperin. The Romney campaign is doing an excellent job of raising money and has an incredibly effective organization. As an example, I posted the following today at 12:35 on Five Brothers - the Romney Campaign Blog:
You are doing a good job there in Iowa. Mitt is up by over ten points. The more we find out about Mitt Romney the better we like him. Iowa has 99 counties, but Nevada has only 16. Our caucus is early, January 19, 2008. No republicans have opened up offices out here....we hope Mitt will be the first. Looking forward to seeing Mitt campaign in our state. He looks like he has the right stuff.
Posted by Rick at 2007-07-31 12:35:40
We got a reply from Matt Romney, one of Mitt's sons, an hour and seven minutes later:
Thanks, Rick. My dad is actually planning on a couple trips to Nevada in the coming weeks. Here’s a link to an AP story with more details: http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/nevada/2007/jul/31/073110021.html Also, we recently announced the hiring of Joe Brezny as our State Director in Nevada: http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/Nevada_Leadership_Team_Additions
Posted by Matt Romney at 2007-07-31 13:41:54.

Matt Romney on Mitt Romney:


Jim Cramer says don't think of Mitt Romney as a Mormon, think of him as the "best businessman in North America":


Mitt Romney is leading by ten points in Iowa. He has raised the cash needed and his sons are visiting all 99 counties. The more we find out about Mitt Romney the better we like him. We look forward to seeing him campaign in Nevada.

Five Brothers: The Romney Campaign Blog
Nutmeggers for Mitt
Mitt Romney - Road to the White House

Red State Update - Problem for Mitt Romney - "Granny says Mormons are a Cult" (some profanity)

Granny thanks 4H and the Cub Scouts are a cult too:


Red State Update on Iraq:

Sex-Ed for Kindergartners - Obama vs. Romney

Lets wait till first grade:

Mitt Romney Is Pro Choice on Abortion

Update: Turns out Mitt Romney has flip flopped on this issue, he says he has changed his mind and is now pro life.
Ted Kennedy and Mitt Romney Debate in 1994:


Mitt Romney on Abortion in 2002:


Who is Mitt Romney?

We Agree With Mitt Romney - "Lighten Up Slightly"

We were impressed with how Mitt Romney handled this question. This guy looks and acts like a President:


We don't think the American people will hold Mitt's religion against him. He says if people have problems with Mormon theology to talk to the church. That made us wonder what do Mormons believe? We found this cartoon explaining the theology:


Here is a video dealing with Mitt Romney and Mormonism:


Shall we blame Mitt Romney for 9/11? September 11, 1857 that is:


Mitt Romney's religion is not going to be a factor in this election nor should it be. That was good advice Mitt gave the questioner in the first video. We got huge problems ahead. We need to know how Mitt and the other candidates are going to address them, not about what someone has on their sign or what Joseph Smith thought about things. This is going to be a long haul to the White House and we agree with Mitt Romney - lets lighten up!

One of Nevada's most popular governors was Kenny Guinn. I remember winning a free dinner to the governors mansion in Carson City a few years ago from the Reno radio station KKOH. I arrived a little late, there must of been at least fifty people there. After dinner we were invited on a tour of the governors mansion. I remember being in the kitchen when Governor Guinn came in with his tie loose. We talked about selling Nevada's power plants to out of state interests. That was the plan, he listened to my arguments against it and I remember the state changed their mind three weeks later. My input was not a factor of course, but Governor Guinn listened after a hard days work, and he was nice about it. Mitt Romney reminds me of the likable Governor Guinn. Kenny Guinn has endorsed Mitt Romney for President. Kenny Guinn's endorsement carries a lot of weight with this democrat. Mitt Romney might be a republican, he might even be a Mormon...but his last name is not Bush or Clinton. We need a smart person with a fresh perspective and who has the right stuff. Mitt Romney fills that bill. We look forward to meeting Mitt Romney the next time he is in Nevada.