Category Archives: Presidential Election

Character and the oath of office

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Jeff Lindsay’s post in Mormanity yesterday brought up an issue from a former presidential election that was oft repeated at the time. It was refreshing to read it again. It has to do with character. Isn’t that ultimately why we vote from who we do in the presidential election? I think I have made it clear who I am voting for in this election. My choice is based on character.

After quoting D&C 98:6-10 Jeff said, “As a nation, our respect for personal integrity and moral character seems to be at a low. Scoundrels can be our celebrities, our leaders, and our heroes, and those who are uncomfortable with that are often put down for being judgmental and intolerant.” Indeed, some celebrities are worse than scoundrels, yet they are lifted up.

“Ultimately, it was the moral character – in spite of many flaws – among our Founding Fathers that propelled them to risk their lives and their fortunes for the freedom of this land. It is the moral character of wise leaders that we need more than ever in business, in politics, in religion, and our own families and lives.” Ain’t it the truth, Jeff, ain’t it the truth!

In my scripture reading this morning I went back to the earliest chapters of the Book of Mormon and read once again how Zoram became a member of Lehi’s family when they left Jerusalem. Nephi swore to him with an oath that he need not fear and that if he would make an oath with them to go with them that he would be a free man from that day forward.

I have always found it amazing what Nephi wrote concerning the conclusion of this exchange of oaths. He said, “And it came to pass that when Zoram had made an oath unto us, our fears did cease concerning him.” What a different world this would be if men took their oaths seriously and kept them with exactness and honor. The President of the US takes an oath, doesn’t he?

What do you think? Does taking an oath of office have anything to do with moral character?

Article VI: Faith. Politics. America.

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I received an email from a PR firm for the new movie Article VI that came out today. I normally ignore blatantly commercial stuff like this but after reviewing the trailer I just had to respond. I am impressed. If the movie is anything like the trailer you are going to come away with a distinct impression that the presidential election this year is different from any other.

From the Executive Producer, John Carosella:

“It is our earnest hope that through this film, we can raise the level of inquiry about the role of faith in politics, and catalyze what will be an energizing, provocative, and, yes, combustible debate. Because it’s a necessary debate, perhaps never more so than right now.

“In the end, my faith (or yours) is irrelevant to this story. What matters is how America can express her spiritual and moral values in our political process without relying on, focusing on, or forcing those values into a straight-jacket of a particular religion or religious expression.

“It matters to me because I am a patriot: because I love my country, and the ideals it represents. I believe in the ability of the Constitution of the United States to serve as a guide to the American people in exercising their moral prerogatives and obligations in governing themselves.”

“I encourage you to see the film. The movie isn’t about Romney, or even about how he’s being treated in the narrow sense you may be thinking. It’s really about an American guy (Bryan Hall, the director) who steps out into the political world out of interest — interest in the political process and the political dialog — and comes face to face with much, much more than politics.

“The film doesn’t try to answer questions. It attempts to ask them, and in the process, promote a healthy discussion about the right and wrong ways for religion and politics to mix.”

Update: The movie is now planned for a September release in theaters. I think you will be impressed. The trailer is still available online and is intriguing to review. Take a look.

We knew it was going to get ugly

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From Politico: “In an apparent push poll, a research firm has called Iowa Republicans this week praising John McCain and criticizing Mitt Romney and his Mormon faith. …there were “lots of negatives on Romney, including mentions of his “flip-flops,” hiring illegal immigrants as landscapers and extensive discussion of Mormonism.

“Statements were on baptizing the dead, the Book of Mormon being on the level of the Bible, and one about equating it to a cult,” said the Iowan, deeming them “common criticisms of Mormonism.” “I think they asked twice if being a Mormon would be an issue,” this person added. Let’s see, “Book of Mormon replacing the Bible, Baptizing the dead, Mormonism being a cult.” What do these subjects have to do with a man’s capability to lead a nation?

Romney communications director Matt Rhoades offers the following statement: “Whatever campaign is engaging in this type of awful religious bigotry as a line of political attack, it is repulsive and, to put it bluntly, un-American. There is no excuse for these attacks. Governor Romney is campaigning as an optimist who wants to lead the nation. These attacks are just the opposite. It’s ugly and divisive.”

I predict we will see more and more of this as Mitt Romney continues to grow in popularity as the most trustworthy candidate. I also predict it will do a tremendous amount of good as everyday members of the church get asked about stuff like this. How would you respond when asked about Baptism for the Dead? “What, you actually dig up dead people and baptize them?” What a great opportunity to discuss the things of eternity and ordinances of salvation.

Update: Mitt comments on the attacks and is attacked for his ‘attack’ on the attackers.

What do you think? Will criticism of Mormonism get more intense in the year to come?

Mitt Romney brings attention to the LDS Church

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I hope that Mitt Romney sticks it out so I can vote for him in the California primaries on Feb 5 2008. I also hope he proves to the American people that he is a better candidate than Rudy Giuliani. I base my decision not on the fact that he is a Mormon but on his stand on values. He and I agree on just about everything that I think is important. I like Rudy Giuliani but Mitt’s record on marriage is what makes the difference for me. I don’t like John McCain. He seems like he is a political hack – just in it for the game. And while I like Fred Thompson, I just don’t think he is a strong enough candidate. I don’t know enough about the other six candidates to form an opinion yet.

I don’t follow the news from the Democratic side of the ticket very closely, although it’s hard to miss since the liberal press gives it so much coverage. I’m assuming that Hillary will win the nomination of her party. I don’t believe Edwards or Obama can overcome the power of the Clintons. If Mitt wins the republican ticket, it will be, in my mind at least, a national face off over real family values. Just go to Mitt’s website and check out how obvious it is that he is a family man. His five sons are all campaigning for him across the country. Mitt Romney represents me far more than Hillary ever could. Unfortunately, I am fairly certain that I am now in the minority in America – a white middle-aged middle-class married American male. I fear my days as representing the mainstream of America are numbered. Indeed, they may have long since passed.

No matter. I’m just glad to be an American and that there are still good people like Mitt Romney in our political system. He is bringing a lot of attention to the church, for which I am grateful. It’s funny that his religion wasn’t an issue in the race for Governor of Massachusetts in 2002. But it seems that he is asked about it constantly wherever he goes these days. I have read many interviews where he was asked about his faith with some interviewers getting deeply into his past record of not opposing abortion laws in his state. I believe he has since become more conservative and vocal in his opposition to abortion and in support of marriage as defined by the Lord and His prophets – between one man and one woman.

I hope Mitt Romney is not fighting a losing battle against those who support gay marriage in this country. It seems they have become more and more powerful as the years have passed. He had a lot of struggles with this issue in his state as the Governor. We have the same problem here in California. Even though the voters made it abundantly clear in 2000 that we will not support same-sex marriage, the California Assembly recently passed several bills that were sponsored by those with a homosexual agenda. They are on Governor Schwarzenegger’s desk now for a signature or a veto. One in particular, AB43 legalizes same sex marriage. How can that be when 64% of the voters in California voted against it just seven years ago in Proposition 22? What a misnomer: “The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act.”