PDA

View Full Version : Mitt Romney On The Issues.....



MMC
12-09-2011, 09:18 AM
..

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:19 AM
Romney on Afghanistan (http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Romney/Afghanistan.php)



The Objectives
Romney believes that our continued presence should be decided by the military’s top brass, cautions that we should not be making similar commitments in the future. He also stressed that the bulk of the responsibility lies with the Afghanis.

“I want those troops to come home based upon not politics, not based upon economics, but instead based upon the conditions on the ground determined by the generals … But I also think we have learned that our troops should not go off and try to fight a war of independence for another nation. Only the Afghanis can win Afghanistan’s independence from the Taliban.”
13 June 2011, Republican Presidential Debate in New Hampshire.

Cost
Romney believes our policy in Afghanistan should not be based on the economic costs alone.

“There will be some who argue it’s too expensive now, we’ve got to bring the troops home right now, or others will say, politically we need to make one decision or another … You don’t make a decision about our involvement in a conflict based on dollars and cents alone or certainly not with regards to politics.”
14 June 2011, New York Times

Pakistan

AFP reported that Romney made a private visit to Afghanistan in January 2010, and had a closed door meeting with President Hamid Karzai. Karzai’s office subsequently released a statement on January 10 that quoted Romney as saying, “ … the US is well aware of terrorists' presence in Pakistan and its border regions and this is a threat to Pakistan and Afghanistan … The situation in Pakistan is an indicator that terrorists are not only attacking Afghanistan but are causing lots of troubles for Pakistan too”.

From here, it is clear that Romney views there are elements of threat originating from Pakistan, but has not elaborated on this statement since.....snip~

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:20 AM
Romney on the Budget (http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Romney/Budget.php)



• Mitt Romney believes in the principle of reaganomics wherein you cut taxes which is believed to bring in economic growth. According to him the budget should cut taxes on people earning incomes less than $200,000 a year and also cut payroll taxes on people aged sixty five years or older.

• He supports setting up a national catastrophic fund to ensure that people are entitled to home owners insurance in the event of some natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes etc.

• He brought forward an economic stimulus package with a price tag of $233 billion which is aimed at generating long term growth incentives. This can be achieved by expensing capital expenditures in the next two years and lowering corporate tax rate so that businesses will thrive and generate revenue.

• He perpetrates the need for becoming energy independent by making investments in alternative energy sources, reduce gas prices and reduce taxes on middle income Americans.

• Mitt Romney suggests bringing a cut in the 342 odd different economic programs. Of course protecting the nation's defense and military personnel is important therefore allocation of funds for their welfare is important.

• He believes that he can bring in savings worth $300 billion dollars in 10 years by capping non defense discretionary spending at inflation minus 1% and will veto any budget that exceeds that cap.

• He wants to be known as the job senator by convincing the government to cut deficits and raise American's savings rate by making more capital available for companies for investment and thereby increase employment opportunities. .....snip~

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:20 AM
Romney on Business & Labor (http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Romney/Business-Labor.php)



• Mitt Romney voiced his protest against a labor bill known as The Employee Free Choice Act that would make it easier for unions to organize describing it as a dangerous legislation saying that it would have a negative impact on the nation's ability to compete globally and would also dampen the scope of new businesses.

• Mitt Romney suggested that welfare recipients should go to work immediately. He suggested doing away with capital gains taxes for those firms that invest in inner city enterprise zones also advocated tax credits for hiring poor residents of those areas.

• He stands for writing off a lot of capital expenditures of business firms to induce them to buy more so that it will have the effect of other companies hiring more people thus generating more jobs.

• He believes a cut in Corporate Taxes will have a significant impact over time. It can stimulate the economy, create jobs and encourage foreign investment.

• He said that the American worker could be richer by $9000 a year by opening up the market to American goods and services. The workers can sell the products they manufacture around the world thus raking in more income.

• He is of the opinion that it is the businessmen and not politicians who should negotiate trade with foreigners so that patents, designs and technology etc are adequately protected.

• He encouraged Trade and commerce with Asian countries saying that it will only strengthen the Us economy and lead to further growth.....snip~

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:21 AM
Romney on Capital Punishment (http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Romney/Capital-Punishment.php)



Romney is in favor of capital punishment.
“From my perspective, there are two main camps when it comes to the death penalty. On one side, there are some people who believe there are certain crimes that are so offensive… so reprehensible…. so far beyond the bounds of civilized society that they demand the ultimate punishment. In the other camp are well-meaning people who believe that it is immoral for government to ever take a life. In the middle, I believe, are others who could support the death penalty if it is narrowly applied and contains the appropriate safeguards. It is with that group in mind that we have brought forward the death penalty bill before you today…

The appropriate response of society to terrorism carried out around the world or within the Commonwealth’s borders is to apply the death penalty. That is why the legislation I filed in April accounts for terrorism, along with a small number of other crimes, including the assassination of a law enforcement officer, judge, juror or prosecutor, for the purpose of obstructing an ongoing criminal proceeding. My legislation would also allow juries to consider the death penalty in cases that involve prolonged torture or multiple murders, as well as cases in which the defendant has already been convicted of first-degree murder or is serving a life sentence without parole.”July 14, 2005, Death Penalty Testimony of Governor Mitt Romney to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, in support of his April 28, 2005 filing of a death penalty bill that was ultimately rejected by the legislature.....snip~

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:22 AM
Romney on China (http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Romney/China.php)



• Mitt Romney after his visit to china commented that China will be more of an economic competitor than the United States recognizes.

• He said the Chinese are hardworking, market oriented and smart. Even the taxes they impose in certain areas are lesser. This shows that they are competing to win.

• The US should reach out to China and charter a course that is equivalent to a free economy and a free society. This goal should be at par with those of the US.

• Answering to the question whether China was a human rights disaster Romney responded that he believes in building bridges and not walls.

• Mitt Romney spoke about the detention of a Massachusetts citizen with Chinese officials and asked for his early release.

• He stressed working with China should not be at the cost of security interests and human rights.

• He said that the US market must make sure that the Chinese markets are welcoming to US goods.

• Romney stressed the need to ensure that China respected US intellectual property rights as well as they enforce their own.

• He said China has a vested interest in a strong US economy which will buy more Chinese goods and have no intention to bury the USA.

• He believes that a healthy relationship with China will help to keep away nuclear weapons from North Korea Iran or other terrorists.

• He said one of his highest priorities will be to make China a partner for stability in the world.....snip~

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:22 AM
Romney on Civil Liberties (http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Romney/Civil-Liberties.php)



• Mitt Romney favored gays and lesbians serving openly in the military. He has expressed his support for the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy.

• He is of the opinion that civil liberty means the right to be kept alive and therefore it can be left to the President to conduct surveillance for National security purposes.

• Romney suggests that all citizens of America may have to be subjected to some sort of Habeas Corpus whether they are designated as unlawful enemy combatants or not.

• He said he would support the Employee Non discrimination Act at the state level but not at the federal level.

• Romney believes that there should be a national standard for marriage and should be kept between man and woman.

• He believes that the US recognizes equality of all individuals but those who preach doctrines of terror maybe followed into a church or mosque and dealt with as required by law.

• Romney joins supporters of a federal constitution amendment regarding marriages in the state of Massachusetts.

• Though he does not support gay marriage he believes domestic partnership status should be recognized in a way that includes health benefits and rights of survivorship. This is in accordance with his belief that all citizens require equal rights regardless of sexual orientation.

• He suggests that the Federal government and other organizations should recognize the potential of women in administration and draw on their skills.

• He advocated that nativity scenes and menorahs should be welcome in public places during the holiday season.....snip~

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:23 AM
Romney on Cuba (http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Romney/Cuba.php)



• In December 2007 Mitt Romney commented on Castro's decision of not coming back to power saying even if Castro does not come back Cuba's government will still remain the same brutal regime it was for the past 49 years.

• He opined that Cuba's youth are still among the constantly harassed and are subjected to violence and are under the surveillance for demanding their political freedom. They comprise the many political prisoners in Cuba today.

• According to him Cuba's future should be shaped by its freedom loving youth and not Raul Castro or any of the Castro cronies.

• He said that the US should continue with its present policy towards Cuba until the country is free from the Castro regime and all political prisoners are freed and the country becomes a democracy initiating free and fair elections.

• During a speech in Miami Mitt Romney bungled the names of Cuban-American politicians and became the object of ridicule.

• He also went further to disappoint the crowd when he associated Castro's trademark speech ending slogan - 'Patria o muerte, venceremos!' with a free Cuba. Castro had in fact closed his speeches with the phrase in English for decades 'Father Land or death we shall overcome'.

• Romney's fumble was looked upon as potential snags for state and national politicians trying to navigate the Cuban American Community in South Florida.

• Mitt Romney stresses that hundreds of Americans fought and died for Cuba's freedom during President John F Kennedy's rule and criticized Obama from shrinking from defending liberty in the America's.....snip~

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:24 AM
Romney on the Economy (http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Romney/Economy.php)



Update: Romney became the second Republican presidential candidate, after Jon Huntsman, to offer a full-fledged detailed economic plan when he announced a 59-point job and economic proposal during a speech at the McCandless International Trucks dealership in Nevada, Las Vegas on September 6, 2011. Called 'Day One, Job One', the plan's main objective would be to "restore America to the path of robust economic growth necessary to create jobs.".

If elected, Romney pledged to initiate 10 major actions on the first day of his presidency, consisting of five Bills and 5 Executive Orders, which are

5 Bills For Day One
• The American Competitiveness Act
Reduces the corporate income tax rate to 25%
• The Open Markets Act
Implements Free Trade Agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea
• The Domestic Energy Act
Directs the Department of the Interior to undertake a comprehensive energy review
• The Retraining Reform Act
Consolidates federal retraining programs and return these programs to the states
• The Down Payment on Fiscal Sanity Act
Immediately cuts non-security discretionary spending by 5 percent ($20 billion)

5 Executive Orders For Day One
An Order to Pave the Way to End Obamacare
• Secretary of Health and Human Services to return the maximum possible authority to the states
An Order to Cut Red Tape
• All agencies to initiate the elimination of Obama-era regulations that burden the economy or job creation
An Order to Boost Domestic Energy Production
• Department of the Interior to implement a process for rapid issuance of drilling permits to
An Order to Sanction China for Unfair Trade Practices
• Department of the Treasury to list China as a currency manipulator and the Department of Commerce to assess countervailing duties on Chinese imports
An Order to Empower American Businesses and Workers
• Reverses the executive orders issued by President Obama that tilt the playing field in favor of organized labor

“Today, I’m introducing a plan consisting of 59 specific proposals — including 10 concrete actions I will take on my first day in office — to turn around America’s economy. Each proposal is rooted in the conservative premise that government itself cannot create jobs.”.....snip~

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:25 AM
Budget

“And change is going to have to begin with us, in our party. We're the party of change. We are the party of fiscal responsibility, and when Republicans act like Democrats, America loses. And you've seen that over the last several years.

We're going to have to make sure that we rein in spending. It's not just the -- we -- we all agree on the -- the earmarks and the pork barrel spending and the "Bridge to Nowhere." That's -- that's an easy one to take a shot at. But the big one is entitlements and reining in entitlement costs, and that's -- that's where the big dollars are.

And then you go on to say how are we going to bring down taxation, because we have the highest tax rate, next to Japan, in the world. That's -- that hurts our economy.

What you're seeing in a weakening dollar, in a declining stock market, in -- in foreign countries coming here to -- to buy into our banks, you're seeing an underground -- the foundation of our economy being shaken by the fact that we haven't been doing the job that needs to be done in Washington. And I'm going to Washington to change Washington.”

January 24, 2008, Republican Presidential Debate, Boca Raton Florida.....snip~

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:25 AM
Deficit
"It is instead however an objective for us to balance our budget and to take in as much money as we spent. How do you do that? Well you have to cut back on spending and I propose, I don't know if the other candidates are willing to sign for the same pledge, and that is, I'm going to take non-military discretionary spending and I'm gonna say I'm gonna cap that at inflation less one percent. So, one percent lower than inflation and that saves us 300 billion dollars over the next ten years. And that’s one commitment that I made, that’s what I’m gonna do. (If) Congress sends me appropriations bill which exceeds that amount, I will veto them. I like vetoing.

But I am a fiscal conservative. I believe in cutting spending and cutting taxes."

April 03, 2007, New Hampshire Federation of Republican Women's Lilac Dinner.....snip!

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:26 AM
Debts
"I'd like to start by balancing our budget and get it to a point where we stop spending more than we take in our national debt you know is huge in its total scale and actually eliminating of the national debt is not something I would put down as an objective in the first four years that’s for sure."

April 03, 2007, New Hampshire Federation of Republican Women's Lilac Dinner

Policy
Romney, who prides himself on being a pragmatic and successful businessman, is a proponent of Reaganomics.

"The last time we had a recession, in the Bush years, President Bush recognized the best thing you can do is lower taxes and put forward a tax bill. And John McCain was one of only two Republicans to vote against it, and said he'd go back and vote against it again if he could.

He does not understand the first lesson of Reaganomics, which is, you cut taxes to grow the economy.”

January 27, 2008, CNN Late Edition With Wolf Blitzer.....snip~

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:26 AM
Romney on Education (http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Romney/Education-issue.php)



• Mitt Romney points out the underperformance of kids in the US saying that they score only in the bottom 10%- 25%. Therefore there is a need to revamp the education system.

• Education should not be confined to a teacher's union only. There should be involvement from parents, the state, federal government with the support of the teachers.

• Romney advocated better pay for good quality teachers to improve quality of teaching.

• He perpetrates English immersion in schools stressing that English should be learnt at a very young age.

• While Governor Romney brought forth a scholarship for all kids that graduate in the top quarter of the class known as the John and Abigail Adams scholarship, which was 4 years tuition free entry to state colleges and universities.

• He supports the concept of 'No Child left behind'.

• Romney supports setting up of charter educational institutions and conducting immediate third party audit in underperforming schools, giving authorization to principals to replace 10% of underperforming staff etc.

• Romney supported the elimination of Federal Department of education and favored keeping educational reforms t the lowest level involving parents, teachers and community.

• He was against schools inflicting specific religious practices or prayer in schools. Instead Romney stressed on teaching the importance of economics and family values.

• Romney pledged to vote for a means tested school voucher program which gave the students coice toi attend any public or private school of their choice.....snip~

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:27 AM
Romney on the Environment (http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Romney/Environment.php)



• Romney is of the opinion wherein the solution to our environmental problem lies in adopting a market approach. While solving the environmental challenges, we should also be supporting growth.

• Rather than establishing mandates, the United States should harness its power of innovation to enhance the alternative energy sources and discover innovative technologies that will help use the energy more efficiently.

• Romney gives importance to achieving the target of energy independence so that it can free itself from its enslavement to oil rich countries at the same time becoming an economic and military superpower. This will require a series of measures that will include energy efficiency to be adopted and conservation.

• The nation will also need to develop and harness alternate sources of energy such as nuclear energy, biodiesel, ethanol along with exploiting more domestic sources of oil such as Outer Continental Shelf and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

• Romney believes the nation will also have to invest a lot in research and innovation. The areas that will need heavy investment include fuel technology, power generation and materials science. There needs to be an emphasis on clean technology and more efficient power generation.

• Mitt Romney is against the Kyoto Protocol believing that it will result in jobs leaving the United States.

• Romney is also criticized for flip-flopping on the environmental question. He was blamed for subjecting his will to the likes of big companies.....snip~

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:27 AM
Romney on Foreign Affairs (http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Romney/Foreign-Affairs.php)



• The foreign policy outlined by Mitt Romney charts down two main issues in the forefront which will strengthen the United States position as an economic and military super power. One pertains to 'defeating the Jihadists' and the other relates to 'competing with Asia'.

• Romney feels that since the Asian economies are rapidly expanding, the United States need to shed its protectionist approach in the matters of its economy. It will need to open up its market even further. This can be done through reducing the tariffs, bringing down the corporate taxes and by employing a competitive advantage in the market.

• To make the United States a more competitive economy, Romney wants looser laws of immigration so that the economy can take advantage of highly skilled workers. The policy is specific to the highly skilled workers and is clear from its insistence to keep the low-skilled workers who migrate illegally from the South.

• Romney believes that a three pronged approach would take care of the Jihadists. The first aspect would be the employment of military options and pressure. The second approach would be diplomacy which would involve the regional and international players. The third approach would exhort the Muslims to reject extremism. In those nations where the Al Qaeda is developing its roots, such as Bali and Pakistan, the United States should send its forces in order to work in synergy with the local population to contain the terrorists.

• Romney believes that Iran offers a serious challenge to America and that the US has to assure that Iran does not develop a nuclear arsenal. Romney believes economic sanctions and similar strategies would work. The military option may also be left open.....snip~

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:28 AM
Romney on Guantanamo (http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Romney/Guantanamo.php)



General Policy On GuantanamoRomney is a noted advocate of GITMO and has been on record criticizing former President Bush for contemplating its closure and President Obama for his calls to close it. “Guantanamo Bay plays an important role in protecting our nation from violent, heinous terrorists…”June 22, 2007; Speaking to reporters during a campaign stop in Helena, Montana “ …You said they’re gonna be at Guantanamo? I’m glad they’re at Guantanamo. I don’t want them on our soil. I want them at Guantanamo where they don’t get the access to lawyers that they’d get when they’re on our soil. I don’t want them in our prisons, I want them there. Some people say that we should close Guantanamo, my view is we outta double Guantanamo.”May 15, 2007; FoxNews Republican Presidential Debate, University of South Carolina, Columbia "Today, the Supreme Court will once again hear arguments on the detention of captured terrorists being held at Guantanamo Bay. Some people view Guantanamo as a symbol of American aggression. I view it as a symbol of American resolve.
"Our country is asking young men and women in our military and intelligence services, and their families, to sacrifice beyond all knowing to capture or kill radical Jihadists before they plan and execute another attack on the United States. To win this fight, we must be able to detain and interrogate the terrorists they catch.
"The base at Guantanamo is designed to hold and question enemy combatants who pose a threat to the nation or have intelligence value. Closing and relocating the facility to the heartland of the United States, as some have suggested, would pose an undue risk to innocent Americans and, as today's arguments demonstrate, could have profound legal implications. So long as it remains a vital tool to keep America safe, I will fight to keep Guantanamo Bay open."December 5, 2007; Press release on Guantanamo Bay.....snip~

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:28 AM
On Enhanced Interrogation TechniquesSupports “But I do not believe, as a presidential candidate that it’s wise for us to describe precisely what techniques we’ll use in interrogating people. I oppose torture. I would not be in favor of torture in any way, shape or form. As I just said, as a presidential candidate, I don’t think it is wise for us to describe specifically which measures we would and would not use. And that is something I would like to receive the counsel of not only Senator McCain but of a lot of other people. And there are people who for many, many years get the information we need to make sure to protect our country. By the way, I wanna make sure these folks are kept at Guantanamo. I don’t want people who are carrying out attacks in this country are brought into our jail system and be given legal representation in this country. I wanna make sure that what happen to Khalid Sheikh Mohamed happens to other people who are terrorists. He was captured, he was the so-called mastermind of the 9/11 tragedy, and he turn to his captors and he said, “I’ll see you in New York with my lawyers.” I presumed ACLU layers. That’s not what happened. He went to Guantanamo and he met G.I and CIA interrogators and that’s just exactly how it ought to be.”November 28, 2007; CNN/Youtube Republican Presidential Debate, St. Petersburg, Florida.....snip~

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:30 AM
Romney on Gun Control (http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Romney/Gun-Control.php)



The Second Amendment: Individual or Collective Right?

In favor.
"Let me speak very directly and candidly about where I stand. I support the Second Amendment as one of the most basic and fundamental rights of every American. It's essential to our functioning as a free society, as are all the liberties enumerated in the Bill of Rights..."
Sep 21, 2007, in a taped message to the NRA's Celebration of American Values

Legislations
After throwing his support behind several gun control laws at the early stage of his political career, most notably, the Brady Act, Romney has reevaluated his position is now opposed to any further gun control legislations

"I believe we need to focus on enforcing our current laws rather than creating new laws that burden lawful gun owners. I believe in safe and responsible gun ownership and that anyone who exercises the right to keep and bear arms must do so lawfully and properly. I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all federal approach to gun ownership because people keep and use firearms for different reasons. Law-abiding citizens have a right to protect their homes and their families and as President, I will vigorously defend that right."
January 7, 2008, The Washington Post




Romney on Health Care (http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Romney/Health-Care.php)



• Romney supports universal health care but not a government program which would raise taxes.

• As Governor of Massachusetts, Romney implemented a universal health care plan for the state.

• He plans on market reforms to expand and deregulate private insurance to decrease costs and give more Americans access to affordable care.

• He wants to offers tax breaks and other incentives to individuals without insurance.

• Romney would allow tax deductions for out-of-pocket medical expenses.

• He would permit states to direct funds spent treating the uninsured to instead assist them in purchasing private health insurance.....snip~

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:31 AM
Romney on Immigration (http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Romney/Immigration.php)



•Immigration: Yea or Nae
Yea.
“I am a great proponent of legal immigration… Many of you are living proof of the unique strength of America that is constantly renewed by new Americans. The promise of America has brought some of the world’s best and brightest to our shores.”September 2, 2011, speech to the Republican National Hispanic Assembly Convention in Tampa, Florida
"I love immigration. I love legal immigrants coming into our country ... My guess is everybody in this room is a descendant of an immigrant or an immigrant himself. So we love immigration as Americans. Immigration brings us education, new cultures, ideas, innovative talent. It's wonderful to have legal immigration. I don't like illegal immigration."February 8, 2007; Radio Iowa News

•On Amnesty
Very much against.
Illegal immigration has got to end and any form of citizenship amnesty is troublesome.
September 13, 2007; Midland Reporter-Telegram "The idea of an amnesty-type provision is something I oppose and continue to oppose."05/23/2007, Newsmax.com

•On Legislation
"Governor Romney believes more state and local authorities should work with the federal government to enforce immigration laws. This builds off of his experience in Massachusetts where he deputized the State Police to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and enforce federal immigration laws ... Governor Romney will provide additional resources to enforce existing immigration laws throughout the nation. We cannot be serious about our immigration laws until we provide the resources needed to enforce them. "November 9, 2007, Official Press Release from MittRomney.com
"We must stop providing the incentives that promote illegal immigration… As governor, I vetoed legislation that would have provided in-state tuition rates to illegal immigrants and I strengthened the authority our state troopers had to enforce existing immigration laws."September 2, 2011, speech to the Republican National Hispanic Assembly Convention in Tampa, Florida
"Let me tell you about immigration from my standpoint. I think number one, we should secure out border, and number two, We should put in place an employment verification system. And by that I mean that everybody who is not a United States citizen with a valid social security number would be expected to get a card with their name and number and some biometric information and would indicate their work status. Whether they have a visa that allows them to work here or not. And then when an employer is thinking of hiring someone, if they don't have a valid social security number, he/she ask for the card, they put the number in the computer, and the federal database immediately tells them whether they are available to be working or not. If they're not, you can't hire them. And if you do, you get the same penalties and fines as if you are not paying your taxes."April 3, 2007, Romney answering questions in the "Ask Mitt Anything" forum in Derry, New Hampshire.....snip~

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:32 AM
•U.S. Mexico Border Fence
“civil but resolute ... to do a better job of securing its borders, and as president, I will. That means completing construction of a high-tech fence, and investing in adequate manpower and resources.”September 2, 2011, speech to the Republican National Hispanic Assembly Convention in Tampa, Florida.




Romney on Iran (http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Romney/Iran.php)



• Romney does not believe that the US is unable to deal with Iran military. He would not use ground forces for the attack on Iran but instead would use "blockade, bombardment and surgical military strikes" for the purpose.

• Romney promised that as President he would not shrink the uses of the military force especially when serious threats confront the US. As an alternative Romney seeks to get the Congress involved according to the law and the Constitution.

• During the 2008 election campaign, Mitt Romney ran an ad concluding, "We can and will stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons."

• According to Romney, Iranians are an intolerant and repressive regime that supports terrorism and develops nuclear weapons. Owing to this the spread of weapons throughout the world could pose a threat to all.

• Romney believes that if this situation is to continue and Iran is allowed to develop nuclear weapons the threat is bound to take a totally new dimension that could be hazardous for all nations.

• According to Romney, economic sanctions against Iran should be tightened by denying Iran access to international banking system, discouraging it from obtaining credit or purchasing by foreign currency. Romney has also supported strategic divestment from companies that support Iranian regime's hazardous actions.

• Romney further believes that Iran should be diplomatically isolated with only communication channels remaining open to them.

• He opines that the Iranian people should be made to understand that though nuclear capabilities seem to be a source of pride it also can become a source of peril.

• Mitt Romney feels that Iran should work with the Muslim communities and their leaders to build a lasting relationship and partnership for progress and prosperity.....snip~

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:33 AM
Romney on Iraq (http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Romney/Iraq.php)



• Romney supported the war and President Bush's policy in Iraq, he believes however that the war has been mismanaged.

• He supported the troop increase and favors maintaining troop levels.

• Romney says that keeping the U.S. in Iraq is the best option for minimizing casualties and maintaining a democratic government in Iraq.





Romney on Israel (http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Romney/Israel.php)



• In Mitt Romney's opinion amidst the many critical challenges that America faces today, the threat of violent and radical Jihad and the threat of nuclear proliferation stand at the top.

• Romney cites the former President Jimmy Carter's view with regard to bringing peace to the Holy Land and thinks the opposite. According to him, it is only helping to prevent terror and bloodshed and violence.

• Romney quotes. "State taxpayers should not be providing special treatment to an individual who supports violent jihad and the destruction of Israel."

• Romney fears that radical Islam has one goal; to replace all Islamic states in the world under one caliphate and convert the non-believers of Islam forcibly, if necessary, to Islam. He says that this plan is more irrational than the Nazi Germany policies of the 1930s and Stalin?s Cold War or the 1940s.

• Mitt Romney has committed that he would defeat the jihadists all around the world. Most of his speeches however focus on restricting Iran rather than making decisions to resolve the tension between Israel and Palestine.

• Romney requested the Arab states to stop providing weapons and financial support to Hezbollah and Hamas and instead to put pressure on the Palestinians to "drop terrorism and recognize Israel's right to exist."

• Mitt Romney strongly supports the security wall that divides Israel from the West Bank.....snip~

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:34 AM
Romney on National Security (http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Romney/National-Security.php)



• Mitt Romney feels that USA should hike up military spending to 4% of the country's GDP. He also believes that the Government should increase the active duty work force by ten thousand.

• Mitt Romney stands for wire tapping mosques to keep a check on Islamic terrorists and feels that USA should stridently hike up the military investment to counter act racial jihad.

• Romney feels that USA should employ both military and diplomatic actions to win the Jihadists. He supports bringing in a global and non military effort to counter act jihad. He also told the press "I want to bring in a real strong team of people who have different backgrounds, a lot from the private sector, and I want to take on a whole series of efforts."

• He thinks that USA should not weaken Musharaff of Pakistan as they need an ally to counter act Bin Laden.

• One of the most important things that Romney regrets in life is not having joined the military even though he was eligible for the draft.

• Romney believes that the FBI should have the power to wiretap mosques and spy on new Muslims who came to reside in the country.

• He once stated, "my view is, we ought to double Guantanamo" so that the terrorist will be prevented from getting any access to lawyers.....snip~

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:34 AM
Romney on North Korea (http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Romney/North-Korea.php)



Romney distrusts the North Korean’s sincerity at the bargaining table, and prefers a firm and comprehensive approach in dealing with them.

Well, I'm hopeful that the key to the deal which is additional inspectors by IAEA -- inspectors, will let us determine whether or not they're cheating. Because I think the experience we've had with North Korea is, just like the last time that President Clinton entered into an agreed framework, that the North Koreans cheat… I'm not going to tell you whether right now it's a good agreement. But I know what the problem is in the agreement, and that's unless the IAEA has the kind of inspections that we could be sure they're not cheating, then it would not be a step forward. And that's going to be critical.
February 18, 2007: Romney commenting on President Bush’s proposed deal with North Korea, to reward the regime with aid in return for freezing their nuclear program.



Romney on Poverty (http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Romney/Poverty.php)



• Mitt Romney holds the opinion that the biggest reason for the success of Americans is their belief in God and their ability to capitalize on opportunities. Saying that the American DNA is laced with opportunity, he blames the welfare programs of the yesteryears for having created a culture of poverty which he feels is still lurking and threatening to destroy the American culture.

• Being opposed to the issue of giving cash hand-outs to poor workers, Mitt Romney feels that a better way of dealing with the problem is to bring about growth in the business sector, create jobs and thus generate more income.

• When the state proposed a project with the intention of overcoming and preventing homelessness and assigned a huge amount for the issue, Mitt Romney, the then Governor, vetoed the entire program and reduced the amount significantly for one program because he disapproved of it completely. However, both programs would receive funds which would enable them to carry out their objectives.

• Mitt Romney has suggested three major policy changes namely requiring the recipients to go to work immediately, eliminating firms which invest in inner city enterprise zone from paying taxes on capital gains and awarding tax credits to companies which hire poor residents and provide them with stable employment.

• Mitt Romney has also proposed minimum sentences which would not only be mandatory on criminals but would also be tough. This is to ensure the reduction of crime through tough measures and its ultimate crackdown.....snip~

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:35 AM
Romney on Same Sex Issues (http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Romney/Prescription-Drugs.php)



• Mitt Romney has created and acquired a reputation for being the most conservative candidate in the 2008 Presidential elections not only by taking a tough stand against gay and lesbian marriage but also opposing most of their petitions seeking rights for these groups.

• Mitt Romney is against the idea of letting gays and lesbians serve actively in the US Military. In addition, he has said that he would not support over-turning the 'Don't ask, don't tell' legislation.

• Mitt Romney has openly opposed same-sex marriage saying that it is the family which forms the basic foundation of America and therefore, it needs to be built further, protected and strengthened instead of being redefined. To this effect, Romney has expressed support for the Federal Marriage Amendment which would modify the US Constitution and prohibit same-sex marriage.

• Mitt Romney has expressed opposition for civil unions as well saying that he would want to see marriage limited to being between a man and a woman. He said he would support neither but if asked to choose between same-sex marriage and a civil union, he would choose the latter as being a lesser evil.

• Opposing the Supreme Court judgment on the matter, Mitt Romney strongly feels that same sex marriage would destroy not only the culture of America but would also irreparably damage the education system and thereby children. Although he personally believes that Americans should be respectful of all people and their sexual orientation, the long standing institution of marriage should be upheld and respected as being the only acceptable norm.

• Romney frequently told Republican audiences that every child has a 'right to have a mother and father' but also acknowledged that same-sex couples have a 'legitimate interest' in adopting children.....snip~

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:41 AM
http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Romney/Issues.php

There is Romney on The issues for all to see.....now none can play with his words as these are his own. This is his format and his Campaign for 2012. Any can come and check for themselves. Unless he was to add more to it. I figured I would start getting these up for Campaign. Then we will have Obama's.

Seemingly out of all these Candidates for the GOP.....Romney does appear to be more Conservative than the rest. That is my opinion! :read2:

Conley
12-09-2011, 09:52 AM
It's only a three horse race, we would all agree at this point, yes?

I would say I am a little surprised Romney is more conservative than Newt, especially given his record as governor of Massachusetts. It's tough to tell since they have both flopped more than once.

MMC
12-09-2011, 10:30 AM
Plus we know thats what the left will hit both with.....the flip-flopping. Romney is way more organized and I would say he is more effecient than Gingrich and Obama.

MMC
12-09-2011, 10:33 AM
If one clicks the link they have all those videos on him too!

wingrider
12-09-2011, 07:22 PM
is it really flip flopping on romneys part? or is it that his opinion changed when he became more informed of the issue. I would think that it is a mark of intelligence to change your mind when confronted with facts.

Conley
12-09-2011, 07:35 PM
is it really flip flopping on romneys part? or is it that his opinion changed when he became more informed of the issue. I would think that it is a mark of intelligence to change your mind when confronted with facts.

Good point Wing.

Mister D
12-09-2011, 08:26 PM
The whole "flip flop" thing is kind of silly considering we all change our minds when confronted by new information etc. The thing to look out for is a lack of a consistent position at any time.

Conley
12-09-2011, 08:27 PM
Touche my friend. :grin:

Some issues change as well, like foreign policy. Others tend to be more moral than evolving...

Mister D
12-09-2011, 08:34 PM
Touche my friend. :grin:

Some issues change as well, like foreign policy. Others tend to be more moral than evolving...

No sword fighting intended! :shocked: :grin:

True. I think you can tell when someone is just saying whatever needs to be said to get reelected. Clinton, IMO, was a master at that. You could say that he was a pragmatist and that makes sense on one level. On another, I'd say he was a man without any real convictions.

Conley
12-09-2011, 08:40 PM
No sword fighting intended! :shocked: :grin:

True. I think you can tell when someone is just saying whatever needs to be said to get reelected. Clinton, IMO, was a master at that. You could say that he was a pragmatist and that makes sense on one level. On another, I'd say he was a man without any real convictions.

I agree with you but honestly I feel like they are all like that to some degree. It's extremely disconcerting and I feel like I have almost no sense of Romney whatsoever. At least with George W. you could get a sense of what he was like. Romney seems like he was programmed to run for president or something. I've said it before but I respect Ron Paul for speaking his mind, even when I disagree with him and/or his position is unpopular and I will always respect him for that (though I grant you through our research we have found he has been inconsistent on immigration).

Mister D
12-09-2011, 08:42 PM
I agree with you but honestly I feel like they are all like that to some degree. It's extremely disconcerting and I feel like I have almost no sense of Romney whatsoever. At least with George W. you could get a sense of what he was like. Romney seems like he was programmed to run for president or something. I've said it before but I respect Ron Paul for speaking his mind, even when I disagree with him and/or his position is unpopular and I will always respect him for that (though I grant you through our research we have found he has been inconsistent on immigration).

I always said that to Bush's credit. He believed in what he was doing and you NEVER got the impression otherwise regardless of what you thought about his positions.

I blanketed Paul too quickly as an open borders loon. You were right to correct me. Inconsistent perhaps but not a typical libertarian.

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:31 PM
I agree with you but honestly I feel like they are all like that to some degree. It's extremely disconcerting and I feel like I have almost no sense of Romney whatsoever. At least with George W. you could get a sense of what he was like. Romney seems like he was programmed to run for president or something. I've said it before but I respect Ron Paul for speaking his mind, even when I disagree with him and/or his position is unpopular and I will always respect him for that (though I grant you through our research we have found he has been inconsistent on immigration).


Yeah plus many feel like he is the defacto shoe-in.....But it don't look like the MSM can hit on his family or marriage life. Married to the same woman and shows all those family values that matters. Depite him being a Mormon.

Conley
12-09-2011, 09:34 PM
That's not at all unusual for a Mormon.

Mister D
12-09-2011, 09:49 PM
It does seem like Romney is a shoe in but part of that might be media fueled self-prophecy.

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:50 PM
Who do you think he would pick as his VP?

MMC
12-09-2011, 09:51 PM
Oh, I have been waiting to hear MSDNC and the cast of lackeys on what they going to say about Romney this time round.

Conley
12-09-2011, 09:57 PM
They should be thankful if Romney is the nominee...he's more liberal than most of the GOP field IMO.

Mister D
12-09-2011, 09:58 PM
Who do you think he would pick as his VP?

Good question!

MMC
12-09-2011, 10:08 PM
I don't see him picking Huntsman for that.....Think he would Pick Huntman for S.O.S.? Truly I don't think he wants any other Mormons in his cabinet for fear he will be impeached then.

I don't think he will pick Sanotrium or Gingrich either.

Mister D
12-09-2011, 10:20 PM
I don't see him picking Huntsman for that.....Think he would Pick Huntman for S.O.S.? Truly I don't think he wants any other Mormons in his cabinet for fear he will be impeached then.

I don't think he will pick Sanotrium or Gingrich either.

I don't know. A Gingrich VP would excite the base to an extent. He's polling well.

Mister D
12-09-2011, 10:21 PM
Santorum is a non-factor.

MMC
12-09-2011, 10:55 PM
Well technically the VP is a Non Vital Player......so you would think they could push Gingrich off into that. Anything else the Media and the left will be taunting about Ethics and always wanting to investgate him for things and whatnots.

Mister D
12-09-2011, 10:57 PM
Well technically the VP is a Non Vital Player......so you would think they could push Gingrich off into that. Anything else the Media and the left will be taunting about Ethics and always wanting to investgate him for things and whatnots.

No matter what happens, Newt will be attacked on ethics. VP, cabinet, or whatever he'll be attacked.

MMC
12-09-2011, 11:11 PM
Has Romney came back with anything on Pakistan?

Conley
12-09-2011, 11:14 PM
Come back since when?

MMC
12-09-2011, 11:20 PM
Well he hasnt said anything about them other than what he stated in 2010 when he visited Khars-eye!

MMC
12-26-2011, 07:39 AM
Republican presidential primary candidate Mitt Romney has been focusing strongly on New Hampshire voters (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2078389/Is-Chinas-coolest-town-Winter-festival-creates-city-entirely-snow-ice.html) and it appears to be paying off. The granite state’s key Republican primary is set for January 10, one week after the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucus, and the former governor of Massachusetts has taken a commanding 22-point lead ahead of the competition (http://thepoliticalforums.com/#).

Rep. Paul has seen the most gain in New Hampshire over the past month, rising five points since November. Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman has picked up three percentage points and polled just six points behind Gingrich and Paul. The latest results for Rep. Paul in New Hampshire, coupled with his steady rise to the top in Iowa (http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/ia/iowa_republican_presidential_primary-1588.html), makes the case that the outspoken libertarian congressman, rather than Newt Gingrich, will likely be the greatest challenge to Romney’s hopes of securing the Republican nomination.....snip~

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/romney-takes-commanding-lead-in-new-hampshire-polls/ <<<<<More Here.

There we have it.....Ron Paul will be the Challenger to Mitt Romney. Gingrich is done. Paul surging to be tied for Second in NH a State where one would think he would not get any traction in. Gingrich's numbers will continure to go down here now. Huntsman even rose up in the pollls. Even tho all he is doing is dividing the field more. The other thing here is that Gingrich leads in a poll where people say they will absolutely refuse to vote for him. So Iowa, NH, Illinois, Indiana, California, Arizona, New Mexico and Virginia ALL not going to vote for Gingrich.

Looks like the Granite State will go with Romney which is where he lives. Allegedly!

wingrider
12-26-2011, 10:06 AM
wouldnt it be a hoot if Paul kicks everyones ass in this and comes out the winner in both early states?/ you gotta love the American Political system.. the media might just lose their propaganda machine if this keeps up.. I get a little tired of the media choosing who we vote for.

Conley
12-26-2011, 10:09 AM
wouldnt it be a hoot if Paul kicks everyones ass in this and comes out the winner in both early states?/ you gotta love the American Political system.. the media might just lose their propaganda machine if this keeps up.. I get a little tired of the media choosing who we vote for.

I'd love it but I don't think Paul can make up that 22 point deficit. Someone pointed out to me that Paul is polling the same way McCain did four years ago - both had the same numbers - and McCain ended up with the nomination, but can it happen again? Hate to say I don't think so.

wingrider
12-26-2011, 10:12 AM
a lot can happen in the course of a year, look at this way, a year ago paul was at obout 5 percent in the polls, now he is basically tied with romney for first place,, if obama continues to fuck up everything he touches, Paul will close up that 22 percent lead and it could be a pretty good race.. time will tell that is all

MMC
12-26-2011, 11:09 AM
Gingrich lives in Virginia and doesnt make the ballot for his own state. So now the Neo's will switch over to Romney because he was big buisness. Paul I think could handle Obama on the economics. In a debate. I don't think he can win on any other point. The MSM will gear the election to build Obama's popularity. While avoiding immigration. Plus Obama will attack Paul over pork issues for Texas and will go after him on foreign policy.

Mister D
12-26-2011, 11:30 AM
It is looking increasingly likely that Romney will be the candidate. I haven't been reading National Review like I used to but I can tell they are backing him.

Mister D
12-26-2011, 11:31 AM
Gingrich lives in Virginia and doesnt make the ballot for his own state. So now the Neo's will switch over to Romney because he was big buisness. Paul I think could handle Obama on the economics. In a debate. I don't think he can win on any other point. The MSM will gear the election to build Obama's popularity. While avoiding immigration. Plus Obama will attack Paul over pork issues for Texas and will go after him on foreign policy.

He's not from VA though.