Mitt Romney, former Governor of Massachusetts, Republican presidential candidate, and outspoken Mormon to boot, delivered an important speech today. The vein of gold hidden within Romney’s embodied this spirit: I will serve no one religion or faith, no one people or assembly, but all of America…yet, I will not cower in the face of questions regarding my faith; I will not shrink from the scrutinizing pundits. My faith has done a great deal to shape my values. If admitting that costs me the presidency, then so be it. Romney defied the relativism of the modern pundit. He proved that he understands something very important about the American people: He is damned by some if he clearly defines his person and what he believes, but he is damned by all if he doesn’t.” Americans tire of those who would jettison their beliefs, even to gain the world,” said Romney, and his words were a gift to all Americans. He dusted off, polished, and presented principles regarding the nature of freedom that have been largely forgotten by the modern politico. He was, in fact, reflecting a noble element of the Mormon Articles of Faith which state, “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.” I am no Mormon, and I would disagree with one on many grounds. Never-the-less, I admire the parallels observed in Romney’s views compared to the spirit of our Constitution and that of the Founding Fathers. Our founding document clearly states that, “…no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States…” (Paragraph 3, Article 6). Thomas Jefferson stated, “If the freedom of religion, guaranteed to us by law in theory, can ever rise in practice under the overbearing inquisition of public opinion, then and only then will truth, prevail over fanaticism.” Romney has spoken his piece. He has exposed his personal fabric to the harsh elements of a free society and has dared anyone to try his resolve to lead this country fairly, freely, and constitutionally. To that, I nod with great respect.
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