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Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney on Wednesday defended his five sons' decision not to enlist in the military, saying they're showing their support for the country by "helping me get elected."

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(not for the faint of heart)

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I don't see why people should have to answer for their kids anyhow

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Oh I think that you ought to be able to spare a couple of sons from your election campaign to fight in a war that you wholeheartedly support.

One of the worst things about the Iraq war is the way its burden falls upon a relatively small segment of the population, some of whom are now on their fourth tour of duty there.

People like Romney make no demands on their own social group (including those five sons) but are real clear that others should just keep on making sacrifices for his policies. No cutting and running for those other guys!

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97 & 98

I'm a little sad to be nearing the end of my tour of Iowa as I visited the 97th and 98th counties yesterday, although I must admit that I am excited both for the Iowa State Fair and the Ames Straw poll coming up. From what I hear you can get any sort of deep fried treat you'd like at the fair, I'm hoping for a Snickers. The life sized butter cow promises to be another highlight. As for Ames, I can't wait to see family and friends and work hard to get my dad a victory there.

Tagg and I visited Albert, the world's largest bull, in Audubon County.

[ Read More]
Posted at 2007-08-07 10:07:20 by Josh Romney | Comments [4]

DEL.ICIO.US FACEBOOK

Awaiting The Straw Poll

I haven't been able to post a blog in a while, as medical school duties have kept me bound to my home base here in Boston, and I haven't been able to join the tour in Iowa. I, like many of you, however, have been watching from afar. I'm actually jealous of my brothers as they meet so many wonderful people and get to experience life in the heart of America. Also like many of you, I've also been appreciative of their efforts and their dedication to my dad and to his vision for a strong and prosperous America. In reading some of your responses to the blogs, I've felt humbled by all the support you're offering - we appreciate the kind words of encouragement. I can't wait to join my family in Iowa this weekend for the Straw Poll. It's going to be a great experience, and hopefully all of my dad's and brothers' hard work in Iowa will pay off.

[ Read More]
Posted at 2007-08-07 09:47:06 by Ben Romney | Comments [2]

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Originally posted by jeff house:
Oh I think that you ought to be able to spare a couple of sons from your election campaign to fight in a war that you wholeheartedly support.

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You say that as if his sons are his property.

Are your sons your property? If you supported a war, would you have the right to "send" your sons to fight it?

I agree with you that his sons are hypocritical. But what I don't understand is why people would think that it's up to their parents to address that. They're adults. They make their own decisions about fighting, just as you do, just as I do.

Why go after him? Why not go after his sons instead? Or, if you're going to go after him, why not go after him for being a chickenhawk during Vietnam?

[ 10 August 2007: Message edited by: Michelle ]

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Originally posted by HUAC:
They learned this from Prince Harry. If, for even the remotest of possible reasons, one of them showed up in the ME, he'd be "Tillmanned" in less than 5 minutes. Three in the head would look like warning shots.

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Originally posted by HUAC:
They learned this from Prince Harry.

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If they pull out the, "I'm serving the country by trying to make my daddy the president" line, then the follow-up question should be, "Are you comparing campaigning with your father with fighting for your country? You think they're an equal sacrifice in a time when the US desperately needs able-bodied troops?" Let's see them answer THAT question.

I wonder how this expose of Mormon fanaticism will play for Romney and his many progeny.

However, if the boys are stating that they are serving their country by helping get their father elected then I would argue that premise.

First, if they believe that by being around and talking to people, passing out leaflets, etc is going to gain significant votes for their father, then I would say they are in error. If their objective is to get more votes for their father then I would say that showing the American voters that they are willing to defend their country and possibly die for it will bring in significantly more votes. Rather meaning lead by example.

Plus there would be added benefits. With his son’s in the theater of war he would have first hand knowledge of what is really going on, if the body armor is getting delivered, if there is sufficient support, etc.

But here is my problem if I were an American voter. Their father is obviously leading by word. He did not serve his country in Vietnam. In order for the United States or any country to be strong their leader needs to lead by example. Why would I want to vote for anyone who leads by talking too much.

President Harry S. Truman had a sign on his desk that said, “The Buck stops Here.” What would be the sign on the desk if Romney gets elected, “Don’t blame me. I told them how to do it and they screwed it up.”

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Why go after him? Why not go after his sons instead?

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He is running for President. He is supporting the war, and even the "surge". So, I "go after him".