And people will STILL vote for this man.....

[LaylaMonroe]

*definitely gonna bite my tongue on this one*

[betnich]

This brohaha is similar to what Obama went through in 2008 with his comment about how some 'cling to guns or religion'. In each case in an unguarded moment they were referring to partisans who will vote for the other candidate no matter what. If I were Romney I would work on reframing that to reach out to some of the 47%, instead of alienating them, if he has any hope of winning this election.

The part of his comment that offended me was his referring to people who get Gov't welfare, health care, etc. as "entitled". Entitled? {rant start} Has he or the GOP leadership looked in the mirror lately? Yes, it is human nature to take things for granted, but IMO that equally applies to those who, through their privileged, fortunate background, never had to experience the pangs of hunger, the lack of clothes or shelter, the want of security and stability in family or education, or the shame of having to go apply for assistance. {rant end}

[LaylaMonroe]

And just forget the fact that his entire statement was a complete LIE. That's irrelevant, right?

[gtrdave]

This brohaha is similar to what Obama went through in 2008 with his comment about how some 'cling to guns or religion'. In each case in an unguarded moment they were referring to partisans who will vote for the other candidate no matter what. If I were Romney I would work on reframing that to reach out to some of the 47%, instead of alienating them, if he has any hope of winning this election.

The part of his comment that offended me was his referring to people who get Gov't welfare, health care, etc. as "entitled". Entitled? {rant start} Has he or the GOP leadership looked in the mirror lately? Yes, it is human nature to take things for granted, but IMO that equally applies to those who, through their privileged, fortunate background, never had to experience the pangs of hunger, the lack of clothes or shelter, the want of security and stability in family or education, or the shame of having to go apply for assistance. {rant end}

Well, to say that there's no one receiving government assistance who either a) does not need it and are just playing the system or b) feels that, yes, they are entitled to it for whatever reason is to ignore the facts. Granted, each may be a small percentage of those receiving assistance...not the 47% that Mitt stated...but they do exist and they see a Rep. president as a threat to their way of life.
What I don't like in his comments is a) his demonization of the entire 47% that he eluded to...that they're ALL on welfare and don't pay taxes, etc... and b) his obvious ignorance of the fact that the rich have perpetuated this entitlement mentality as much as or more than the poor. I've rubbed elbows with some famous-types and friends of famous-types and I've seen the behavior of thinking that just because someone is a "star" that they deserve special treatment, privilege, perks and freebies and more when THEY are the ones who can afford to pay their own way.
betnich is right: it's human nature to take things for granted. I don't think that how much money someone has (or doesn't have) changes that at all.

So, I don't think his entire statement is a lie. Again, I think Mittens recognizes that regardless of what he does or says almost half of the population won't vote for him. His characterization of that half, though, was out of line and for the most part, yes, a lie.

[blyempowered]

Well, to say that there's no one receiving government assistance who either a) does not need it and are just playing the system or b) feels that, yes, they are entitled to it for whatever reason is to ignore the facts. Granted, each may be a small percentage of those receiving assistance...not the 47% that Mitt stated...but they do exist and they see a Rep. president as a threat to their way of life.
What I don't like in his comments is a) his demonization of the entire 47% that he eluded to...that they're ALL on welfare and don't pay taxes, etc... and b) his obvious ignorance of the fact that the rich have perpetuated this entitlement mentality as much as or more than the poor. I've rubbed elbows with some famous-types and friends of famous-types and I've seen the behavior of thinking that just because someone is a "star" that they deserve special treatment, privilege, perks and freebies and more when THEY are the ones who can afford to pay their own way.
betnich is right: it's human nature to take things for granted. I don't think that how much money someone has (or doesn't have) changes that at all.

So, I don't think his entire statement is a lie. Again, I think Mittens recognizes that regardless of what he does or says almost half of the population won't vote for him. His characterization of that half, though, was out of line and for the most part, yes, a lie.

Interesting....

[Docdb04]

I heard a portion of the clip (slightly muffled) this morning on the Steve Harvey.  I am not surprised at all, because I knew he felt this way from the first time he made the “safety net” statement.  He basically said the same thing.  However, this time it was more direct.  He put the spin on it the first time and people said, “Ok maybe he didn’t mean it that way.”  So he (Romney) figures, as long as I smooth it over and twist it, I can say it a little harsher.

Personally, this was not a framing at all.  He said what he felt and what he wanted to say.  The only thing I can say is we are not sure of his previous statements during this conference.  Even then, it is almost clear to know what he meant by this statement. 

[Hasmonean1]

.....for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh

[funkStrat_97]

The problem with Romney's statement is that if reinforces the perception that he (and by extension, the Republican party as a whole) is someone who either disdains or has no understanding of those who are not wealthy.  I'm not saying that this perception is true, but it doesn't help him in a political context.

[gtrdave]

The problem with Romney's statement is that if reinforces the perception that he (and by extension, the Republican party as a whole) is someone who either disdains or has no understanding of those who are not wealthy.  I'm not saying that this perception is true, but it doesn't help him in a political context.

So very true.
It's sad that the party's main spokesperson does little to break the negative stereotype that the party already has assigned to it.
He may personally feel exactly as he stated, and he's allowed to feel however he wants to, but I know MANY in the party do not share his broad-brush and incorrect opinion.

[betnich]

So very true.
It's sad that the party's main spokesperson does little to break the negative stereotype that the party already has assigned to it.
He may personally feel exactly as he stated, and he's allowed to feel however he wants to, but I know MANY in the party do not share his broad-brush and incorrect opinion.

I hope not - I know there are many sane and balanced Republicans, as well as moderate Democrats.
I view Romney's 'candid' speech as one of those mis-timed, out-of-tune solos on YouTube...

[cas10a]

Well, to say that there's no one receiving government assistance who either a) does not need it and are just playing the system or b) feels that, yes, they are entitled to it for whatever reason is to ignore the facts. Granted, each may be a small percentage of those receiving assistance...not the 47% that Mitt stated...but they do exist and they see a Rep. president as a threat to their way of life.
What I don't like in his comments is a) his demonization of the entire 47% that he eluded to...that they're ALL on welfare and don't pay taxes, etc... and b) his obvious ignorance of the fact that the rich have perpetuated this entitlement mentality as much as or more than the poor. I've rubbed elbows with some famous-types and friends of famous-types and I've seen the behavior of thinking that just because someone is a "star" that they deserve special treatment, privilege, perks and freebies and more when THEY are the ones who can afford to pay their own way.
betnich is right: it's human nature to take things for granted. I don't think that how much money someone has (or doesn't have) changes that at all.

So, I don't think his entire statement is a lie. Again, I think Mittens recognizes that regardless of what he does or says almost half of the population won't vote for him. His characterization of that half, though, was out of line and for the most part, yes, a lie.

From watching the video, breifly skimming the article and the story on MSNBC (or whatever their new name is without the Microsoft in front...lol), I agree with above and gtrdave's previous comment.

It's no suprise that he made this statement speaking to his Republican base.  He took a statistic, which has been fact checked, that said 47% of Americans don't pay taxes; the problem is he lumped everyone together, some of the 47% are also individuals that make well over $250K and find loopwholes in the tax code and end up paying 0 as well.  Yes, the statement is a generalization and is out of line, but you have to consider who he is speaking too in his audience and he is purposely putting a spin on facts to support his base...politics as usual.

[cas10a]

Let me clarify above also, Mitt is refering to the statistic that deals with 47% of Americans that don't pay "Income" tax, not any tax.  If you only make $25k a year, but pay normal taxes out of your income/job each pay day and then receive a refund once a year thats more than the taxes you paid from income...you essentially are in the 47% even though, yes, you paid taxes all year and you have a job; he made a huge mistake in characterizing everyone in the same category.

[LaylaMonroe]

A Mormon Explaining How Blacks are Cursed

I cannot vouch for the context of this clip, since it's short and I didn't see the full interview myself. However, a few weeks ago, some Mormons stopped by my house (first time that has ever happened in my life. I had never even seen Mormons do door-to-door like that, although I had heard that they do). I asked them about this and after dancing around it, my friends and I were able to back them enough into a corner to at least answer yes and no to our questions. In doing so, they acknowledged that this is exactly what they believe about black people even TODAY. You'll never hear a Mormon discuss that openly or initiate a conversation about it (well except maybe in this clip), but it is true, at least according to the two who showed up in my neighborhood on Labor Day.

So yeah, go ahead and vote for Romney. At least you can't say you didn't know what you were doing.

[LaylaMonroe]

And what kills me is how Christians will still defend this man. How hypocritical that his heretical faith doesn't matter, but we still vote faith-based matters.... this is why I bite my tongue. I hate seeing Christians defend folly just to be loyal to political ideologies and parties. It's disgusting. This man LIED blatantly and stereotyped and openly admitted to believing that all Obama voters are welfare bums who don't contribute anything to this country (which of course is "their" country built on OUR FREE LABOR) - and if that's what he said in a somewhat public setting, you can imagine how he talks in a closed door meeting or in the safety of his home.

[Arkhams Finest]

Mitt Romney has been characterized (by democrats) as being a wealthy man who will only look out for the interests of the wealthy.

These videos, his own words, do more to promote that characterization than ANYTHING democrats could have done.

From now on when I see him on CNN or in a commercial shaking hands and speaking to everyday people I'm going to SMH. 

What a joke.

[betnich]

Let me clarify above also, Mitt is refering to the statistic that deals with 47% of Americans that don't pay "Income" tax, not any tax.  If you only make $25k a year, but pay normal taxes out of your income/job each pay day and then receive a refund once a year thats more than the taxes you paid from income...you essentially are in the 47% even though, yes, you paid taxes all year and you have a job; he made a huge mistake in characterizing everyone in the same category.

Very telling, that he would disparage non-income-taxpayers in a year when many are not making enough to PAY income tax.
And we DO pay tax - sales tax, tax on gas, property, payroll deductions, social security/Medicare, etc...

[cas10a]

And what kills me is how Christians will still defend this man. How hypocritical that his heretical faith doesn't matter, but we still vote faith-based matters.... this is why I bite my tongue. I hate seeing Christians defend folly just to be loyal to political ideologies and parties. It's disgusting. This man LIED blatantly and stereotyped and openly admitted to believing that all Obama voters are welfare bums who don't contribute anything to this country (which of course is "their" country built on OUR FREE LABOR) - and if that's what he said in a somewhat public setting, you can imagine how he talks in a closed door meeting or in the safety of his home.

I don't like it when churches try to insert messages (who you should vote for based on religion) into politics, there should be a separation...governments don't work when they try to mix the two through-out history...however, I do agree with you totally that certain faiths have no place in government because through-out history it has been their vision and view point to clearly involve the two together and rule or create policies based in-part or solely on religous views.  I cannot speak on the Mormon faith as a whole, but I express the same concerns that you have.  Outside of religion, in my opinion, Pres. Obama needs another term or everything he accomplished will be wiped away by the Republican party and we simply will go back to Pres. Bush's era....no progress made at all.  It will simply be looked as a failed term from the "first black" President.  I'm not trying to throw the race card as Fox would say...lol, but that is what I believe what will be implied by many (not said) if he is not re-elected.

[blyempowered]

And what kills me is how Christians will still defend this man. How hypocritical that his heretical faith doesn't matter, but we still vote faith-based matters.... this is why I bite my tongue. I hate seeing Christians defend folly just to be loyal to political ideologies and parties. It's disgusting. This man LIED blatantly and stereotyped and openly admitted to believing that all Obama voters are welfare bums who don't contribute anything to this country (which of course is "their" country built on OUR FREE LABOR) - and if that's what he said in a somewhat public setting, you can imagine how he talks in a closed door meeting or in the safety of his home.

This

[LaylaMonroe]

Romney said in an interview (I think it was Meet the Press, don't remember for sure) that he refuses to distance himself from his faith. That's cool. I'm sure most of us wouldn't distance ourselves from our faith, either. Cool. However, his "faith" teaches according to the Book of Mormon, II Nephi 5:21 that black people are black because we are cursed. So, we weren't supposed to be black. Apparently, we were all supposed to be white, but since Cain killed Abel (thanks a lot, Cain), I'm now "stuck" (or should I say CURSED) with black skin. Although the Mormons did change their official church position on accepting blacks into the church body and priesthood in 1978 (which was very recently, relatively speaking), they have not at any time since then denounced their teaching that blacks are cursed. In fact, they continue to teach this TODAY.

Now you tell me how in the world a man can be president over a group of people that he believes are cursed from God? He will not "distance" himself from this teaching because it is what he believes. And you want him to be your president? LOL!

And let the doggone record show that the very first human beings ever traced were black. So kiss my grits, Nephi!!!


--------------------------------
II Nephi 5:21-25

 21 And he had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity. For behold, they had hardened their hearts against him, that they had become like unto a flint; wherefore, as they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them.

 22 And thus saith the Lord God: I will cause that they shall be loathsome unto thy people, save they shall repent of their iniquities.

 23 And cursed shall be the seed of him that mixeth with their seed; for they shall be cursed even with the same cursing. And the Lord spake it, and it was done.

 24 And because of their cursing which was upon them they did become an idle people, full of mischief and subtlety, and did seek in the wilderness for beasts of prey.

 25 And the Lord God said unto me: They shall be a scourge unto thy seed, to stir them up in remembrance of me; and inasmuch as they will not remember me, and hearken unto my words, they shall scourge them even unto destruction.

[LaylaMonroe]

Ahh yes, and not only are we cursed, we are also "full of mischief and subtlety." Scourged "unto destruction."  Well I guess this explains so much. It tells us why black people are committing all the serial murders in the country, strung out on meth, shooting up schools, filling up the welfare rolls... yeah, that's why. It's because we lost our fair, white skin and are now cursed. Thanks for clearing this up, Mitt. Or should I thank your honorable and beloved Prophet Joseph Smith, from whom you will not distance yourself?