[LukeSW]

Jim: I am a true blue member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Always been and always will be. (See my other posts today and earlier).

I am also a former fighter pilot, Harvard trained attorney with a PhD in public policy analysis who is an entrepreneur and father of 5. I yield to none in my commitment to constitutional values and dedication to the importance of public and private virtue.

That is why there is much about Mitt's policies I disagree with. I know him and he knows me. Have drafted a personal letter to him urging he swiftly rethink his failure to lead on moral issues, particularly when it comes to nominating Supreme Court justices.

Nevertheless, he and his running mate can make a difference on economic issues. All the while, we can join with Tea Party conservatives, and with Ryan, to beat the drum on moral issues, encouraging Mitt to move to the right. He respects numerical analysis and there is much of that can be assembled to persuade his thinking.

But your unmitigated opposition to Romney based on your personal religious test is not only unconstitutional, it amounts to a kind of religious racism. Think about it.

You may not believe that God loves us enough to communicate directly to mankind today through living prophets and apostles, as well as individually through the Holy Ghost. That is your prerogative. I may disagree with you on that point, but I am certainly not going to condemn you to Hell for your belief. And according to my understanding of the religion, neither is the Lord.

Nevertheless, I don't think that is the real reason for your attitude toward Romney. If it were Glenn Beck running for President, I doubt you would be so adamantly opposed.

I applaud your vision in creating this site and have learned much here. And if you wish, I will be happy to conduct a full scale discussion based on biblical truths and references. As well I will be happy to continue my effort to correct the total distortion of what many on the board perceive about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In the end, Jim, I would hope you would put aside your religious biases and make the obvious choice while working with all of us to motivate positive moral change in society, in our families and in our politics.

Kind regards

[Jim Robinson]

The Mormonism thing was just an internal squabble.

Here’s my objection to Romney:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OQoBxZZPqU&feature=player_embedded

[Earthdweller]

There really isn't any polite way to call someone a religious racist..even in Harvard long form. Holding strong to your belief system is not being a bigot or a racist. Frankly..I'm sick of this distortion.

"Regards" (and snuggles if you like. That's street talk for: you smell like elderberries)

[HiTech RedNeck]

Luke, I’ve made it quite clear that I disagree with the theological premises of the LDS, but the questions have to be obvious. Inasmuch as the LDS has endorsed standards of clean and moral living that are shared by most civilized world religions, why is it seemingly winking at how Mitt Romney has carried on his governance contrary to such standards? Why didn’t Mitt sooner bow out of the governor’s seat in Massachusetts than be an instrument of setting up gay marriage there? And why didn’t Mitt’s doing so create a huge hubbub in Salt Lake City?

[CWSNTEXAS]

Luke-

As a Jew, I have often found it strange that I relate so much with the Christian right. I admire the tenants of kindness, peace, nonjudgmental acceptance and the love of humanity displayed by the Christ of Christianity.

Having spent a great deal of time in Germany and Austria, I met many young, American, Mormon missionaries and when I did, never failed to treat them to breakfast or lunch and visit with them.

I don’t know enough about the differences in what I guess I would call more traditional Christianity and Mormonism- yet after today I found myself intrigued. I did not know that such hatred and intolerance existed toward Mormons.

Growing up as a Jew, I have known all my life the effects of such a misunderstanding of who I am. I am sorry to see such hatred.

The young Mormons I have met have always been sincere, kind, respectful and exceptional men. It pains me to see such outward hatred on this site where I have always felt so welcomed in the past. I’m not sure what has happened.

Your post is written with great courage and conviction and I admire you for your stance.

Just a couple of weeks ago- Mr. Romney called Jerusalem the Capital of Israel and it is. It’s been a long time since we have heard such encouraging words.

This Jew stands with you.

[Godzilla]

But your unmitigated opposition to Romney based on your personal religious test is not only unconstitutional, it amounts to a kind of religious racism.

The religious test prohibition is only on federal laws. It is a restriction against government - not the people. Learn the constitution you value and stop presenting an atheistic argument .

The people are free to use what ever criteria they desire - and that includes religion. If a person is serious about their religion, then the tenants of that religion will provide insight into their morals, thought processes, policies, etc. So put the bigot card away. If you disagree with what is posted, then present official lds doctrine and show what you believe.

[Kevmo]

If you’re a “Harvard trained attorney” then why do you resort to such a blatant straw argument?

Where in this post did JimRob say that his “unmitigated opposition to Romney” was “ based on a personal religious test”? It does NOT.

The mormon stuff was a side note, but you can’t see that because you’re a mormon.

[Graybeard58]

But your unmitigated opposition to Romney based on your personal religious test is not only unconstitutional...

You say you're a lawyer, yet you post that drivel?