Posted on 02/19/2007 9:25:45 AM PST by areafiftyone
Former Massachusetts governor and Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney has announced that he does not think the Pentagon should change its "don’t ask, don’t tell” policy towards gays in the military – with a war ongoing, according to a report in the Washington Post.
Romney, who once favored allowing gays to serve openly in the military, said: "‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ has worked well.
He added, "We’re in the middle of a conflict. Now is not the time for a change in that regard, and I don’t have a policy posture as to allowing gays in the military to serve there openly.”
During an appearance on ABC’s "This Week,” Romney also addressed the issue of his Mormon faith:
"I’m not running for pastor in chief. I’m running for commander in chief,” he said.
Romney also affirmed that he opposes discrimination against gays and lesbians, but supports a federal amendment defining marriage as being between a man and a woman.
"Marriage is primarily an institution to help develop children. And children’s development, I believe, is greatly enhanced by access to a mom and a dad,” he said.
As to the Iraq War, Romney said that, in his opinion, President Bush’s decision to increase the number of troops in Iraq was "the right thing to do.”
Although Romney ran for the Senate in 1994 as a pro-choice candidate, he said he believes that "abortion is taking human life” and that whether abortions should be legal should be left to the states.
"There are lots of things that are morally very difficult, and in some cases repugnant, that we let states decide,” he added.
I support that position. However I believe a soldier should be able to bend over and pick up a dropped bar of soap in the shower without worrying about a homo being present and ready to attack.
Looks like the good ship Romney is taking water...
I think Romney is right on this one. It has worked in the Military.
Well hopefully that hasn't happened at all yet. (((SHUDDER)))))
Are you under the impression that gay shower rape is a common problem in the US Army?
And if there needed to be another nail in the Romney coffin, here it is.
Well, of course he's right as Romney has taken every conceivable position on the issue (against gays, for don't ask don't tell, and for open service). If you don't agree with Romney, wait ten minutes.
That has to be one of the most ignorant things I have read here on FR, and believe me, there's some fierce competition here.
Having served alongside plenty of open gays in the Israeli Defence Forces, I can't say I ever heard of anyone being "attacked" by a gay soldier. If that ever happened, the attacker would be courtmartialed and would spend the next few decades in a rather unpleasant military prison.
Any questions about his Mormon faith, Romney should just decline to comment. I am so tired of these social issues. When are Republicans going to start getting back to free markets and limited government?
You are correct, it has helped destroy the US military.
I'll bet you are.
Why don't you guys just work to limit the government, which would actually take care of everything else. Gun control, abortion, and homosexuals are all the result of expanded federal power.
To Hildy
Have you ever served in the military? I spent 4 years in the Navy and can tell you of some things that have happened aboard ship.
I seriously doubt it happens, and if it does, I would expect a pretty severe penalty for the offender.
Bravo - Bravo,
I am also sick and tired of people demanding that the leader of free world center his or her concerns around issues of personal choice.
Take care of your own house and the world will be just fine.
Social issues are no longer the rule of the day.
We are at war.
Excuse me, your ignorance is showing.
I think it has worked well. And it has.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.