Gov. Mitt Romney made a speech last week that was a hot topic of debate. He was supposedly going to address his being a Mormon, but ended up talking -- similar to Kennedy in his own 'faith speech' about Catholicism -- much more about America's past and future than focusing on his own faith. The text of the speech can be found here.
Critics -- mostly liberals, but also some conservatives -- blasted Romney for not talking about what Mormonism involves, or specifying his beliefs. However, the overriding reaction was very, very positive. Romney referenced American history numerous times while painting a picture of an America that respects and includes all religious faiths. Rather than pointing out tenets of Mormonism, Romney pointed out the common enemies of all moral people in America - big government and overspending, the breakdown of the family, and radical Islam, among other things. He vowed a commitment to the Founders' visions for America, paid tribute to the benevolence of America's military actions over the years, and applauded America's diversity.
Many thought this was finally a breakthrough for any of the Republican candidates - the first one to truly acknowledge where we've come from, and to pledge to hold firm to those same principles.
Ethel C. Fenig chimed in afterward, saying it was sad that Romney had to defend his faith at all, and pointing out George Washington's statement early in American history saying essentially faith should not have to be explained.
Conservatives and Republicans face a decision about whether or not they will accept a Mormon in the White House. Regardless of the outcome of Romney's candidacy, the speech was a masterful one, laying out a great vision for the America that the Founders were striving for. As such, it would be good for all of us to take a moment to read it.
There's my two cents.
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