Who agrees that these words by former Governor & Presidential candidate Mitt Romney are patriotic and wise?

"I am an American running for president. I do not define my candidacy by my religion. A person should not be elected because of his faith, nor should he be rejected because of his faith." No "authorities of my church" or any church, will "ever exert influence" on presidential decisions. "Their authority is theirs," within the province of the church, and it ends "where the affairs of the nation begin." "I will put no doctrine of any church above the plain duties of the office and the sovereign authority of the law." He pledged to serve "no one religion, no one group, no one cause, and no one interest." He will not disavow his religion. "My faith is the faith of my fathers. I will be true to them and to my beliefs." "Some believe that such a confession of my faith will sink my candidacy. If they are right, so be it." "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind." At the end, he told a story he had inserted just before Thanksgiving. During the dark days of the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia, someone suggested the delegates pray. But there were objections: They all held different faiths. "Then Sam Adams rose, and said he would hear a prayer from anyone of piety and good character, as long as they were a patriot. And so together they prayed." At this point in Mr. Romney's speech, the roused audience stood and applauded, and the candidate looked moved. http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/pnoonan/?id=110010955

Public Comments

1. I don't. I think the Mitt is a goon and moron.
2. Republican party in 2008
3. It's too bad many Americans DO vote based on their religion. If Romney were an atheist, he would be attacked and dismantled for his lack of faith. Mormons are at least a form of Christianity; you still have to be a Christian, or pretend you are one, to win elections and the Presidency in this country. Very sad.
4. I loved his speech and I hope that he wins!! GO ROMNEY!!!
5. Wow there, don't try to make him out to be that progressive. He wasn't saying that we shouldn't have religious tests. He very clearly said that there should be religious tests...only that he passed them. At this point he contradicts himself numerous times. Saying 'faith doesn't matter' then saying 'but I believe in Jesus' Why do you need point two, given point one? Unless you are trying to play both sides of the same coin. Let me assure you, Romney very much planned on using Christianity to lampoon Giuliani before Huckabee grabbed that out from under him.
6. I heard this speach in its entirety, and I think it is one of the best I have ever heard. Years from now, when the current election cycle is long past, I think people will quote him as an example of a patriotic man who gave considerable thought to the role of religion and government.
7. I am starting to like Mitt Romney. I think he is a patriot. We don't have many in this country today.
8. I thought it was a very impressive speech. He also professed his belief in Jesus Christ which a lot of people for whatever reason like to label his faith as not being Christian. Doesn't make sense.
9. I am an agnostic. My ancestors tossed the King's damn tea overboard. I have no problem with Mr. Romney's statements.
10. Absolutely.
11. Mitt Romney isn't a candidate that I would vote for, but his statement does not diminish that he is a patriot or man of faith. Wisdom to use one's education, knowledge, common sense and insight to exercise good judgment is not the same as discernment. It is still possible for one to be deceived while possessing great knowledge and education while lacking insight and common sense.
12. I don't like him, because he flip flops more than a fish out of water... and he kind of looks that way in debates too. His faith though, has nothing to do with it.