“She (Clinton) gave a speech a couple of days ago and laid out her vision for America. And as I listened to her, I figured her platform wouldn’t even get her elected in France,”
SIOUX CITY, Iowa - Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney on Thursday criticized Democratic rival Hillary Rodham Clinton as a European caricature who would turn the United States into a welfare state.
Speaking to about 200 people in Sioux City, Romney said he wanted to highlight the differences between himself and Clinton, the front-runner for her party’s presidential nomination.
“Her view is the old, classic, European caricature that we describe of big government, big taxation, welfare state,” said the former Massachusetts governor.
“She gave a speech a couple of days ago and laid out her vision for America. And as I listened to her I figured her platform wouldn’t even get her elected in France,” Romney, who was a missionary in France, said to chuckles and applause.
In recent French elections, conservative Nicolas Sarkozy captured the presidency, defeating Segolene Royal in her bid to become France’s first female president.
Romney criticized Clinton’s effort as first lady to enact universal health care and touted his success in passing a plan in Massachusetts. Although Romney won bipartisan praise for his state effort, he hasn’t mentioned it much in his bid for president.
“The first difference is mine got passed and hers didn’t,” he said.
Romney said the election of Clinton as president would force the country to veer off course economically, militarily and socially.
“I’m convinced if Hillary were president … that we would see instead of a stronger military and a stronger economy and stronger families, we’d see a weaker military because she would … be able to spend money on the social programs that she favors,” he said. “We’d see a weaker economy because she’d raise taxes and we’d have less money going into the private sector and creating new jobs. We’d see weaker families as well.”
Contrasting himself with Clinton, Romney also reiterated his support for a constitutional amendment against gay marriage. Clinton has said she wouldn’t support such an amendment.
___
Got it from here
Jen Romney (Tagg’s wife), Ann Romney (we all know who’s wife she is [smile] ), and Ande Romney (Ben’s wife)
Awesome to see one of the wives doing some blogging over at the brother’s site.
Here’s a snippet (click the above link to read the entire piece and for an additional picture):
Hi, this is Jen, Tagg’s wife and Governor Romney’s daughter-in-law. On Friday I attended my first Women for Romney event. I am normally a quiet, rather shy person and so these things fill me with a ton of anxiety. Tagg and I have been married for nearly 15 years, remember, and I had no idea when we said, “I do” that politics would be such a big part of my life.
In keeping with Ann Marie’s wishes over at ElectRomneyin2008:
“The students at Virginia Tech were given a One Day Blog Silence, and I believe that our fallen heroes that have protected our lives, freedom, and liberty should be bestowed at least that much. So, on Monday, May 28th, 2007 this blog will go silent for the entire day. Please take time to reflect upon it’s true meaning. If you know a Veteran thank them, shake their hand, pat them on the back, or give them a hug for their sacrifice and dedication for you and our country”.
Closing out on this series reflecting on MR’s record of accomplishments in Massachusetts regarding Veterans and Veterans Benefits, leaves me with two items left that I believe are worth mentioning(there are several more that myclob has posted over at ElectRomneyin2008 if you’re interested).
The first is this press release from 11/03/06. Not only is it a remarkable action to take, but because of the tremendous turn-around in the State coffers under Governor Romney’s fiscal policies, the ability to be able to do this is what makes it even more remarkable.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of Health and Human Services
November 3, 2006
“With Veterans Day right around the corner, a shortfall in the account that pays a life insurance benefit to Massachusetts National Guard members was covered by Governor Mitt Romney today when he transferred funds from his own office account to make up the deficiency.
Romney took the action since the Legislature is not meeting in formal session and to ensure that National Guard members continue to receive the benefits to which they are entitled.
There is a $64,000 deficiency in the account that reimburses up to 50 percent of the cost of life insurance for National Guard members serving on active duty in the war on terror. The benefit was part of the Welcome Home Bill signed into law by Governor Romney last year. The deficiency occurred because of an increase in National Guard members due to recruitment efforts.
Romney said the transfer is possible because of the success in reducing spending with the Governor’s Office, freeing up funds for other purposes. Spending in the Governor’s Office has dropped from $5.6 million in FY02 to $4.6 million in FY06. Spending is anticipated to drop again in the current fiscal year.
“All of us in elective office recognize the service of our Massachusetts National Guard troops, and one of my greatest honors is to serve as their commander in chief. They have dealt with every dangerous assignment that we have given them, both at home and abroad. It is a privilege to be able to transfer funds from my office to avoid any interruption in benefits to our troops,” said Romney.”
Got it here
And finally, the last item that impressed me while researching for these postings, is one that I believe shows Governor Romney has long held the belief that Veterans should be honored for the tremendous duty and sacrifice they so unselfishly provide. It is comforting to know that Governor Romney will choose to fight for their honor over playing politics. Unfortunately, there are politicians that just don’t hold these same values:
PANEL DEFIES ROMNEY ON NAMING OF TUNNEL
10/15/2003
A key legislative panel voted yesterday to name the main tunnel of the Central Artery project after the late US House Speaker Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill Jr., defying the wishes of Governor Mitt Romney.
Romney had proposed legislation earlier this year to designate the tunnel “Liberty,” to honor service men and women, and had proposed O’Neill’s name be attached to a shorter tunnel connecting the Artery to the Massachusetts Turnpike.
But the Joint Transportation Committee, in amending Romney’s bill yesterday, rejected the Liberty moniker, voting to name the main tunnel for O’Neill and electing to call the shorter roadway the Veterans’ Tunnel.
The legislation will now go before the House.
The move by the committee touched off a bitter exchange on Beacon Hill, with the governor suggesting legislators are more interested in political payback than in honoring soldiers killed in Iraq.
Read the entire article here.
Donna L.
Diane, a retired Woman Marine from SW Florida (shown here proudly showing off her support for Mitt Romney), forwarded me an email she recently received from Patrick McQuillan, Romney For President SW Florida Field Director. In it, he lists available positions for those that want to get involved with the Romney Campaign. I’m sure this list reflects positions that need to be filled throughout the country with ComMITTed folks who want to get on board Team Mitt. A few of the positions are listed:
Volunteer Coordinator
Communications Coordinator
Field Monitor
Phone Bank Coordinator
Blog Coordinator
Endorsement Coordinator
Event Coordinator
African American Leader
Agricultural Leader
Business Leader
College Coordinator
Education Leader
Healthcare Leader
Hispanic Leader
Jewish Leader
Senior Leader
Sportsmen/2nd Amendment
Student Leader
Technology Leader
Young Professionals Leader
Value Leaders
Veterans Leader
Women Leaders
Contact the Romney For President Team to inquire about positions available in your area!
Third post regarding Governor Romney’s record on Veterans Issues, in recognition of Memorial Day Weekend. I’m seeing a very impressive effort to make sure Veterans in his state were offerred the help and recognition they so deserve. Is anyone aware if their state has similar programs, or is the Governor breaking new ground here?
July 20, 2006
ROMNEY PROPOSES $8 MILLION FOR NATIONAL GUARD COLLEGE FEE WAIVERS
Governor Mitt Romney today announced he filed legislation that would make available $8 million to waive fees for National Guard members at Massachusetts public colleges and universities. National Guard members already receive free tuition.
Since registration for the fall semester has already begun at many campuses, the Governor urged the Legislature to consider his request on an expedited basis and before they conclude formal sessions for the year on July 31.
“The men and women of the Massachusetts National Guard perform admirable service for our Commonwealth and for our nation,” said Romney. “By making a public college education entirely free for Guard members, we recognize their tremendous dedication and sacrifice.”
Got it from here
ROMNEY EXPANDS TAX BENEFITS FOR DISABLED VETERANS
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of Health and Human Services
August 14, 2006
Governor Mitt Romney signed legislation today that provides disabled Massachusetts veterans with extensive tax exemptions as well as financial relief for the families of servicemen and women killed or missing in action.
The bill also allows local communities to suspend without interest local real estate taxes of active duty National Guardsmen and reservists until 180 days after they return home.
“One of the highest duties of government is our obligation to take care of the men and women who defend this nation. This legislation follows through on that commitment by providing additional benefits to disabled veterans, as well as to the families of soldiers killed or missing in action,” said Governor Mitt Romney.
Current property tax exemptions that range, depending on the extent of the disability, from $250 to $950 per year for veterans will be increased to between $400 and $1,500.
In addition, the legislation increases the reimbursement for those exemptions that the Commonwealth provides to the home communities of the veterans and their families. The lowest reimbursement of $75 now goes to $400, while the highest increases from $775 to $1,325.
Surviving spouses of veterans killed or missing in action since 9/11 will receive full property tax exemptions for five years. A $2,500 annual exemption will be granted after five years.
The bill signed today by the governor also extends sales and vehicle excise tax exemptions to all veterans who qualify for a Disabled Veteran license plate.
Less than a year ago, Governor Romney signed veterans’ legislation that provided a wide array of benefits, including bonuses to Massachusetts servicemen and women on active duty since 9/11, exempting Guard members from fees at public colleges and universities, increasing death benefits paid to families of Guard members killed in the line of duty from $5,000 to $100,000 and creating a $2,000 annuity for Gold Star spouses and parents as well as 100 percent disabled veterans.
Got it from here
Second post regarding Governor Romney’s record on Veterans Issues, in recognition of Memorial Day Weekend. The Governor should be very proud of this bill.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of Health and Human Services
ROMNEY SIGNS LEGISLATION EXPANDING MILITARY BENEFITS
November 11, 2005
Says new law is a fitting Veterans Day tribute to those who have served
Governor Mitt Romney today signed legislation that expands benefits to veterans, members of the Massachusetts National Guard and their families. Romney signed the bill into law at a State House ceremony honoring Massachusetts veterans as well as those currently serving in the military.
“Our men and women in uniform carry on a brave and noble tradition of service to their state and country,” said Romney. “They sacrifice much through their service, and I’m pleased that through this package of benefits our state has properly recognized all that military families do to keep us safe.”
Earlier this year, Romney filed legislation to make education more affordable for returning Guard members, increase the benefit paid to families in the event of a member’s death in the line of duty and establish an annual surviving spouse benefit. Romney also proposed to increase the per diem compensation that Guard members receive while on state active duty and have the state cover life insurance premiums for those on active federal duty.
The Legislature supported the Governor’s proposal and expanded it to include other benefits. The bill Romney signed today:
Exempts Guard members from paying any fees while attending a Massachusetts public college or university. Already, they receive free tuition, but fees can account for as much as three quarters of the cost of a college education. The state, not the schools, will pay for the cost of the waivers;
Increases the death benefit paid to families of Guard members killed in the line of duty from $5,000 to $100,000;
Establishes a check-off on the state tax form to help members of the Guard and armed forces reserves called to active duty after September 11, 2001 and their families defray the costs of food, housing, utilities, medical services and other expenses;
Increases the per diem compensation that Guard members receive while on state active duty from $75 to $100;
Provides that the state pay half the monthly life insurance premiums for Guard members;
Creates a new $2,000 benefit for Gold Star spouses and increases the Gold Star parents’ benefit from $1,500 to $2,000;
Provides a $1,000 bonus to Massachusetts servicemen and women who have served on active duty post-9/11 in Afghanistan or Iraq and a $500 bonus to those who serve at least six months on active duty in other locations;
Grants high school diplomas to veterans who left school for good upon being drafted or enlisting in World War II, Korea or Vietnam wars.
“We must ask ourselves what we can do for our veterans here in the Commonwealth, and I strongly believe this landmark legislation brings us a step closer to a fitting answer,” said Senator Stephen M. Brewer, Senate Chairman of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs.
“With this bill, we have cemented our pledge to those who protect us, the men and women of the armed forces – past, present and future – for they deserve nothing less,” said Representative Anthony J. Verga, House Chairman of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs.
Governor Mitt Romney signing House Bill 4469,
“The Welcome Home Bill” into law in the Hall of
Flags at the Massachusetts State House, Veterans’
Day, November 11, 2005.
An Explanation of the Benefits in the Welcome Home Bill
Got it fromhere
Ann Romney was in Arizona today, hosting a “Women for Mitt” event. On hand, at the gathering, was photographer, Mark Mably, who independently video-taped and put together a beautiful montage of the day’s events. He was genuinely impressed with the sincerity, ease and confidence of Ann Romney. He commented:
“One could ramble endlessly about the embraceable grace with which Mrs. Romney carries herself in a crowd, but I’ve got a unique perspective so I’ll talk about that. Today, I photographed a luncheon as part of the Women for Mitt kickoff. The festivities began and there were about 20 guests invited to be photographed with Mrs. Romney. Photographing the same person 20 times next to 20 different people is a lesson in psychology for one willing to learn it. Here’s what I mean. I watched Mrs. Romney throughout the session (about 25 minutes). She is not a fake laugher or insincere on any level. I occasionally am lucky enough to photograph people with that extreme level of comfort in the person they are, but rarely does one see it in the political arena. Mrs. Romney is gracious and sympathetic and you could feel a ‘mom’ vibe from her too. Photographically speaking, in a posed setting, she comes across consistently confident.”
Read his entire report of the day and watch the beautiful video montage here.
mitt romney, ann romney, republican, conservative, 2008 election, romney
As Memorial Day Weekend approaches, I hope to reflect and honor those who have sacrificed so much for our great country through the actions and words of Governor Mitt Romney. This certainly seems like a great place to start:
May 28, 2004
ROMNEY MARKS MEMORIAL DAY BY HONORING VETERANS
Signs Legislation to Make Peacetime Vets Eligible for State Benefits
On the eve of Memorial Day weekend, Governor Mitt Romney today recognized the contributions of peacetime military veterans by signing into law a measure that extends to them the full recognition and benefits they had previously been denied.
Romney noted that Massachusetts veterans who served during peacetime have not received the same state benefits conferred upon patriots who served during periods of war. This new law will make approximately 54,000 soldiers, who were primarily enlisted between the Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars, eligible for a variety of state benefits, including housing assistance, employment and education benefits and real estate, auto excise and sales tax abatements.
“It is time to acknowledge the extraordinary sacrifice of all of our veterans,” Romney said. “While many Massachusetts soldiers served our nation in a period technically dubbed ‘peacetime,’ they restored American pride in the wake of Vietnam and helped bring a successful end to the Cold War.”
He added, “The service of these men and women was not without cost. There are countless stories of soldiers who served with great distinction only to be denied veteran status after returning home.”
Until the passage of this law, only veterans who had served at least one day of active duty during wartime were eligible for state benefits. Now, that status will be extended to peacetime veterans, with 180 days of active duty, who were honorably discharged from the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard.
“Peacetime veterans are the men and women who, in fact, won the Cold War, yet for too long were relegated to second-class status among their peers,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Medal of Honor recipient Tom Kelley.
Also eligible for state benefits are:
· Peacetime veterans with fewer than 180 days active duty who were awarded service-connected disabilities;
· Full-time National Guard members with 90 days of active service and at least one day of wartime service; and
· American Merchant Marines who served in armed conflict between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946.
“Every man and woman who volunteered to serve this country should be treated with the same degree of respect, gratitude and dignity,” said Romney.
Romney also signed into law today a bill that expands the crime of destroying or defacing a veteran’s grave marker, metal plaque or flag to include a veterans flag holder that commemorates a particular war conflict or period of service.
Got it from Mike
Donna L.
For those of you not familiar with Myspace, the social networking website, it’s a place where anyone can carve out a small piece of the internet by making an information page about … YOU. You can add personal pictures, music, videos, things you like, and things you don’t. Many people list political preference, and some even choose to make huge political statements with their page. Upon completion of your “personal profile”, you venture out into the Myspace world and find friends…people that appeal to you based on the same interests. It’s a running joke that, in the end, the person with the most friends wins.
The numbers can be argued, but the fact that there are somewhere between 80 to 100 Million subscribers signed up on Myspace has not gone unnoticed by the staffers, who are probably Myspacers themselves, of the Presidential Candidates. Almost every candidate now has an Official Myspace Page. Afterall, considering the huge age demographic changes that Myspace has recently undergone, one would be foolish to ignore a great place to advertise freely and gather supporters and friends.
According to the website Techweb: “more than half of the visitors to MySpace are reportedly 35 years old or older, a surprising statistic given the media attention the site has received as an Internet hangout for teens and young adults.
A recent analysis of the users of leading social networking sites found significant shifts in MySpace’s demographics while the site grew dramatically over the last year, ComScore Networks said. In August, children and teens from 12 years old to 17 years old accounted for 11.9 percent of all visitors, compared with 24.7 percent the same month a year ago.
Meanwhile, the portion of older MySpace users has grown to 51.6 percent age 35 or older, ComScore said. Add visitors age 25 or older, and the amount increases to 68.3 percent. Last year, half the site’s visitors were at least 25 years old.
The shift in demographics reflects the “mainstream effect,” ComScore analyst Andrew Lipsman said. As the site gets better known to a broader group of people, it makes sense there would be a greater diversity of age groups visiting.”
It shouldn’t surprise us then to know that there are actually websites out there that are following the 08′ Campaign for President from the technological point of view, and with a vested interest in ” Who will be America’s First TechPresident?”
techPresident.com beckons it’s visitors to sign a petition addressed to the candidates. It begins like this:
“As we enter the 21st Century our country faces daunting challenges. We must address terrorism, global warming, our failing healthcare and public education systems, our dependence on nonrenewable energy resources, and other looming issues. Meanwhile, our 20th Century industrial age economy is losing its ability to sustain our country’s financial health, leading many Americans to fear that we are going in the wrong direction and the next generation will inherit more problems than solutions.
At the same time, we are more connected than ever before and have more access to more information and more tools for identifying and solving problems than any generation in American history, thanks to the Internet.
As we prepare to pick the next President, we’d like to challenge all the candidates running to tell America: How should this public resource be used to make our country more competitive, more democratic, healthier, better educated, more secure and financially sound?
The Internet provides us as a country and as individuals with unparalleled powers to turn information into ideas and ideas into action. It links us to each other, and to our neighbors here as well as around the world, enabling us to organize to solve problems, transform our economy, help foster security, better deliver public services, and build our democracy.” Read the entire petition here
techPresident also graphs, in numbers of friends, the Candidates Myspace pages. I find these comparisons extremely interesting in that it gages the popularity of the candidates among the Myspace populace who have determined they have a preference for one candidate over another, even at this early stage of the game. I’m pretty certain campaign staffers also monitor the numbers of Myspace friends their candidate has for the same exact reasons.
The Myspace Friends Stats from techPresident.com
MySpace friendsDemocrats +/- % #
Obama +13.3% 81,001
Clinton +7.8% 76,914
Edwards +3.8% 36,742
Kucinich +8.7% 18,605
Richardson +1.2% 13,846
Biden +3.3% 9,210
Dodd +4.6% 5,687
Gravel +17.7% 4,012
Republicans +/- % #
McCain +3.9% 32,342
Romney +10.9% 20,731
Paul +27.5% 19,394
Brownback +6.1% 7,634
Hunter +8.3% 4,865
Giuliani +8.9% 4,606
Tancredo +10.9% 1,693
Huckabee +23.5% 1,610
Updated 5/23/2007 - 4:00pm
Trends reflect a one-week window
While these numbers may suggest a real lean toward the Democrat party in a group of people that are computer savvy enough to master Myspace, remember they are part of the technological generation. It may also show that many republicans and conservatives have just not mastered strong enough computer skills to have a more significant presence on the web. This in itself, is a trend that is frightening. The Democrat party knows where to find it’s base, and has easy access to them via the internet. But, that’s another whole story for another time.
There is no denying, however, that Mitt Romney more than understands the critical need for continued technological advances and the need for access to the internet and it’s resources, for both economic and educational growth. He has applied it in every aspect of his life, from his successes in his business, his Governorship, the Olympics, and now in his campaign.
I’m sure there are candidates who truly believe that being on Myspace is “cutting edge”. Maybe I’m wrong, but somehow I just don’t think Mitt Romney sees it quite that way. Being America’s First Tech President will come as second nature to him.
MITT ROMNEY ON THE ISSUE OF TECHNOLOGY
“Let’s look at technology. Without serious question, America is the innovation capital of the world.” Mitt Romney
“For Each Poor Child in World: a Laptop” Mitt Romney
Donna L.