Our Opinion: Romney for president | News Tribune

News Tribune editorial

By News Tribune

Sunday, November 4, 2012

A change of leadership is needed at the federal level. Mitt Romney, the Republican nominee for president and former Massachusetts governor, has the abilities and qualities necessary to meet the challenges facing our nation.

Those challenges are numerous and urgent. The country’s economy struggles to rebound, taxpayers face an added burden with the expected expiration of the Bush tax cuts, and a looming “sequestration” threatens across-the-board budget cuts.

Fingers of blame can be pointed in various directions, but the exercise accomplishes nothing.

Leadership is required to bring factions together for the common good, and the incumbent Democrat, Barack Obama, has been unable to get the job done. We take no pleasure in characterizing his presidency as ineffective, but we continue this course at our peril.

Romney’s welcome alternative to the persistent downturn is to grow the economy, not impose counter-productive higher taxes.

Our nation, sadly, has deviated from its founding principle — free individuals with opportunities to work, become entrepreneurs and enjoy the rewards of prosperity.

Admittedly, people differ in their ability to contribute. We must pursue a process that assists the needy without rewarding the indolent.

Reviving our economy is a complex process and, while we favor Romney’s approach, we confess disappointment he hasn’t offered more specifics.

We also support Romney’s preference for the concept of federalism, particularly with regard to infrastructure.

Federalism — as outlined in the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution — delegates powers to the states unless specifically prohibited or otherwise reserved for the federal government.

This process empowers the 50 states to serve as individual laboratories for public policy. The trial-anderror experiments allow other governing bodies to avoid repeating failures and to emulate successes.

One of many examples — this one now in the news — is Missouri’s Nonpartisan Court Plan, which has been adopted as a model by other states.

Another important consideration — a focus among pundits — is nomination for appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Although the role of judges is to interpret laws as written, those interpretations vary.

We favor a chief executive who will appoint jurists whose philosophy reflects our Constitution.

As a chief executive, a consensus builder and a champion of time-honored principles, Romney deserves an opportunity to lift our nation from stagnation and lead us to renewed prosperity.

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3633 6 months, 2 weeks ago

This is only one's opinion, does not mean all agree!!!!!

eileen10 6 months, 2 weeks ago

True.

connor 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Sorry but it is an official piece by the paper and says "our" opinion that makes it slightly more than only one.

Unless I am mistaken this says that the News Tribune is endorsing Romney for President the same as many other news papers across the country have done. Even in Iowa.

Had they endorsed Obama, Rober would be praising it and saying that NT was the largest in Missouri or something like that.

eileen10 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Yes, I took it that their endorsing Romney too but not all people will agree with whats said which is par for the course.

connor 6 months, 2 weeks ago

I agree there but 3633's comment is still false. Had it been a non-paper opinion of one person it would be "My" not "Our" or "Your". That and we would not be commenting on it.

eileen10 6 months, 2 weeks ago

I wasn't commenting on the one person part because it is more. I was commenting on the last part.

3633 6 months, 2 weeks ago

You are so correct in you statement about one's opinion; however stated it is still an opinion by our, you , us, or whoever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paroquet 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Look, any informed reader knows the JC News Trib is a Republican rag. Just like CNN is for the ultra left, Fox for the ultra right.

I feel sorry for the staff that disagree with the position/opinion stated by the Tribune. Gives them a tough row to hoe.

Oh, and no mention of the Mormon wars, anywhere. Not one word.

Conservative isn't and Republican ain't. One could see that easily if they were educated and self-determined.

spelchek 6 months, 2 weeks ago

They endorsed Nixon. So where's the Republican rag now?

connor 6 months, 2 weeks ago

While I won't argue your point about the company, maybe they are Republican biased, you couldn't tell by the articles they run. Most AP writers are pro-lefty all the way but of course a small paper doesn't have a lot of choice out there.

What is this Mormon war you speak of? I have not come across that.

And do you feel sorry for the staff of Washpo or others who endorsed Obama?

Finally Liberal definitely isn't it should be called Sociolib.

Littleinvestor 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Connor, Missouri ran the Mormon's out of the western side of Missouri prior to the Civil War. It was referred to as the Mormon War. You might want to Google Sept. 11, 1857, too. Sept. 11 has been a date important to Mormons since then.

connor 6 months, 2 weeks ago

I fail to see how the various Mormon issues from 150 years ago have an impact on this election. My assumption (which I don't feel was unreasonable in this area) was that it was some sort of current Liberal created "war" for this election. If the reference was only to the past Western religious conflicts I have no interest in it at the moment.

Sequoia 6 months, 2 weeks ago

I find it interesting that after all the noise about Reverend Wright, we didn't see any big stories about how Romney attended a Mormon church that didn't allow black people to serve as priests, and taught that black skin was the "mark of Cain."

Obama got raked over the coals for his church. Romney hasn't had to answer a single question about his.

And yet, people say the media is liberal...

Sequoia 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Romney was a member of the Mormon Church prior to 1978, yes?

In fact, he travelled abroad to convert Christians and Jews to his racist church.

So it is very relevant.

My decision to vote for Obama rests on much more practical issues.

Romney's devotion to a racist church just reinforces one of his big problems: Nobody really knows what he actually believes.

spelchek 6 months, 2 weeks ago

You are unbelievably void of objectivity. Let us remember (some of us never forgot) the words that Mr. Obama's preacher of over 20 years listened to every Sunday:

– December 2007: “Barack knows what it means living in a country and a culture that is controlled by rich, white people. Hillary would never know that.”

– Jan. 13, 2008: “Hillary is married to Bill, and Bill has been good to us. No he ain’t! Bill did us, just like he did Monica Lewinsky. He was riding dirty.”

–"Barack knows what it means to be a black man to be living in a country and a culture that is controlled by rich white people. Hillary can never know that. Hillary ain't never been called a n-----."

connor 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Oh now I see. So Mormons are evil and non-mainstream prophesies make one a loon if you are associated with them but Obama gets a pass on "G-Dam -ning America" and his associated with the mother ship that is watching us and all White people were created by a devil.

Hypocritical much?

RobHunterJohnson 6 months, 2 weeks ago

You need to read the Mormon story then get back to us? I think I will have a bowl of chicken soup.. Rob

spelchek 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Careful Rob, you're walking a thin bigoted line.

Sequoia 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Obama DIDN'T get a pass on it. Don't you remember? Romney got a pass on the ugly side of Mormonism. That's my point.

connor 6 months, 2 weeks ago

We are still waiting for Obama's student loan paperwork. Romney's taxes were legal done and submitted so nothing for us to worry about. Fraud on the other hand....

Sequoia 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Grace, you don't know whether Romney is a racist or not. Nobody does. Even his aides say they don't really know much about him personally:

theatlanticwire.com/politics/2012/11/romney-records-videos-his-staffers-while-they-sleep/58686/#

I don't care at all about Romney or Palin's school records. I know Romney did well in school, and that Palin is a lightweight wanna-be tv personality (she studied broadcast journalism or sports or something, I think). And I don't have time to "care" about whatever garbage Fox News comes up with about the school records conspiracy, or the birth certificate conspiracy, or whatever conspiracy theory they're selling to suckers like you who uncritically tune in and lap it up.

I know all I need to know about those two from the words that come out of their mouths. I don't need to hatch complicated conspiracy theories. The plain truth is right in front of your face.

RobHunterJohnson 6 months, 2 weeks ago

What does Mormonism really think about other churches? The Missonary line is to say they all have good teachings, but Mormonism views other churches as false religions void of all Authority. I have to say from my Christian beliefs, and teachings in Catholic, Babtist, Pentocostal, I never heard once that the second coming is coming to a Field East of St Joseph, Missouri? After reading the Bible cover to cover on several occasions I never caught that part in Bible? I never thought much of Mary Baker Eddy either! Just my thoughts. Rob

connor 6 months, 2 weeks ago

I am gonna go out on a line here. I may be wrong but in my not inexperienced opinion from following many political articles and sites I am predicting a huge Romney tidal wave. All early voting has shown a marked increase in republican votes and a decrease in democrat ones from 2008. Of course they are not counted yet but every dem biased article about that fact claims it as an Obama victory because of the number of dem to r's. The problem is they are completely discounting the I's.... and just like 2010 the I's have it.

Which brings me to another point the Dems especially are acting like 2010 never happened. The R's aren't saying much about it either but I think it is relevant.

Also the amount of Conservative comment posting is completely through the roof. A little ap I run that will count comments I flag as Lib or Consv has Conservative activity up almost 300% in the last month. Conservatives by nature are not usually that outspoken not like Liberals who all want to scream their opinions. This forum is a typical example of Lib v. Cons in posters more or less it is usually at least 4 to 1. Not these days it is almost 3 to 1 in the other direction now.

Lastly the amount of Home Made signs is astounding. Seeing home made signs during an election is rare these days but there are a number of Romney ones out there and a noticeable lack of Obama ones. Not to mention a noticeable lack of Obama stickers on several cars who sported them in 2008 upto 2010.

My opinion which comes from very little actual data and more gut feeling and I admit is very biased. Is a landslide for Romney in the popular vote and a narrow victory in the electoral college numbers.

BubbaD 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Better get a new crystal ball....

3633 6 months, 2 weeks ago

You are correct, but President Obama was drug through the mill concerning Rev. Wrights statements; however one can read about Mormon religion, but nothing has ever been printed about it. So now there is a separation of Church and State in effect????

spelchek 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Journolist took care of the that mill you mention.

connor 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Thanks spelchek I had forgotten about the old jerkolist thing. It's been a while.

spelchek 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Yep. Only a few reported about their blatant attempt at censoring stories to ensure a November win in 2008. I'm sure the same ones are behind the coverage (or lack thereof) of Benghazi and Fast and Furious.

asb 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Benghazi and F&F are all over the FRightWing web, and actual fact are all over the mainstream media. Your chemistry is leaking again.

3633 6 months, 2 weeks ago

If Govenor Romney wins, it will not be by a landslide!!!!!!

connor 6 months, 2 weeks ago

And the Best part of 2012, at least in the guaranteed department is a continuance of Republican dominance of the House.

Even if Obummer wins they will keep us safe and if he tries to go around Congress and the Constitution then resistance is acceptable.

connor 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Here is a good article from CNN no less entitled "I'm Young and...decided" although it is an opinion piece this really caught my eye.

"An ad in which Romney says, "I would overturn Roe v. Wade" does not include what follows, the governor stating, "But that's not where we are. That's not where America is today." If Romney is elected, abortion is not going to become illegal. We will not have a government official holding our hands during our annual doctor's visit."

There is a similar paragraph dealing with LGBT issues for Sequoia to read.

Link - cnn.com/2012/11/03/opinion/cat-castellanos-decided/index.html?hpt=op_t1

It will be alright guys no one is going to take your abortions or perks away.

Sequoia 6 months, 2 weeks ago

This "opinion" is full of bland, meaningless platitudes, vague emotionalism and no specifics whatsoever...

So I can see why the person who wrote this piece favors Romney.

spelchek 6 months, 2 weeks ago

There, there....feel better?

spelchek 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Reagan and Clinton both passed policies with the opposite party running the purse strings, that is leadership. President Obama is no leader. Don't forget about Fast and Furious and Benghazi...

GrumpyGus 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Romney in a landslide just on the face of it. Forget the polls. No McCain voter will switch to Obama. 13 percent of '08 Obama voters have said they will back Romney. Republicans who couldn't stand McCain and stayed home will get out for Romney. Evangelicals who went for Obama will switch to Romney. Republicans who voted for Obama will switch back to Romney. Only the true die-hard leftist and societal leeches will continue to vote Obama. Nothing new shifts to Obama. Nothing. Plus the voting right is energized and the voting left is lethargic. Huge Romney/Ryan rallys, pawltry Obama/Kooky Joe rallys.

Electoral college may be close, but the popular vote will be a landslide.

RobHunterJohnson 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Thanks HS Rob

GrumpyGus 6 months, 2 weeks ago

I gave my opinion based on what I think will happen nationally based on what I see online, in the papers and on television. I know Obama gets his tail kicked in MO. Which constituency do you think is trending Obama. I only see him losing votes, not gaining. Obviously turnout is the key, but I don't see anywhere claiming that more Ds are going out this year than Rs. Just the opposite.

connor 6 months, 2 weeks ago

You link an ABC story and have the gall to accuse someone of a Fox news bias. Well I guess it could have been worse and been an MSDNC link.

GrumpyGus 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Why won't you answer some very simple questions? I told you who I see trending away from Obama that he got last time, or they at least sat out and didn't harm him. You think I'm wrong. Why? Who is trending toward Obama, that he didn't get last time? I think the polls are skewed, so I have to look at it from a gains/take aways status. He won the popular vote last time. With all the take aways, I don't see it happening again.

RobHunterJohnson 6 months, 2 weeks ago

We all are, grumpy who gave you your Social Security? Rob

BubbaD 6 months, 2 weeks ago

So are your predictions seat-of-the-pants or do you have a crystal ball?

Think_For_Once 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Another Republican U.S. president would be a disaster. Look at what the federal debt did during Reagan and Bush 41 - $1T to $4.3T (that's $9T in 2012 dollars), then $5.7T to $10.9T (the day Obama took office) under Bush 43. Debt under Obama has gone from 10.9 to 16.7, but we are trying to stay out of a depression.

Under GOP white house and Congress: Did not provide funding for war in Afghanistran Did not provide funding for war in Iraq Deceived us about WMDs in Iraq Blew cover of CIA agent when her husband went public with his findings about Iraq and weapons. Refused to regulate Wall St. leading to the great recession. You think Etch-a-Sketch Romney is going to have the guts to regulate his buddies on Wall St.?

The GOP has done more to weaken our country than our enemies have done.

connor 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Any depression in the US that has had a recovery has been dramatic in the proceeding 2 to 3 years after except this one. The real difference between all the others and now? Obama's spend and spend deficit policies.

He can't even initiate a budget his own people will vote for.

I don't need to say this because Missouri is a good solid Conservative State but...

Romney 2012..... stop the spending!!!!

BubbaD 6 months, 2 weeks ago

That is just factually wrong. Most experts, including those from prior R administrations, estimate at least 10 years to rebound from such a recession. The initial recovery was certainly slower in the great depression, which is really the only event closely comparable to the current circumstance.

connor 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Sigh... Read what I wrote again. A recovery has been dramatic in the proceeding 2 to 3 years. I never said a full recovery.

I don't usually bother but here is the link to the chart at "Business Insider"

businessinsider.com/chart-of-the-day-percent-job-losses-in-post-wwii-recessions-2012-11?nr_email_referer=1&utm_source=Triggermail&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Money%20Game%20Chart%20Of%20The%20Day&utm_campaign=Moneygame_COTD_110212

You will note the dramatic increase in job recovery in the first few years in all but this one (2007). The one in 2001 actually parallels this one but at a higher level. Job recovery is the dramatic bounce back we are NOT seeing.

BubbaD 6 months, 2 weeks ago

sigh...same thing in the great depression. Those other recoveries are not comparable in scope.

connor 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Well now depending on when you want to say the recovery started from the great depression makes it an impossible indicator which is why it isn't used. Real bad unemployment didn't begin to hit until 32 and unemployment dropped almost 10 points from 33 to 36 so even then the current recovery doesn't hold the mustard.

RobHunterJohnson 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Thanks think for once, this has been alot our points for along time, we did not get this debt all at once, some on these pages do not even want to pay taxes? Keep up the posts! Rob

spelchek 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Why don't you live up to your alias? Do you know what California, Illinois, Michigan, and New York have in common? Do you know which state Obama is from? Do you think there could be a correlation to his policies and the policies in Illinois which led to it's financial crisis and rampant corruption? Did you know the past two governors of Illinois ended up in federal prison? Your man has doubled down on Bush's spending and you have the audacity to blame republicans? Are you saying you don't like the former republican presidents because they didn't spend as much as Obama? I am thinking.

RobHunterJohnson 6 months, 2 weeks ago

"YOU KNOW, IT JUST AMAZES ME THAT THE ONLY A FEW YEARS AFTER THE ECONOMY WAS BROUGHT TO ITS KNEES BY A GANG OF PREDATORY WALL STREET PLUTOCRATS... THAT THE GOP WOULD NOMINATE A PREDATORY WALL STREET PLUTOCRAT! DO THEY THINK WE DON'T REMEMBER WHO SCR EW ED US OVER AND HOLLOWED OUT THE MIDDLE CLASS? PEOPLE JUST LIKE ROMNEY(Doonsbury) Think before you vote Rob

dokeus6 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Rob, do you think this started in the last four years. The situation we are in started a long time ago. When FDR proposed the Second Bill of Rights, the wealthy of this country simply put their feet down and said this would not happen. The wealthy have not and will not stand for having their money removed from their hands. They cannot stand the sight of people who are not of their mold. (Rich, powerful,greedy) Why do you think there are private schools, private clubs, private churches? But yet the rich people stand back and boast of all their works in God's name. Hypocrites all. There is more to this election than just Romney vs Obama. It doesn't matter who the republicans would have put up there. It's class warfare. That's what this election is all about and that is why the republicans are up in the air because they want their money. To h ell with everyone else.

RobHunterJohnson 6 months, 2 weeks ago

No, The republicans did not like SS, from the git go? If you ask any Republican on SS or Medicare, they are just lost for the answer, Romney Ryan have got myself on Vouchers? My wife on traditional MC? This has not been installed, but I AM AFRAID IT WILL BE UNDER ROMNEY! off to the Doctor! Rob

connor 6 months, 2 weeks ago

A Budget even his Own party won't agree to and over 6 trillion in debt. Not to mention billions in payouts to his buddies and he keeps on spending.

It's an easy choice.

Romney/Ryan 2012

Done Deal!!!

asb 6 months, 2 weeks ago

I'm not sure I'd call debt encured by putting two wars and a tax giveaway to the richest of us on credit doubling down, but you call it whatever you want. What do you call refusing to pay that debt? Most judges would call it stealing, whether by you, me, or the Teabagger congress doing everything in their power to discredit Obama, and putting our future at risk to boot. Obama Biden 2012, or go broke paying rich peoples' taxes.

connor 6 months, 2 weeks ago

And the Endorsements just keep coming.

500 Retired Admirals and Generals paid for an ad in the Washpost endorsing Romney.

Not sure how many retired general officers there are still living but I would bet most of them have their names on that list.

The Military is solidly behind Romney.

Romney/Ryan 2012

RobHunterJohnson 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Rember Conner was not defence one of thos items you could cut? Rob

connor 6 months, 2 weeks ago

I am sure that in your Liberal mind that means something in this conversation so please elaborate.

RobHunterJohnson 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Why else would 500 war heros jump on Romneys band wagon they just did not go home and get in the recliner? Rob

asb 6 months, 2 weeks ago

I'm sure the generals are behind Romoney, their kickbacks depend on more of the same. Now the enlisted soldier, or "Warfighter" as the defense industry contract-speak writers say, are a bit more divided. Obama/Biden 2012!

connor 6 months, 2 weeks ago

I doubt it is divided much at all. But we shall see.

Paroquet 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Connor:

Why? Why is the military behind Romney? You are very good at making statements, but very poor at articulating a rationale.

Oh, and did you get to read about the Mormon War yet? It's a good read. I had the privilege of reviewing original documents and getting a hand-held tour up in Daivess County while stationed on some old property for whom the Thompson River is named, near the birthplace of General Crowder--the guy who helped pen the original language for the Draft, in case you didn't know.

Oh, and remember, prior to Clinton posthumously giving George Washington his 6th Star, General Pershing (of Missouri) was the highest ranking military officer, ever.

As for the Mormon war in Missouri, which actually started around 1838, call Romney and ask what he knows about this bit of doctrine: If you are righteous, you will inherit the land held by others in Missouri.
That is among the Mormon's doctrine and covenants, courtesy Joseph Smith. I guess they weren't righteous, or Romney is planning to lead the takeover. No timeline is given. :-0

Paroquet 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Hey, if majority ruled, Bush wouldn't have had two terms. He only lost the election by a half-million plus votes.

asb 6 months, 2 weeks ago

NT, your endorsement of Romney means nothing. What about US Senate? Have I missed the NT standing up to Akin's bilgewater? You should you know.

Paroquet 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Ha! I'd like to see the NT find a way to endorse Akin. No, strike that. I WANT to see it.

spelchek 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Yeah NT! What about your stance on everything! Apparently your endorsement of Nixon was a mistake cause there ain't no way you can endorse both parties according to asb. Just look at their profile pic, it screams tolerance.

asb 6 months, 2 weeks ago

You need a break there Spel, I don't think I said what you suggest I said. My Avatar is a prediction, not an exclusion. We'd all die without the right, but we don't need the FRight.

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