I’ve written a number of posts and talked about a growing effort towards a new American Theocracy, where Religion replaces Civil Society and becomes the full backbone of the government. Examples of other Theocracies around the globe are Iran, and Afghanistan during the Taliban’s control. Maybe that sounds harsh or inflated, but it really isn’t if you read in depth what those pushing for a combination of Religion and Government want and expect. Mostly, those calling for an American Theocracy are part of evangelical Christianity, but now, I think we can add Mitt Romney to the list based upon what his wife, Ann has to say.
GOLDBERG: O.K., um, I say that because when I read about your husband, what I had read, and maybe you can correct this, is that the reason that he didn’t serve in Vietnam was because it was against the religion. That’s what I read.
ROMNEY: No, that’s not correct. He was serving his mission and you know my five sons have also served missions. None served in the military. None served in the military, but I do have one son that feels that he’s giving back to his country in a significant way where he is now a doctor and he is taking care of veterans.
When being a Mormon missionary is compared to serving as a soldier in the US military, it really says something about what one feels is worth “fighting” for, doesn’t it?
The linked AmericaBlog post emphasizes that Romney lived in a mansion in Paris. I get why he calls so much attention to that, but for me, the bigger deal is the way, Ann sees Mormon mission work as simply a different way to serve one’s country. She emphasizes how self-centered boys are in their late teens, and is thrilled that her boys learned to do service for others! That is really great,but it isn’t the same as serving in the military in any way, shape or form. I think any veteran of a US war ought to be so offended!
Service to others is an important concept that is forgotton by too many people today, in our “me-centric” society, yet serving in the military is much much more than simply serving others. Serving in the military is about defending the very essence of our rights as citizens and protecting our democracy. Our service members are willing to die for our country. What similar statement can be made about Mormon missionaries? What are they willing to die to protect? Anything?
When I was young, I was given an album called “Up With People” which was music I later learned had a very conservative bent to it, but one song still has much resonance for me. I wrote a paper about it in 11th grade English which offended my teacher in a big way and the dialogue between us afterwards, had a lasting impact upon me.
Freedom isn’t free,
Freedom isn’t free.
You have to pay the price,
You have to sacrifice,
For your Liberty.
So, Ann Romney compares Mormon proselytizing to sacrificing to protect our liberty? Really? An act of inducing someone to convert is the same as risking your life to protect the foundation of our country? Only if our country is a Mormon or Christian theocracy.
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