The political pundits of print and broadcast media as well as historians will doubtless have exhaustive commentary and analysis on the RNC which concluded on Thursday, August 30, 2012 in Tampa, FL. This was the first time that a number of prominent Hispanic officials were on the stage in front of the podium to address fellow Republican delegates at this grand political event. There were also riveting personal testimonies regarding the compassion and goodness of Mitt Romney that had not been revealed to the general public. One of the main points that echoed as a recurring theme is the “immigrant-rags-to-riches” story, which though inspirational and compelling, these words should fall on deaf ears among the majority of Americans who did not grow up in a family where one or both parents was a small business owner or an entrepreneur.
Even more interesting is the fact that there was no mention at all by Mitt Romney or anyone else regarding the passage of a comprehensive immigration policy; which would certainly be of interest to Spanish-speaking Americans. There was no mention of the military who are still serving in Afghanistan or commitment to help military families and veterans who have served in Iraq and are suffering from PTSD. The one thing that team Romney and Ryan hit it right on, which is President Obama’s economic record. Although part of the blame can be placed on the previous administration, still the president hasn’t been able to lead in such a way that brought both political parties together to get legislation passed that would help the country; and it seems that Barack Obama is running on fumes and is out of fresh ideas and he is just about out of time.
Also, there were quite a few quotes from the Christian Bible and references to that ‘faith’ and God. While it is certainly commendable to believe in a Supreme Being and Creator but in Article VI of the U.S. Constitution: The Senators and Representatives, members of the several State legislatures, all executive and judicial officers, both of the United States and of the United States and the several states . . . no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States. It is puzzling that this seemingly religious alliance among Rick Santorum’s Catholics, Mike Huckabee’s Evangelicals and Mitt Romney’s Mormons in a united front was on display of at the convention when the larger Ecumenical Christian community hasn’t totally embraced Mitt Romney, partly because of his religion and concern that he still may not be a “true” Right-wing GOP Conservative. As a final point, it is the political and social evolution in America which is affected to a great extent by Christianity such that it is almost seen as a religious “requirement” or litmus-test. It is doubtful that few candidates could ever get elected to any civic or political office if that person were Muslim, Buddhist, Atheist, Wiccan, and Scientology, Agnostic or any religion or faith system other than Christian.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
August 31, 2012
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
