Merry Christmas!

May you have a joyous Christmas; filled with peace, love and the tender mercies of the Savior as we celebrate His birth, His life and His precious gift to all mankind!

From the snow laden trees of Sundance,


From our family to yours,

Merry Christmas!

It had to happen sometime!

The inaugural posts to my new blog which can be seen here at Political Scene 2008 (www.politicalscene08.blogspot.com), have been posted. Pa's Journeys will be preserved for all non-political dialog with a view to preserve its original purpose and focus on that which matters most. That is not to say that the Defining Moment we face in America in 2008 does not matter, for it surely does. Even so, the bifurcation of this blog preserves my hope that amid the commotion of all things, Pa's Journeys can dwell on things of family and spirit, and Political Scene 2008 can dwell on the societal dictates and environment, all of which affects us individually and as a family, now and in the future.

Mitt Romney Faith in America Address - with Comparatives

For those who didn't catch Mitt's address on Faith in America, watch here:



I think it is an interesting comparative when listening to Mitt's address and viewing Mike Huckabee's ad with specific reference to his "Christian Leadership." The unifying message of Romney vs the divisive message of Huckabee. It is one thing to be a man or woman of faith, it is another create divisiveness because of religion. All candidates running for office, Democratic or Republican are Christians. Some may be more faithful in their devotions than others, but isn't life's test one that we are all enduring? See the quote from Philo of Alexandria to the right of this post. As I have stated before, if you have to tell me you are honest or a Christian, I am immediately skeptical, it should be self-evident. Another point of comparison is the Presidential and serious approach of Romney vs the previous Chuck Norris Ad including his comedic and non-serious approach to the Presidency.




Another interesting comparative is to read the investigative Newsweek profiles of both Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee. Newsweek's primary focus on Romney is his faith with only complimentary commentary on his competency and success in business, philanthropy and governorship. However, in reading the commentary on Huckabee of which there is also a focus on his faith to which he should be complimented and his affability; but then followed by a plethora of concerns expressed on taxes, clear ethics violations juxtaposed with Clintonian responses (I am not sure what the definition of "is" is), his soft positions on illegal immigration and crime, and not being cognizant of current intelligent reports by the NIE (and being dismissive of such). Mr. Huckabee's Clintonian "integrity" causes me great distress. How blind can some be? We saw what happened when we elected Jimmy Carter, an intelligent man of faith, but the worst President in the history of America. Mike Huckabee is the reincarnate of Jimmy Carter. I find it of further interest that Mike Huckabee is under attack by Arkansas Republicans whereas Mitt Romney is under attack by Massachusetts Democrats.

For a host of reasons, I find the media hype and flavor of the month somewhat distressing as we approach the seriousness and critical dynamics of this election. Now is the time to give credence to honesty, integrity, values, electability and capability/competency. There is nothing more that the main stream media would want, a Huckabee representing the Republican Party. How easy would the Democratic victory be!

Sundance - A Winter's Wonderland, Come Visit!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow... After about 3+ feet, we finally had a little Sabbath sunshine. More snow coming - through Wednesday. It is beautiful. If only our camera had worked yesterday before the snow plows and shovels. To Andrew, Ethan, Emma, Sophie, Audrey, Parker, Miles, Annie, Jack, Max, Mabel, Oliver and Stella; we can't wait for you to come snowbodin', sledding, mano' building, reading by the pellet stove and playing in the triangle room.

It should be a fun, snow filled winter. Hope to see you soon!
















Grab a shovel and join the fun!

In a word, it was Inspiring listening to Mitt!

Yesterday will be long remembered as a Defining Moment in America, and for me personally; it was a spiritual and patriotic experience. Thank you Mitt!

Below are some of the comments from those in the media -

Kathleen Parker: "One Nation Under Mitt" (Townhall, 12/7/07):

"He held up a mirror and, for the first time in a long while, Americans did not have to avert their gaze. They could see themselves reflected and be both proud and humbled by their country's unique beauty."

"Voters may not know any more about Mormonism than they did before Mitt Romney's faith speech on Thursday, but they surely know more about what it means to be an American.

"Romney's much-anticipated address from the George H.W. Bush library at Texas A&M reminded Americans of some fundamental truths that often get lost in the guerrilla warfare of presidential politics."

…

"If Kennedy's speech was an important landmark in American political history, Romney's was surpassing. With heartfelt humility and poetic eloquence, he tracked the nation's struggle with and for freedom.

"He held up a mirror and, for the first time in a long while, Americans did not have to avert their gaze. They could see themselves reflected and be both proud and humbled by their country's unique beauty.

"That may be the most valuable result of Romney's speech. He raised the bar by focusing on broad principles of religious freedom, rather than on the small details of doctrinal differences. In the process, he elevated everyone – even those not-so-deserving."

To read the full op-ed, please see:
http://www.townhall.com/Columnists/KathleenParker/2007/12/07/one_nation_under_mitt

Patrick J. Buchanan: "Mitt's Hour Of Power" (Townhall, 12/7/07):

"And it is hard to see how Romney does not benefit hugely from what was a quintessentially 'American' address."

"If Mitt Romney wins the Republican nomination, it will be due in large measure to his splendid and moving defense of his faith and beliefs delivered today at the George Bush Presidential Library."

…

"This was a tour de force, and it was delivered before perhaps the largest audience Romney will have for any speech before the January caucuses and primaries. It will be the subject of editorials and columns in coming weeks. And it is hard to see how Romney does not benefit hugely from what was a quintessentially 'American' address."

…

"The issues of religious tolerance, what it means to be a Christian in politics, and of secularism versus traditionalism are all now out on the table, and will likely be the social-moral issues on which the race turns between now and January.

"To this writer, Romney is on unassailable grounds. Nor is he hurt by the fact that his wife and five children testify eloquently that he is a man of principles who lives by them."

To read the full op-ed, please see:
http://www.townhall.com/Columnists/PatrickJBuchanan/2007/12/07/mitts_hour_of_power

Rich Lowry Op-Ed: "Mitt The Patriot" (The New York Post, 12/7/07):

"He partially wrote and then delivered a speech that was a deeply felt love poem to America, a defense and celebration of its religious vibrancy and world-shaping commitment to liberty."

"In College Station, he delivered his speech with a transparent sincerity and, at times, passion. He even misted up."

…

"In the conclusion of his speech, Romney talked of the difficulty of settling on a prayer at the First Continental Congress in 1774 because of all the different faiths represented there: '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.' Amen."

To read the full op-ed, please see: http://www.nypost.com

Michael Medved: "Romney's Home Run" (Townhall, 12/7/07):

"This is, frankly, precisely the sort of clarity and courage
Americans expect of a presidential candidate."

"The key to that notable and perhaps historic success involved the candidate’s eloquent ability to insist on the proper distinction between religious values (which nearly all Americans share), and specific doctrines and traditions (on which we differ dramatically).

"The former Massachusetts governor drew this distinction with the most memorable rhetoric of the Presidential campaign so far.

"He satisfied his first goal – arguing that his Mormon faith shouldn’t disqualify him – and he did so while affirming his personal loyalty and devotion. While acknowledging that there are some who 'would prefer it if I would simply distance myself from my religion…or disavow one or another of its precepts,' he stoutly and emphatically refused to bend. 'That I will not do,' he declared. 'I believe in my Mormon faith and I endeavor to live by it. 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.'

"This is, frankly, precisely the sort of clarity and courage Americans expect of a presidential candidate."

…

"There’s still more than three weeks before the Iowa Caucuses and I still feel potent admiration and affection for Romney rivals Huckabee, McCain and Giuliani.

"But in Mitt’s remarks today, he not only looked and sounded like a President – he actually looked and sounded like a great one. All Americans should feel encouraged and grateful."

To read the full op-ed, please see:
http://www.townhall.com/blog/g/3e79ec98-5529-416e-b845-bc0660235218

Dallas Morning News Editorial: "Reminders Of Tolerance" (12/7/07):

"In so doing, a passionate Mr. Romney delivered one of the clearest articulations of our civic religion by any presidential candidate in recent memory."

"Rather, the candidate took a more prudent path, focusing on the basic moral tradition that religious believers share. He persuasively contended that on important moral and political questions, his faith convictions are well within the mainstream of American history. In so doing, a passionate Mr. Romney delivered one of the clearest articulations of our civic religion by any presidential candidate in recent memory.

"The candidate properly assured his audience that, as president, he would recognize limits on his church's authority. Going on offense, he connected America's greatness with its religious tolerance and pointedly observed that 'religious tolerance would be a shallow principle indeed if it were reserved only for faiths with which we agree.'

"Mr. Romney contrasted the American genius for accommodating religion in public life with Europe's history – state religion, followed by sterile secularism – and the Islamic world, where a totalist creed often persecutes dissenters. Only in America, he argued, are faith and reason held to be compatible within their respective spheres, thus keeping religion vibrant and relevant to democratic life. And this, he contended, is possible because in America, we honor God while respecting religious difference.

"The message was clear: Religious faith and religious tolerance define America's pluralist democracy and make it great. To dishonor that is to be less of a patriot."

To read the full editorial, please see: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/editorials/stories/DN-romney_07edi.ART.State.Edition1.3789078.html

Michael Gerson: "Answering Critics – And Kennedy" (The Washington Post, 12/7/07):

"Kennedy's speech remains a landmark of American rhetoric.
But Romney's deserves to be read beside it."

"Before his remarks, Romney tipped his hat to Kennedy's Houston address as 'the definitive speech.' But Romney, speaking at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library at Texas A&M University, declared his independence from the Kennedy model. Kennedy's speech began by playing down 'religious issues' as a distraction from the 'real issues' of 'war and hunger and ignorance and despair.' Romney declared this perspective – 'that religion is not a matter to be seriously considered in the context of the weighty threats that face us' -- to be 'at odds with the nation's founders.'"
…

"Romney's speech, however, was an achievement. It had the boldness to argue with Kennedy on key issues and the intellectual seriousness to win some of those arguments. Kennedy's speech remains a landmark of American rhetoric. But Romney's deserves to be read beside it."

To read the full op-ed, please see: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/06/AR2007120601968_pf.html

Watch the News on Thursday!

If you haven't heard, Mitt Romney will be at the George HW Bush Presidential Library, Thursday, December 6th (9:30am CST) to deliver the much anticipated message "Faith in America." Many have wondered if, and when Mitt would deliver his "JFK" speech on faith and religion. Well, this is it! What a great opportunity for each in America to come to a greater understanding and appreciation of Faith, Religious Tolerance and the principles upon which our Country was founded.

What has amazed me is how polarizing this issue has become, even to the point that Mike Huckabee is running ads in Iowa stating that he is a "Christian Leader," implying he is the only one. Since when do we run for the Office of President as a "Christian Leader?" Aren't all of the candidates, Democrat and Republican, Christian? It reminds me of doing business with someone that has to tell me that they are honest. If it is not self-evident, then be careful.

Interestingly enough, America has become more tolerant in all facets of society, tolerant to same gender attractions, minorities and ethnicities, Catholicism, Judaism, etc. However, according to trending polls over the past 50 years, notwithstanding this trend of tolerance, America has become less tolerant to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). What gives? Aren't we good, caring and compassionate citizens? Don't we love our neighbors? Don't we help the downtrodden, feed the hungry and clothe the naked? Haven't we done this unto the least of our brethren?

Hopefully, America will take note and seek to understand others and their beliefs without fear and without bias or bigotry; that we will continue to be a nation that abides by the principles and precepts taught and exemplified by the Savior, to love our neighbor even if his/her beliefs are different than ours. That we will respect others and afford them their freedoms bequeathed in the Constitution that we uphold and know to be divinely inspired.