thegrover Loc: Yorba Linda, CA

I am a Vietnam Veteran that volunteered for the Army. I have had two nephews in Iraq. I find the following offensive. You can not equate promoting a religious cult to military service. (will maybe the Crusades)

The wife of Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney on Thursday said that her husband and sons had not joined the U.S. military but had found “different ways of serving” by going on religious missions in France, England, Australia and Chile as part of their obligation to the Mormon church.

During an interview on ABC’s The View, co-host Whoopi Goldberg asked Ann Romney how she would explain to the families of fallen soldiers why her husband and sons had not served their country.

“When I read about your husband, what I had read — and maybe you can correct this — is that the reason he didn’t serve in Vietnam was because it was against the religion,” Goldberg said.

“That’s not correct,” Ann Romney insisted. “He was serving his mission, and my five sons have also served missions. 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.”

“So, you know, we find different ways of serving,” she added. “And my husband and my five boys did serve missions, did not serve in the military.”

The candidate’s wife explained that Mormon missions were like military service in that “you’re going outside of yourself, you’re working and you’re helping others. And it changes you. And are we so grateful in this country for those people — men and women — that are volunteering, they’re sacrificing their life for us, and we cannot forget that or we have to acknowledge that always.”

“So, when you’re facing these mothers whose children have not come back, how will you explain to them that your sons haven’t gone?” Goldberg pressed. “Will you talk about the missions they’ve gone on?”

“I would say it’s probably the hardest thing that a president and a first lady probably do is to comfort those that have lost a love one and have gone in harm’s way,” Ann Romney replied, not directly answering the question. “It is an amazing country, we have the most extraordinary fighting men and women, and we have to be so grateful for them. Of course, it’s hard, and I don’t think that any of us can understand the sacrifice [sic] that are being made by families.”

sarge69 Loc: Ft Myers, FL

I served with Mormons in the military. My detachment Commander was a Mormon in Vietnam, Capt. Dodge. In the states, I served under another Capt at Ft Detrick, MD.

I'm sure there were many other service personnel of the Mormon faith. Each of the ones I knew did their missionary work AND served in the military and their military careers were professional and career minded.

Explain that Mrs Romney.

Sarge69

BW326 Loc: Boynton Beach, Florida

There are some religions such as the 7-Day Adventists that forbid their members to kill, even in times of war. They also teach that you have an absolute duty to serve your country in times of war, whether actively enlisting or answering the draft when you are called.

My wife, who is a 7-Day Adventist has 3 uncles and they all served in Vietnam as Army doctors. They also all had attended church sponsored youth programs (ages 10-16)that prepared them for their eventual service to their country in non-combat positions.

Desmond Doss, the WWII Medal of Honor winner went through a similar church sponsored youth camp before enlisting.

richnash46 Loc: Texas

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I have to wonder if Whoopi Goldberg would ask President Obama how he would explain to the families of fallen soldiers why he had not served his country through military service? :shock: :shock:

thegrover Loc: Yorba Linda, CA

He is the Commander in Chief of the US Military, so he is serving. If you think I am giving him a by with this reply, trying wearing those shoes. I would not. You are welcome to try.

Bangee5 Loc: Louisiana

I joined the Navy but volunteered to go to Vietnam but can someone tell me what is so wrong for someone to NOT join the military during that time. So what if Romney wasn't in the military. So what if he didn't go to Vietnam. He didn't run off to Canada... He didn't get his girl friend knocked-up to stay out of service. Not everyone joined service at that time and those that did were not appreciated for thier service. It was the Left that didn't want the war and now it is the Left attacking those that didn't fight in that war. So what about it!

thegrover Loc: Yorba Linda, CA

You are right and made some very good points. I recently read This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War. One of the points made in the book is than many soldiers on both side could not bring themselves to actually shoot and kill another human and thus ended up dead themselves. I is very brave and highly commendable of those who object to war and serve. We must also remember that the ratio of support to combat soldiers is quite high and even though a support role solider my never see combat his role is just as essential for success.

BW326 Loc: Boynton Beach, Florida

And let's not forget Richard Nixon, he was a Quaker and still served in the Navy. Although he didn't see combat in WWII he kept seeking more active assignments during that period and was finally assigned as commander of a cargo ship. We tend to just remember him by Watergate but in many ways he was quite effective during his Presidentcy.

BW326 Loc: Boynton Beach, Florida

I think they call that the 'Tooth to Tail' ratio and it is usually somewhere around 90% support to 10% combat but every since Vietnam and especially today there are large numbers of support personnel directly in harms way and they are trained to be instantly convertable to a combat soldier.

WildBill Loc: South West Florida

Serving god (for those who believe) is following gods commandments vs fighting for the country is mans idea of patriotism. I served in the Army as did my father. My brother and Uncle served in the Navy. I believe in our country but law of man is far from just. Vietnam was a good example. Why you are upset confuses me.

LDS missionaries die every year trying to spread their religious beliefs to the world. It is not a job without hazard. They are teaching brotherhood (peace and understanding)with strong family values. Not such a bad message compared with the hate message so many others preach. I do not believe in god but admire those who actually act on their belief in a higher being. So many profess to be "religious" and do not follow any of the teachings of their religion. Many have not even read the book they claim to believe in. The Mormons stress service to god and a good percentage follow though on that. That is better than the conviction of most Christians I know.

Religious cult? Maybe, but no more corrupt than our government. You evidently believe USA right or wrong. I am not so inclined. The USA has been honorable in as many instances as it has been a disgrace. We drafted a basic rights of humanity that we implemented in the UN and refused to acknowledge those same rights here. Who are we to enforce those rights in other countries if we refuse to act on them ourselves? China was not completely off base with the accusations made against us during the Olympics when we stood against their violations against human rights. Coffee calling the kettle black.

I have a great deal of respect for those who served during all time periods. I served because I believe in our country too but I am not so blind as to think the USA is without corruption. I likewise do not see missionary work as disgraceful; especially when compared to some of the choices the US has made regarding humanity. Vietnam in particular.

Bangee5 Loc: Louisiana

He is the Commander in Chief of the US Military, so he is serving. If you think I am giving him a by with this reply, trying wearing those shoes. I would not. You are welcome to try.[/quote]

So, if Romney is elected President of the United States of American he then becomes the new Commander in Chief of the US Military, thus giving service to his country. I'm okay with that.

thegrover Loc: Yorba Linda, CA

You make some good points. I do know people who went to Canada and our knocked up their girlfriend. In Vietnam was a Canadian that got drafted into the Army because he was working in the US at the time. He was still a Canadian citizen. I never thought of the strong anti war movement (Vietnam) as the left. I am sorry to see our country so divided. I think I see the left attacking the right and the right attacking the left over the same issues. My neighbor is for Romney and I for Obama. We are good friends, visit, laugh and help each other because we are both Americans.

thegrover Loc: Yorba Linda, CA

I live near the Nixon Library and have been there many times. Lets set aside the negatives about him for a moment. At the Nixon Library you learn all the details of his life. It is quite amazing. He lead an interesting life and did many good things. It is worth a visit.

the_imaginist Loc: St. Louis, MO

"...Of course, it’s hard, and I don’t think that any of us can understand the sacrifice [sic] that are being made by families.”

The Romney's may not be able to understand the type of sacrifice being made by families, but there are tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, going back past World War II and beyond millions of families that do understand that kind of sacrifice... It's just that the Romney's do not.

Here's a little telling clip from 60 Minutes from a few years ago I believe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IL9F-dfPyD4

Yeah he got his high lottery number after a couple of student deferments and his dangerous "mission" trip to France for 31 months.

Bangee5 Loc: Louisiana

My father didn't fight in any wars. Does that matter? Why is that such a big deal to anyone. You want Romney to serve his country... elect him President and he will be made Commander -in-Chief. That simple.