Mittens says sons don't need to enlist ... they are serving the country by "helping me get elected"

[jefferson_dem]

Romney speaks up for sons' decisions
By GLEN JOHNSON, Associated Press Writer

BETTENDORF, Iowa - Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney on Wednesday defended his five sons' decision not to enlist in the military, saying they're showing their support for the country by "helping me get elected."

Romney, who did not serve in Vietnam due to his Mormon missionary work and a high draft lottery number, was posed the question by an anti-war activist after a speech in which he called for "a surge of support" for U.S. forces in Iraq.

Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, also saluted a uniformed soldier in the crowd and called for donations to military support organizations, and last week he donated $25,000 to seven such organizations.

"The good news is that we have a volunteer Army and that's the way we're going to keep it," Romney told some 200 people gathered in an abbey near the Mississippi River that had been converted into a hotel. "My sons are all adults and they've made decisions about their careers and they've chosen not to serve in the military and active duty and I respect their decision in that regard."

He added: "One of the ways my sons are showing support for our nation is helping me get elected because they think I'd be a great president."

Romney's five sons range in age from 37 to 26 and have worked as real estate developers, sports marketers and advertising executives. They are now actively campaigning for their father and have a "Five Brothers" blog on Romney's campaign Web site.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070808/ap_on_el_pr/romney_iowa

EDIT: To fix typo in subject line.

[wndycty]

1. Oh the arrogance

:kick:

[Turbineguy]

2. Sometimes it's better

if people do not serve in the military. They don't get fragged and fewer soldiers die.

[rurallib]

3. I want to thank that woman!

I have been trying to get a chance to ask Mittens the same question.
Jesus effing christ - his 36 year toured Iowa in a Winnebago and that is the same as a soldier in Iraq. God I hope this gets HUGE play.
edit to add - this needs to be on the front page!

[BrotherBuzz]

20. Rachel nailed it

<snip>

The woman who asked the question, Rachel Griffiths, 41, of Milan, Ill., identified herself as a member of Quad City Progressive Action for the Common Good, as well as the sister of an Army major who had served in Iraq.

"Of course not," Griffiths said when asked if she was satisfied with Romney's answer. "He told me the way his son shows support for our military and our nation is to buy a Winnebago and ride across Iowa and help him get elected."

<more>

Convince me that that Winnebago doesn't sport at least one 'Yellow Ribbon'.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmsOIjzQ1V8

[Jack Rabbit]

4. Military service for others is not a priority for them, I take it

Of course, if he gets elected, military service will become a priority for those whose fathers aren't well connected or wealthy enough to run for public office.

[asjr]

5. When I look at Romney I think

"Plastic." He could make a pretty good men's store mannikin.

[zabet]

6. Myth Romney..

sells tales no one wants to buy.

[Totally Committed]

7. Is this a joke? I'm almost afraid to click on the link....

Can you believe that level of arrogance? What a slap in the faces of all Mothers and fathers, hubands and wives, brothers and sisters, who have lost the ones they loved in this war.

Too bad Casey Sheehan didn't skip the military and help get his Mom elected to office instead, eh?

TC

[demnan]

8. Just another Chickenhawk

n/t

[Beaverhausen]

9. Just what is Romney's plan for Iraq? For America?

what are any of the repubs' plans? Seriously- how can anyone support these bozos?

[MADem]

12. He has the 'best of a bad lot' concept working for him... nt

[zulchzulu]

10. Little Chickenhawk Sons In A Row...Telling Everyone Else To Go

I'm sure they all support the War...

Putting a Support The Troops magnet on your SUV should be enough...

:sarcasm:

[wisteria]

11. What an egotist. Yuck! n/t

[ellacott]

13. I wish he would have said that before a military gathering

That wouldn't go over too well.

[onenote]

14. I suggest that anyone who is currently serving in Iraq and wants out

should volunteer for Mittens campaign. I'm sure he'll be able to work something out so that they come home.

[ellacott]

18. Great suggestion n/t

[beastieboy]

15. What a prick.

[Adelante]

16. Five could-be soldiers and what?

"One of the ways my sons are showing support for our nation is helping me get elected because they think I'd be a great president."

Repukes crack me up :rofl:

[Sadie4629]

17. I've always thought

that is a pretty lame question. Once a person turns 18, there isn't any way their parents can "sign them up," or whatever. Asking someone who is of military age him/herself is a different story.

[Bleacher Creature]

19. One is "completing a recreational vehicle tour of all 99 Iowa counties"

What the hell? I love the answer from the woman who asked the question:

"The woman who asked the question, Rachel Griffiths, 41, of Milan, Ill., identified herself as a member of Quad City Progressive Action for the Common Good, as well as the sister of an Army major who had served in Iraq.

"Of course not," Griffiths said when asked if she was satisfied with Romney's answer. "He told me the way his son shows support for our military and our nation is to buy a Winnebago and ride across Iowa and help him get elected."

[AlCzervik]

21. oh he sounds just like my neighbor, when she asks me about my nephew

who has been to Iraq twice and Afghanistan once i turn it around on her real quick. Her son is a Bush supporter who is 22 years old and perfectly healthy "When is Mike joining up Anne?" "Oh he can do more at home" "Oh really, there are at least 3 job openings a day just in Baghdad, i'd be happy to give him a ride to the recruiting office, they could really use his help in Iraq"