Mitt Romney: “I was too important to go to Vietnam”

[Teatownclown]

WOW! http://www.project.nsearch.com/profiles/blogs/mitt-romney-i-was-too-important-to-go-to-vietnam

Monday, at a press event in California before the GOP primary in that state, former Gov. Mitt Romney was asked about his support of United States military involvement overseas. He was pleased to answer the question, however after his response, his answer to a follow-up question regarding his four deferments from the Vietnam War did not please onlookers, especially veterans.
Romney responded to the question regarding US military involvement by stating, "We are the most powerful nation in the world, and it is our responsibility to make sure we protect all of our interests both here and abroad. This helps protect each and every freedom that has been fought for and won over the centuries of our nation's existence. We will do what we have to in regard to strengthening our allied relationships, as well as letting our enemies know we do not intend to back down. We will stay the course of freedom at all costs. That is what our founders would have wanted."
This very rehearsed answer to a scripted question was followed by a question that the former governor was not prepared to answer, or so it seemed by his response.
The next question asked went as follows, "Governor Romney, it is true, is it not that you had four deferments from the Vietnam War... You have said before that you support war and the efforts of US military involvement overseas at all costs, yet you made sure you would never go to war yourself. What makes you think that veterans and those currently serving in the military think that you have their best interests at heart when you yourself weren't even interested in sacrificing your time, energy, or life for your nation at a time when it seemed most crucial?"
Romney responded:
"That's a good question, young man, and I would be happy to answer it. The Vietnam War came at a time in my life when I had other plans. I knew in my heart of hearts that I would one day serve my nation. That I would one day hold an office that would help not only our nation, but also the world. So I did what I could to make sure that I would be around to serve my nation, as well as serving God by teaching very important religious principles to a broader audience overseas. My father did not want me serving, and he convinced me that yes, I was too important to go to Vietnam. I had a greater purpose in life. I wasn't neglecting my nation, but rather preparing myself for a future of service."
An onlooker that seemingly was a Vietnam veteran shouted, "F#@k you, Romney! You wouldn't know service if it bit you on your well manicured donkey." To which Romney responded, "Please don't be testy, my friend. I did what I did for you, and I thank you for your service as well."  That same veteran responded, "You only served yourself, you jackass. You could've served your nation even if your draft number wasn't called... but you didn't... you chose to serve yourself instead. Thanks for revealing your true colors."
The questioning was quickly ushered to the next topics of education and the environment. This apparent gaffe was too honest to appear to be a mistaken answer. We will have to wait and see if this topic gets brought up again in future interviews and possibly the presidential debates this fall.

Tell me again that Mitten's religion is not an issue when it comes to serving our country.

[heironymouspasparagus]

And for those who might be inclined to "leap first" in response on either side...that is satire.  From Free Wood Post - kind of an "Onion" type news organization...sort of.  But funny.

[nathanm]

Like some of The Onion's better work, good satire can be hard to distinguish from reality at times.

[heironymouspasparagus]

Love the Onion!  You can walk around in Wisconsin and find the paper version on stands like we have the Apartment Finders here.

[Teatownclown]

Slide show:

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2012/09/12/us/politics/12stanford.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20120912



Dissecting Romney's Vietnam Stance at Stanford
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/12/us/politics/at-stanford-romney-stood-ground-on-vietnam.html?_r=1


More evidence that if elected, The USA would have a chicken hawk back in the ovulating orifice.

[Conan71]

Slide show:

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2012/09/12/us/politics/12stanford.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20120912



Dissecting Romney's Vietnam Stance at Stanford
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/12/us/politics/at-stanford-romney-stood-ground-on-vietnam.html?_r=1


More evidence that if elected, The USA would have a chicken hawk back in the ovulating orifice.

Didn't seem to be an issue with Cliton.

[guido911]

Didn't seem to be an issue with Cliton.

[nathanm]

Didn't seem to be an issue with Cliton.

Which land war did Clinton start?

[erfalf]

Which land war did Clinton start?

Iraq of course.

[erfalf]

Iraq of course.

Ok, no troops to Iraq, but I believe we bombed the heck out of them. Ironically because Clinton didn't think Hussein should be able to produce nuclear weapons. Plus he sent air forces to Sudan, Bosnia & Kosovo.

I think the only place troops sent was when we invaded Haiti.

[Red Arrow]

Ok, no troops to Iraq, but I believe we bombed the heck out of them. Ironically because Clinton didn't think Hussein should be able to produce nuclear weapons. Plus he sent air forces to Sudan, Bosnia & Kosovo.

I think the only place troops sent was when we invaded Haiti.

Clinton sent troops to Bosnia but I think it was probably the right thing to do even though we had some difficulties there.

http://www.dtic.mil/bosnia/army/pres_bos.html

[heironymouspasparagus]

Ok, no troops to Iraq, but I believe we bombed the heck out of them. Ironically because Clinton didn't think Hussein should be able to produce nuclear weapons. Plus he sent air forces to Sudan, Bosnia & Kosovo.

I think the only place troops sent was when we invaded Haiti.

Battle of Mogaishu (the first one).  Oct 1993.  Had nephew in 160th SOAR as member of that particular cluster___.

[nathanm]

Clinton sent troops to Bosnia but I think it was probably the right thing to do even though we had some difficulties there.

Clinton did not start that war, but his military did manage to bomb the Chinese embassy. Oops.

[Red Arrow]

Clinton did not start that war, but his military did manage to bomb the Chinese embassy. Oops.

I didn't say he did.  I was responding to the statement that

I think the only place troops sent was when we invaded Haiti.

[erfalf]

What's the saying, "Time heals all wounds". It's amazing the things that we just forget about. Things that at the time were just as big a deal as today's events.