Romney and the Dog on the Roof: Why does the story stick?

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   Dr Billy Kiddposted 12 years ago

   
   The Romney Dog-on-the-Car-Roof story seem to be a big hit, bigger than the one about the fiddler on the roof. Yet, some people say it's no big deal to put a dog in a cage on the roof of your car and travel all day. And how can you judge unless you were there? But the story won't go away. Is it that unconsciously we think that this story epitomizes the kind of person Romney is? Do we worry in the back of our minds that we'll be next--hog tied with no voice in our future, stuck on a road to nowhere? If this isn't it, then what gives? Why won't the story go away?

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      Shanna11posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I think this story keeps cropping up because Romney has no other skeletons in the closet, so to speak. Beyond policies and business practices and political beliefs that people dislike, there really aren't too many morally wrong things that he's done (IE, drugs, infidelity, etc).

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         Dr Billy Kiddposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I guess you mean morally there's no other incident that stands out. That could be it. Being out of touch with ordinary folks the way Romney is probably is no different that half of all people in political office. But still, I think there's more to it, like maybe people identify with the dog!

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            habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Yep, Mitt seems to have a pretty boring past - at least, that we know about. No drinking, no drugs, no womanizing, no gambling, married his high school sweetheart...Can you say "Dullsville"? lol. I don't care - I like him, anyway.

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               idratherbeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Check out his military record, or should I say lack thereof? And what his stance on Vietnam was.

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                  habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  Yes, he supported the VW war, just as JFK and LBJ did. I believe Mitt was serving as a missionary at the time. And no, I don't like that about Romney. As I've said before, Mitt is far from perfect, but right now I'm concerned with the economy and our deficit more than I am something that happened decades ago.
                  
                  Also, what is the national security force that Obama wants to make compulsory for everyone 18-25? Sounds kinda like the draft:
                  
                  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtDSwyCPEsQ

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                     idratherbeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     Serving one's country, I don't feel is a bad thing. Would teach discipline, which seems to be lacking today. So deferments are okay in your book. As for the economy, it appears to be on an upswing.

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                        habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        No, I already said I didn't like Mitt's reaction to the Vietnam War. And the economy did seem to be improving, until the latest reports. The deficit is still booming, though. See, I can see fault in people I support, but most Obama supporters are wearing rose-colored glasses. Many will never admit any  of his shortcomings. Most of these same people can't discuss politics without getting sarcastic/snide/snippy.

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                        habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        I don't think I'm following your logic. You think it's bad that Mitt supported the VW but wasn't drafted, but you think it's okay for Obama to draft people into service, even though he never served. I'm confused.

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                           idratherbeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                           Here we go again, a question with a flipped question. He dodged the draft, big difference  (4 times with deferrments). Had he had a number and not went to war, I would view him differrently. I wasn't afforded that same silver spoon. And yes, any President, r or d, if needed should be able to put the draft into place. President Obama's serving or not has nothing to do with the draft.

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                              Dr Billy Kiddposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                              Mitt was serving 3 years as a missionary in Framce. He speaks great French. When I look back, I think that lots of people tried to get out of going to Nam, and a lot succeded. But really, Obama and the draft? There is no draft, and as I recall these are wars of choice started by George Bush. The idea in the question is, why does that crazy story about the dog on the roof stick. Does it kind of summarize Romney's aloofness? Or do people identify with the dog?!!! I also wonder why there isn't a similar story about Obama--just these weird ideas that he's some sort of alien.

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      kerrygposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      First, Americans love dogs and have become increasingly disinclined to tolerate cruelty to them in the 20 o 30 years since the incident happened.
      
      But more importantly, I think the story suggests a lack of basic human compassion and empathy that is rather worrying, especially considering his silver spoon and the questions about the ethics of some of his business practices. A lot of American families are struggling right now - we don't need a guy who's incapable of walking a mile in someone else's moccasins. Even if that someone happens to be a dog.

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   Mighty Momposted 12 years ago

   I, for one, do not relish the idea of ever being Mitt Romney's bitch!
   

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      Shanna11posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I, for one, would not say no to one of his grandsons....

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         Mighty Momposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         And if I were wearing your shoes, Shanna, I wouldn't blame you one bit!

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   lovemychrisposted 12 years ago

   No offense, but if we are concerned with the deficit...how does cutting taxes for the wealthy help that?
   
   It grows the deficit! And that is Mitt's plan.

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      habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      No, it doesn't grow the deficit. This explains:
      
      http://www.carverfinancialservices.com/blog/?p=180
      
      Or this:
      http://economics.about.com/cs/taxpolicy … growth.htm

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   Greek Oneposted 12 years ago

   

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5. 77

   Joelipooposted 12 years ago

   I was actually entirely unaware of this dog situation.  It hasn't made any news around my area.  If that is the most unmoral thing Romney has ever done, I'm not sure we have much to worry about with his past.

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      Greek Oneposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      ... actually, he admitted to sleeping with the dog as well...
      
      
      
      but claims he and his wife 'were on a break' at the time

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         habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I sleep with two big male dogs every night. Also, I think you're confusing Mitt with Santorum. Rick was the one with the bestiality issue.

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            Greek Oneposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            I don't think Mrs. Santorum is attractive, but I think calling her a dog is a little mean

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      habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      For real. AND the dog was in a carrier with a wind barrier - not strapped directly to the roof as some lib blogs imply.

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         idratherbeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Carrier or not, to strap an animal on top is irresponsible at best. Any dog lover would have to agree.

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            habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Compared to some of Obama's actions and votes...

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               idratherbeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Here we go again, instead of addressing the issue, we flip it back. Interesting Republican ploy. And what may these actions and votes be? Seems to me the economy is recovering. Healthcare helping many of the elderly and children. Not to mention eliminating preexising coverage denial and eliminating the lifetime policy benefit.

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                  habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  I see. We're supposed to "dog out" Romney but not mention Obama. Since the choice is going to be between these two men, it stands to reason that voters will be comparing and contrasting. Obama did not support born-alive legislation, and he then lied about why he opposed it. You think it was inhumane for Romney to carry his dog on his car roof, but you have no problem with infants who were born alive from botched abortions to be tossed into the garbage? Read about it on factcheck:
                  
                  http://www.factcheck.org/2008/08/obama-and-infanticide/

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                     idratherbeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     Here we go again, flipping. I've already heard your argument and it referred to born alive with no chance of living outside the womb. You're merely stretching the truth to fit your argument. And yet again avoid the issue at hand. A dog in a carrier, strapped to the top of a moving car. Once again, I can't imagine any animal lover defending that, by flipping a question or statement referring back at President Obama.

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                        idratherbeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        And I don't consider fact check to be fair and balanced. After all Walter H. Annenberg was a republican with extreme conservative ideas.

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                        habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        I can't imagine any human lover approving of Obama's stance. It's not my argument - I got it from factcheck after hearing about it on the news - I wanted to see if it was true or not. So, if the truth has been stretched, as you say, it was done by factcheck. Many refer to it as "infanticide," but I'm not willing to go that far. Still, I do find it very troubling that anyone could be so heartless.
                        
                        And how can you say I've avoided the dog issue?? Do you read the forums? I wrote a rather lengthy response to it a couple of weeks ago.
                        
                        Our arguing is pointless. You'll vote for Obama, and I'll vote for Romney. If Obama wins, as I think he will, I'll survive. In fact, I would vote for Obama if either Santorum or Gingrich got the nod.

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                           idratherbeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                           You're interpretation is just that. Infanticide is a stretch of the definition at best, considering it's the killing of a aborted baby after it's born. We're talking about a baby that "can't live outside the womb". That article was geared against abortion, and by the way, during the same time frame Romney was prochoice as Governor. I can go back and dig up dirt on Romney as well. His NRA stance would be one. He has a track record of flip flopping, to get elected as governor and now as presidential candidate. I'll debate both on todays message, not examples from yesteryear! Check the dates on your factcheck  and then do a little more homework on your candidate. You'll be surprised where he stood, didn't stand, and restood on many controversial issues such as abortion.

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                              habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                              I know all about Romney's previous stand on abortion. The NRA gives Romney a B, and they've run phone banks for him. On the other hand, the NRA spent $15 mil on anti-Obama ads in 2008.
                              
                              You're debating on today's message,and not on what they did in the past? When did the dog incident happen?

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                                 idratherbeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                 lol...so true! So looking at his stands today. He has a plan but unwilling to unveil it. He for the blunt and ryan plans. One against women and one to help the rich. He's against planned parenthood, medicare, medicaid,, and disability. He's for further tax breaks for the rich with the understanding it will create more jobs. Yeah, that one worked out real well didn't it when President Bush said the same thing. He claims to be able to relate to the unemployed because he is. Yeah right! I seriously doubt he can relate in any way to the pain most Americans have and are experiencing. I'd like to know if heknows what a loaf of bread and a gallon of milk cost. I doubt it.

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                                    idratherbeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                    And trying to portray someone as a baby killer is a whole lot different then mistreating a dog. Especially when your candidate was pro choice at the time. And as for his nra stand he "was only for hunting" not protection. Now he's for both.

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                                       habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                       I'm pro-choice for early abortions, even though I hate abortion, in general. Yes, Romney has changed his stands on issues, but so has his rival. You can't fault Mitt here when you compare the two.
                                       
                                       I don't hate Obama, and I don't think the US will end as we know it under his leadership. It's just that I honestly believe Romney understands the economy and the importance of the deficit better, and those are more important to me right now than are social issues. I know too many jobless people, including family members and close friends. I talked with numerous small business owners before I decided on Romney.
                                       
                                       As for being out of touch with average Americans, Romney probably is, but I think most of our leaders are. High level politicians just about have to be wealthy in order to run successfully, which is a shame.
                                       
                                       As for Romney and guns, I'll trust the NRA's judgment on that.
                                       
                                       As for the dog vs. baby issue, I think the baby issue is much worse. If I found a dying opossum, I wouldn't just chunk it in a trash can.

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      lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Oh, that's nothing. He makes Bush look like a boy scout.
      
      You don't become filthy rich by being a saint.

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         Shanna11posted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I don't see why you couldn't become rich in an ethical manner? That's my goal in life....
         
         ....Well, one of my goals. Obviously not the main one.

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            lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            21 million is beyond rich. That goes into criminal, IMO.

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               Shanna11posted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Why? Say I worked really hard and earned 21 million in an ethical manner. What is criminal about that?
               
               I mean, right now I work two jobs, go to school, earn money off of Hubpages-- for a college teenager I have some pretty decent savings and I plan on just growing that by continuing to work hard. I guess I just don't see why you think it's criminal?

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                  lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  He hides money, skips out on taxes, and buys companies to crash and burn them. Plus...and I know all of you will dismiss this out of hand, but there are credible sources who say he was laundering money at Bain.
                  
                  And since the right saw fit to dig up any and all people in Obama's past:
                  
                  look up Kofer Black and Jeff Perry.
                  One was his advisor
                  the other was a dirty cop--not a peep from Romney OR Scott Brown on that one
                  
                  And he also promoted the prosecutor who framed my friend, to a Judge.
                  Let the corruption roll on, RMoney.
                  
                  this is personal with me as you can see.

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                     Shanna11posted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     If there are credible sources saying he was laundering money, why is this not in the media or why has this not become an issue beforehand? Surely they would be all over that in a heartbeat. May I see these sources?

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                        lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        It's not in the MSM. And no--I can't google. I have a malware named HAPPILLI that is embedded in my machine.
                        
                        Just google: Was Mitt Romney laundering money?  and see what comes up!

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                           Shanna11posted 12 years agoin reply to this

                           I am right now-- this is going to require a lot of reading for me to understand. But a lot if it just appears to be personal blogs and websites that really just don't give off that credible vibe. I'm just barely poking at the surface, of course, but I'm skeptical.

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                              lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                              Well, I give you lots of credit for trying!

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                  Josakposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  Not criminal necessarily, ethical? Almost certainly not, I wish you well making your fortune but I wonder do you think it ethical to have 21 million dollars while millions starve to death and go without shelter? I once found myself in that situation and could not bring myself to deal with it and ignore the suffering around me to satisfy my own desires, in the end I gave it away... To be honest I don't know how so many people can do it, I find it interesting that the prevalence of psychopathy rises exponentially alongside wealth (can post links to prove it if necessary). I will say this of all our politicians left and right alike, I don't know how they can claim to care for the downtrodden and the poor and yet live in luxury.

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                     Shanna11posted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     If you earned it, you can do whatever you want with it (although I do think it's not right to just sit on it all). I definitely would not feel comfortable with a huge fortune just sitting there. I'm a giver, and I would be more than willing to share what I don't need with others. Mitt has done the same-- he's donated a large amount of his own money to charitable organizations.
                     
                     I'd be interested in the psychopathy links just out of sheer curiosity, if you don't mind sharing.

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                        American Viewposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        All one has to do is look at the amount of donations from Romney then Obama then Biden.
                        
                        I do find one thing curious, the left degrades the way Romney made his fortune, yet they embrace how the Kennedy's made their's

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               habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Nothing wrong with being rich. If he did something criminal, he should be locked up. Do you think all rich people are criminals - Warren Buffet, the Kennedys, John Kerry, Bill Gates, Obama, John McCain, etc?

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                  lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  The real criminals never get caught...as these past 12 yrs have shown me.
                  
                  Only the peons do time. Or the scape-goats.

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                  Dr Billy Kiddposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  I don't think they are criminals. But I do know that they are out of touch with other people. People are things to do transactions with, and like Romney said, I like firing people who do service for me. I also think that those folks that you mention feel over-entitled to a bigger share of the American Dream.

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                     habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     I like firing crappy service providers, too, which is what Romney said. Would you keep your insurance company if the service was terrible?

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                        idratherbeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        Problem is, most people don't know their health insurance is no good. Most don't know their deductible or lifetime benefit.

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                           American Viewposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                           Most know

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   lovemychrisposted 12 years ago

   "Now that Mitt Romney is the presumed Republican candidate, it's fair to ask how he made so much money ($21 million in 2010 alone) and paid such a low rate of taxes (only 13.9 percent).
   
   Not only fair to ask, but instructive to know. Because the magic of private equity reveals a lot about how and why our economic system has become so distorted and lopsided -- why all the gains are going to the very top while the rest of us aren't going anywhere.
   
   The magic of private equity isn't really magic at all. It's a magic trick -- and it's played on you and me."
   
   http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-re … 20180.html
   
   And just think...his tax plan gives him more of a cut, while poor workers actually have to pay more! What a guy.

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      Shanna11posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Oh, jeez. Citing Huffington Post? There goes the credibility out the window....

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         lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         It's Robert Reich. Credible as all heck.

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            Shanna11posted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Yes, but why would he write that for HuffPo? Surely he could have had that published elsewhere!
            
            I just realized that his book is one of my assigned readings for my economics course next term- it'll be an interesting read.

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               lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               She posts a lot of different writers. And plenty who don't really support Obama...including her.
               
               He has also written an e-book, Beyond Outrage. It's 4 dollars or something.
               He also is critical Of Obama.
               
               The thing about him though...you won't see him calling Romney any personally demeaning or degrading names. That is the difference between a credible person, and a PUNK. imo

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                  Shanna11posted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  Wait-- what do you mean by "she" and "her"? The head of HuffPo? I was just referencing the organization as a whole, which tends to produce more biased articles than other online news organizations (they're getting better about it, but they're the left-leaning version of Fox IMO). Also they are in horrible need of a decent editor. Far too many of their articles have several painfully obvious typos/mistakes.
                  
                  I'm just going to stick with CNN.

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                     lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     She posts Leslie Gelb.
                     
                     Left? What--the part in his hair?

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                        Shanna11posted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        I still don't understand who you mean by "she", sorry.
                        
                        And left as in more liberal. Fox is clearly conservative, and HuffPo is liberal. I'm not saying anything about Reich, since I have little idea as to who he is, I'm merely commenting that HuffPo isn't a terribly credible place to have your work published, IMO.

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               American Viewposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Shanna,
               
               Just look beyond his personal book. He is not as smart as he thinks he is. I will let you research and discover on your own.

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            American Viewposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            RR is far from credible

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   lovemychrisposted 12 years ago

   "I wonder do you think it ethical to have 21 million dollars while millions starve to death and go without shelter?"
   
   Not only that, but INCREASE the wealth at the top, and CUT more from those who are suffering! It's, as Robert Reich says: Beyond Outrage.

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   lovemychrisposted 12 years ago

   "MITT ROMNEY, BAIN CAPITAL and the MORMON MAFIA!"
   
   This is the one I would look into.....

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      Shanna11posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Mormon Mafia? Lol, I'm Mormon and I would LOVE to know more about THAT...

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         lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I read the other day that the NSA really loves Mormons, because they are honest and hard-working.
         They are apparently building a huge NSA spy center in Utah...underground? I don't know...google that too!

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            Shanna11posted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Haha, yes, I knew about that. I drive past it daily (I attend a Mormon university in Utah just a half hour away from the center). It IS true.... the FBI/CIA and other government industries love Mormons because they are truly generally honest and hard working  (there are the bad eggs though). They also don't have any past drug use or skeletons in the closet.
            
            And since the vast majority of Mormon men serve overseas religious missions for two years, they are fluent in customs and languages that Government agencies find very helpful.

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   lovemychrisposted 12 years ago

   "On Mitt Romney's Millions In Cayman Island Offshore Tax Havens ..."
   
   This one actually says money laundering in the lead in....WISH I could get there!!

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    lovemychrisposted 12 years ago

    Interesting to see....
    
    10 Big Companies That Pay No Taxes (and Their Favorite Politicians) http://mojo.ly/ICwEzA

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    lovemychrisposted 12 years ago

    Gotta admire Obama's savvy....
    "Tomorrow is Bo’s third anniversary as First Dog. Help celebrate by picking your favorite photo on Pet Lovers for Obama:" http://OFA.BO/J1Z9Hr
    
    
    ahahaha....smacked with a velvet glove.

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    idratherbeposted 12 years ago

    @habee, small businesses that adjusted to the recession are doing just great. Profits and foot traffic is up. Economy and job creation is on the upswing.

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    mio cidposted 12 years ago

    The story sticks because Romney comes across as weird, and this story reinforces that image.

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