To the editor:
A “fact based world:”
That is how Dan Rather recently described what the GOP needs to start living in if it is to have any hope of regaining political credibility with the electorate — beyond its most right wing, overwhelmingly white, Tea Party, Christian fundamentalist base.
And nothing exemplifies just how out of touch and bitter many in the Republican Party are than our own former governor’s comments on Nov. 14.
In a conference call with rich donors, Mitt Romney claimed he lost the election because of “extraordinary financial gifts from the government” that Romney claims President Obama bestowed on Latinos, African Americans, and younger voters.
The list of “ extraordinary gifts” included amnesty for the children of undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. without papers by their parents. But here’s what undermines Romney’s claim on that issue. Those young people have not been granted amnesty and, because of their current immigration status, they could not vote in the election.
The “gifts” to the African American community were less clearly defined, but the implication was they were given a long list of freebies to which they are undeserving — including health care. The president, according to Romney, also handed out free contraceptives to young women, dismissed the interest on student loans, and allowed young adults to remain on their parents’ health insurance plans until they turn 26 — all of which were government “gifts” that prompted those young adults to vote for the president.
But the president never handed out free contraceptives to anyone, young or old. All he did was state his belief that the gynocological health needs of women should be covered by health insurance, much the same way many health insurance plans cover the cost of men’s Viagra.
In terms of forgiving the interest on student loans, all that has occurred is a discussion as to whether some kind of relief should be offered to the millions of young Americans drowning in student loan debt. No interest has been forgiven, but the discussion does continue.
Romney’s claiming young adults being able to remain on their parents’ health insurance plans until they turn 26 was a “gift” the president used to buy their votes is particularly hypocritical when one considers Romney said on the campaign trail that keeping young adults on their parents’ health insurance plans until they turn 26 was one aspect of Obama’s Affordable Care Act he would preserve if elected president.
Rommey’s most recent comments are as revealing of the kind of contempt in which he holds non-wealthy, white and non-white, Americans as were his comments at a $50,000-a-plate May fund-raiser in Boca Raton, Fla., where he basically said 47 percent of Americans are government-dependent slugs.
Mitt Romney cannot accept that he lost, not because of President Obama’s “gifts,” but because a majority of Americans recognized him for the political phony he has been since he first challenged Ted Kennedy for the U.S. Senate 18 years ago.
That’s a “fact.” And ironically, it is emerging, younger Republican leaders, like Gov. Bobby Jindahl of Lousiana and Sen. Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, who are most loudly expressing their disagreement with Romney’s ugly assertions.
MICHAEL COOK
Gloucester and Vieques, Puerto Rico
Caught on Tape: Davie Teacher Accused of Beating Autistic Child
See Lindsay Lohan in Rehab
"Stay Classy" Campaign Aims to Curb Binge Drinking
Lil Wayne's New Music Video Has Some People Outraged
Gaga Ditches Her Crazy Couture
Sesame Street Tackling Tough Topic Parents in Jail
Miss Utah Fumbles Interview Question
Deranged man claims Newark-bound flight was poisoned
Cameron Diaz and Kate Upton Show Off Their Amazing Bikini Bodies
NBA FINALS: Spurs Win Game 5, Lead Series
Exclusive Clip: Jodi Arias: 'Dirty Little Secret'
Amphibious bus filled with tourists sinks
Best Bikini Abs
Historic Ruling Set in Affirmative Action Case
Mix-Up at Daytime Emmy Awards
Colorado Springs Wildfire 65% Contained
Kim K. Is a New Mommy!
Sarah Silverman Roasts Mel Brooks at AFI Tribute
Moderate Cleric Wins Iranian Election
Obama on Fatherhood: 'Best Job I've Got'
