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Posted on Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 12:35 p.m.

Romney best bet to restore freedoms throughout past 4 years

By Letters to the Editor

If I have to state one reason why I strongly support Gov. Mitt Romney for President, it would be freedom. In the past four years we have seen our freedoms eroded away under President Barack Obama.

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We need freedom restored in our nation. We need freedom so that the CEO of a private company like GM does not have to fear being fired by the President of the United States. We need freedom so that an unborn child may live throughout all their stages of development. We need freedom so that our citizens can buy gasoline at an affordable cost. We need freedom so that people can find well paying full time employment.

We need freedom so that our banks can loan money without undue government controls. We need freedom so that we can voice our values without fear of persecution. We need freedom to explore and utilize the natural resources that we have been blessed with in this nation. We need freedom to be able to choose whether or not we buy health insurance or any other product without being forced to do so by our government.

We need freedom so that our young people can get a good education at a school they and their parents choose. We need freedom so that our college students can afford their tuition and not just get a huge loan from the government that it will take them years to repay.

We need freedom to be restored in our land. Simply by examining the record of this administration we can see that President Obama has failed to protect our freedoms. Romney will restore those freedoms we all have come to cherish. And that is why I support Mitt Romney for President of the United States. Steven Darr

Ypsilanti

Comments

Detached Observer

Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 8:54 p.m.

When I first read the headline I honestly thought it said "Romney best bet to restore fiefdoms." Romney voters, I challenge you to read this: http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/10/14/david-stockman-mitt-romney-and-the-bain-drain.html ''Bain Capital is a product of the Great Deformation. It has garnered fabulous winnings through leveraged speculation in financial markets that have been perverted and deformed by decades of money printing and Wall Street coddling by the Fed. So Bain's billions of profits were not rewards for capitalist creation; they were mainly windfalls collected from gambling in markets that were rigged to rise.'' ''Mitt Romney was not a businessman; he was a master financial speculator who bought, sold, flipped, and stripped businesses. He did not build enterprises the old-fashioned way—out of inspiration, perspiration, and a long slog in the free market fostering a new product, service, or process of production.''

hmsp

Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 2:31 p.m.

@ bunnyabbott, re: "Bailing out GM and banks didn't include telling those higher up that they couldn't take bonuses." A lot of revisionists try to do this –– blame Obama for the TARP –– but that was Bush. And going back to the premise of this "editorial," it is true that many people, myself included, fault President Obama for not reversing more of the oversteps and intrusions of the Bush Administration. But since Romney bears a lot more resemblance to Bush than to any other recent president, looking to him for support of civil liberties is a joke. Don't like intrusions on your civil liberties? Don't vote for Romney!

bobslowson

Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 2:08 p.m.

The GOP is all about taking others rights away...They are all about small government unless it involves shoving god down our throats....How would Romney restore anything? With the extremists that pollute the GOP...I can see more and more rights being taken away if he gets elected.

Bill

Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 2:07 p.m.

Freedom???? You have to be kidding me. There is no such thing here in the US. Debt = Slavery. The US government is in debt to the Federal Reserve. Owned by a small handful of very rich banks and corporations. Who's bidding do you think our elected officials will do as their election coffers are stuffed by unlimited dollars? Oh and let's not forget who really stripped us of our 4th and 5th amendment rights when congress passed the misnomer "Patriot" Act. We can't even voice our opinions without fear of repercussions. Be AFRAID people. Be VERY VERY afraid. We are edging ever closer to a fascist state as information about our whereabouts, purchases and opinions are collected daily through our computers and credit cards. Don't forget it was IBM who collected such data for one tyrannical nation to use against a populus, the Third Reich. Speak now or forever hold your peace! Long Live the real America, not the farce that existis now.

bunnyabbot

Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.

I think a lot of people don't understand why some companies should "go bankrupt" that is not have the government intervene because they are "too big to fail". Romney said GM should go bankrupt. That didn't mean shutter their doors, it meant force them to have to restructure through bankruptcy court. bailing out GM was a play for the auto unions. Nothing like an administration buying votes. Bailing out GM and banks didn't include telling those higher up that they couldn't take bonuses.

Middle America

Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 12:13 a.m.

The title of this article makes it sound like Romney would go back in time or something.

Cathy

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 8:34 p.m.

While the original Patriot Act was signed by Dubya, Obama signed a four-year extension of 3 key provisions in May of 2011. These provisions were for roving wiretaps, searches of business records (the "library records provision"), and conducting surveillance of "lone wolves" — individuals suspected of terrorist-related activities not linked to terrorist groups. Source: Wikipedia.

hmsp

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 7:24 p.m.

Oh, and another such trope is, "It's simple. Follow the money!" Which I have heard repeatedly in the Climate Change debate, of all things. But nobody has ever filled me in as to how the Vast Left-Wing Conspiracy stands to profit by tricking people into believing a "myth." But never mind. It's the 30-second, substanceless sound bite –– the bread and butter of Faux News! And Mr. Darr, here, has obviously studied at the feet of the masters!

hmsp

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 7:10 p.m.

Re: brian's post, in which, after saying, "We don't have many rights left," he says, "Enough said. Do your homework." This sounds very familiar –– I often hear abbreviated, substanceless challenges like this from the Far Right. Another one goes, "It's simple. Do the math." I'm wondering if any of you out there who monitor the airwaves can tell me: are these language patterns used by/learned from Faux News and the like? You don't hear those same patterns from the Left... And, "We don't have many rights left," is hardly "Enough said!" What in the world is he talking about, especially in reference to the Obama administration vs, say, the Bush administration?

Tru2Blu76

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 4:16 p.m.

Notice the premise and assumption behind Mr. Darr's essay. Premise: Barak Obama and the Democrats are either (a) allowing "our freedoms" to erode, or (b) they're actively trying to take our freedoms. Assumption: Mitt Romney and the Republicans are dedicated to "restoring" our lost freedoms and "defending them." Any position or advocacy based on assumptions and undefined premises have to be matched by facts. That's where Mr. Darr's essay breaks down - on the lack of facts. You don't have to be a Democrat to say that "our freedoms" ( as individuals and as a nation) have been eroding but the rate and magnitude are up for further discussion. That's because Republican administrations have held sway in in the federal and Michigan state governments for 2/3 rds of the past 12 years. So who's been responsible and exactly which part of the last 12 years are we talking about? The Bush Administration expanded government power ("for our own good") when they created the powerful Homeland Security bureaucracy. Result: we 're far more restricted when traveling on perfectly innocent vacations. Republicans have convinced us: that we're untrustworthy in the eyes of government and must be detained and searched whenever we travel. We're told by Republicans and their supporters that we can't trust "liberals" and Democrats. But some of every neighborhood includes "liberals" and Democrats. So, thanks to the Republican "efforts to restore our freedoms" - we live daily in a state of anxiety and suspicion regarding - some of our neighbors. (This whole paranoid approach is getting more than tiresome.) This scares the heck out of me. I don't mistrust my neighbors and I don't think I'm a suspect in anyone's eyes BECAUSE I make an effort to act like a responsible citizen. I just don't believe anyone who tells me government is in charge of my security and sole determiner of my honesty. No thanks,

clownfish

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 3:34 p.m.

"To those who scare peace-loving people with phantoms of lost liberty … your tactics only aid terrorists, for they erode our national unity and … give ammunition to America's enemies."- AG John Aschcroft, Dec 6, 2001. In a May 2003 terrorist advisory, the Homeland Security Department warned local law enforcement agencies to keep an eye on anyone who "expressed dislike of attitudes and decisions of the U.S. government." On May 30, 2002, Ashcroft effectively abolished restrictions on FBI surveillance of Americans' everyday lives first imposed in 1976. One FBI internal newsletter encouraged FBI agents to conduct more interviews with antiwar activists "for plenty of reasons, chief of which it will enhance the paranoia endemic in such circles and will further service to get the point across that there is an FBI agent behind every mailbox." http://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/free-speech-zone/ Where were all the people that think they are victims of Obamas "taking of freedoms"? I was protesting back then and I was called a "traitor", I had my life threatened, was called every name in the book. Now these same people that defended Ashcroft and Bush tooth and nail while they racked up massive debt and put us in "free speech zones" are here Whining about myths and propaganda they heard about from the Media Elites

Jack

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 8:15 p.m.

Both administrations have supported laws and practices that infringe on our freedoms and I am glad that they have done so. The times have dictated the necessity for so doing. The arguments about who passed what law are childish and misinformed, as both partieshave done it.

clownfish

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 3:23 p.m.

once again I am reminded that this author is who Romney was talking about when he spoke of those that think they are "victims". He supplies not a single example of freedoms lost. It is gross generalizations, propaganda and miss information. If a student gets a loan from a bank at a rate that is higher than that supplied by the govt, that is a "loss of freedom", economic freedom. It was the GOP that passed TARP, not Obama. The restrictions on banks came about because they RUINED OUR ECONOMY. By doing that they helped destroy economic freedom for millions of citizens. Can the author give any concrete examples of times he has been denied his right to "voice our values without fear of persecution"? Can he explain how job searchers have had their freedom to take a job restricted? Does he think the government should restrict the Free Market in order to reduce gas prices? Was he as concerned in 2008 when gas hit record highs? Did he write an editorial excoriating President Bush for "restricting freedom" for cheap gas? Is there anything in the Constitution that guarantees cheap gasoline? Is the author aware that natural gas and oil production is at near record highs? How is that a restriction of "freedom"? If the author does not want health insurance, has he dropped his families coverage in protest? He is free to do so, it will be cheaper to pay the fine anyway. Governor Romney once believed in mandated insurance, he signed a law that requires Mass residents to have insurance, did the author get riled up about it back when Romney signed the law? Truly a bad editorial lacking specifics but big on stereotypes and propaganda.

clownfish

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 3:03 p.m.

Pretty weak list of "lost" freedoms given. This is so much propaganda. Each reader here is as free as they have ever been, except for GOP passed restrictions. You may not have the "freedom" to pollute a neighbors property or to avoid your medical bills, but you are free to operate a business, worship in your places of worship and homes, move about freely throughout the country, purchase as much ammunition as you desire. What you may not be free to do is vote without burdensome regulation, make reproductive decisions without government interference or marry whom you choose. None of those are Obamas doing.

Carole

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 12:33 p.m.

I strongly support Romey and Ryan -- we cannot afford to go another four years under the present leadership. And, yes, I feel that many of my freedoms have been taken away from me and not happy about it. Men and women over the years have fought hard for the US of A to retain their freedoms,

clownfish

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 3:07 p.m.

List these freedoms you "feel" you have lost, please. Have you been pushed into a "free speech zone"?

motorcycleminer

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 12:20 p.m.

Wow...To write this opinion at the epicenter of " emoland " (Emo's : people who think and vote with their hearts not brains ) takes bigger ka-honies than even I, an seasoned " OZ " basher have ...kinda like holding a " stop welfare " sign in front of a 7-11....

Jack

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 8:06 p.m.

Funny.

Dog Guy

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 4:45 a.m.

Once again, Ann Arbor's herd of independent thinkers has responded with thunderous unanimity. Heed their voice!

Jack

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 8:05 p.m.

Independent? Sarcastic?

brian

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 3:59 a.m.

He is talking about our rights according to the Constitution. We don't have many rights left. Enough said. Do your homework. You will not hear from me again on this. Yeah, I know good.

1bit

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 11:34 a.m.

Look, there are plenty of smart people on here who have differing opinions. Most of us have done our "homework". Most of us know the Constitution. Most of us also know that statements such as "we don't have man rights left" are preposterous and diminishes any argument trying to be made. There are really good reasons to vote for or against either candidate. Stick to those if you want to make a rational argument.

PineyWoodsGuy

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 3:28 a.m.

Our resident intellectuals are certainly dissecting Mr. Darr's "Letter to the Editor." It's kind of like throwing raw meat into the lion's cage!

talker

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 2:35 a.m.

I wrote this in a reply to another poster, but this is such an important point that I'm posting it as a comment besides having posted it as a reply to someone's comment. The Patriot Act became law when signed by then President George W. Bush on October 26, 2001. Anyone who blames President Obama for signing it into law is either (1) too ignorant to be taken seriously or (2) too manipulative and biased to be believed.

Basic Bob

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 3:48 p.m.

There is a difference between being a member of a legislative body and voting against a bill, and being the chief executive and signing it. Votes should be cast freely according to ones conscience, veto power should be used sparingly. Obama passes the test on both.

average joe

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 11:43 a.m.

I believe that sbbuilder was refering to the changes made to this law, and the fact that Obama opposed the law itself at the prior renewal signed by Bush.

Ypsibronc

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 1:34 a.m.

I would like to enjoy the freedom of not having my Romney yard sign vandalized.

Jack

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 8:02 p.m.

Actually, clownfish, on Ann Arbor it overwhelmingly happens to Repubs., including one case a while ago where feces were left on someone's property. While it is not the government, it is political and on these instances the perpetrators are most likely Democrats. Perhaps similiar things happen in Repub territories, I've not heard.

clownfish

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 3:10 p.m.

Your beef is with your neighbors, not the government. Every candidate has to deal with people destroying SWAG, this is nothing new or limited to one "side".

thinker

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 1 p.m.

I also had two fairly innocuous bumper stickers scrawled over with the name Obama and had to remove them. There goes my right of free speech!

AdmiralMoose

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 12:54 a.m.

Restore freedom? You have to be joking. All this is just talk-radio hyperventilating. President Obama is a moderate if not conservative president by historical standards. If we liberals had our way, Wall Street would have lost the freedoms that caused the Great Recession -- you know, like the Freedom to Pillage America. But by electing this Thurston Howell III you'll certainly have the Freedom to Dumpster-Dive and fight for his table scraps.

Cathy

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 8:29 p.m.

"President Obama is a moderate if not conservative president by historical standards." Agreed. I think Reagan would be seen as too liberal to run as a Democrat these days, let alone a Republican.

tim

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 12:39 a.m.

How about "freedom " to die of curable illnesses because of lack of health insurance or " freedom" to go into bankrupt because your Medicare voucher will no longer cover your health insurance or " freedom" to have the economy go into depression era levels because the deregulated banks made bad loans. How easily people forget.

Jack

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 7:56 p.m.

I understand that the voucher program would be based on insurance benefits government employers receive. The voucher amount would be the same as the second to the lowest bid for the government program.

NoSUVforMe

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 12:19 a.m.

Restore freedoms? Romney and the other right-wing extremists are intent on returning women to the Dark Ages and destroying the Earth. He thinks rising sea levels are funny. He thinks women can't be trusted to make their own health care decisions. Romney can't be trusted. Where are his tax returns? How many jobs did he create by hiding money in the Caymans? In Switzerland? Bad human, bad president.

TommyJ

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 11:30 p.m.

I don't care who is running against Obama, no way I'd ever vote for him.

bobslowson

Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 6:04 p.m.

That's exactly how congress filibustered our economy into the ground. We can all blame conservatives for the mess we are currently in, they stomped their feet at everything the President tried to do for the last two years and weren't shy in saying so...Mitch McConnell should be in jail.

Enso

Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 4:41 p.m.

Your ideology is part of the problem.

janejane

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 10:43 p.m.

No facts. No reasons. Plenty of right wing rhetoric...as a woman, I am laughing at the myopic viewpoint, but as a US citizen, I cringe with the ridiculous conclusions for a GOP president. Think our country "rights" are in jeopardy now? Ha. Get out a bigger lawn mower if Mitt is elected...the grass will be a lot longer and way out of control.

CynicA2

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 9:53 p.m.

Nice to see that some aging, Soviet-era censors have found gainful employment here in the the Peoples Republic of Ann Arbor, diligently working to deny American citizens their First Amendment rights... this place is really getting bad with the censorship - censoring innocuous, even humorous comments. Like most tyrants, this one has no sense of humor, at all.

CynicA2

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 9:31 p.m.

Not to mention the fact that the so-called rules have changed numerous times since this rag came into being. Just because this thing is privately owned doesn't mean that it trumps the Bill of Rights at least in spirit, if not terms of the letter of the law. The political history of this country is rife with examples of unsavory accusations and language... it's as American as apple pie, unlike this pillar of PC propriety! George Orwell would love your definition of "freedom"... too funny for words.

Jack

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 7:47 p.m.

Actually, Clownfish, comments are deleted even when people do follow the rules.

clownfish

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 2:59 p.m.

This blog is a private operation, not government run. The owners are free to set whatever policy they desire. Those that sign up to use this forum agree to the rules. If they violate those rules the private owners have EVERY right to restrict comments. It's called "freedom".

Tom Todd

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 9:27 p.m.

Romney to the 53% (the ones PAYING taxes)......The most perplexing thing is trying to make the voters understand why all my business buddies want organized labor to disappear so that we can start keeping more profits for ourselves and send the slaves....er ....working population to the state to get health care just like Wal-Mart does (did?) without letting on it's all about the money!! RIGHT TO WORK = RIGHT TO FIRE (with no explanation) RIGHT TO WORK = RIGHT OF MANAGEMENT TO KEEP PROFITS HIGH/WAGES LOW RIGHT TO WORK = NO SICK TIME/VACATION TIME RIGHT TO WORK = NO RAISES (if that's what management wants!!) RIGHT TO WORK = GUARANTEED WAY TO WIDEN THE GAP BETWEEN THE WORKING CLASS AND UPPER CLASS

Soft Paw

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 8:55 p.m.

I don't feel any more or any less free now than I did when Bush was president. A few more Americans are working, and less being killed in Iraq, but my freedom is about the same. As far as gas prices go, the president has almost no control there. The oil companies lowered them in 2004 when Bush was running again, then raised them back up in 2005. Now that the Democrat is the incumbent they are keeping them high. make no mistake, big oil will do fine whoever is elected, but they do usually favor the Republicans for reasons I gave elsewhere and won't address here.

Jack

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 7:44 p.m.

So why, then, did they lower prices in MI at then-Governor Granholm's request?

xmo

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 8:49 p.m.

General Motors did go through Bankruptcy and would have been able to reorganize under the rules of Bankruptcy instead of President Obama's which screwed the employees, retiree and bond holders. Only the UAW made out on the deal. A US Ambassador dies and President Obama Lies!

Jack

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 7:41 p.m.

But not all employees and retirees are Union.

clownfish

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 2:57 p.m.

The UAW is made up of employees and retirees.

Ron Granger

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 8:44 p.m.

Freedom to flip-flop? I don't think the word freedom means what you think it does.

Dirtgrain

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 8:33 p.m.

Supposedly, the Left pushes for more government control, more regulation. The Right sees this as a loss of freedom, and, feel that, at its extreme, it will lead to pure communism and dystopian slavery. Supposedly, the Right pushes for less government control, less regulation. The Left sees this as a loss of freedom, and, feel that, at its extreme, it will lead to pure feudalism and dystopian slavery. The extreme of either side is seen by the other as slavery. And they're right. Why don't they realize this and work to negotiate toward the middle? If we took the corrupting influence of money out of politics, would this change? Did politicians of previous times negotiate more?

Jill DeYoe

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 8:30 p.m.

The Ann Arbor News has always been a serviceable but right-leaning news source for Ann Arbor.

AdmiralMoose

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 12:42 a.m.

No, Bob. The right-leaning A2 News that has endorsed the last three republican candidates. I forgave them for W the first time, but when they endorsed him in 2004 it was pretty clear that something other than reason had taken over the editorial department.

Basic Bob

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 8:51 p.m.

Right-leaning? You mean our local elected Democrats who supported Rick Snyder? You mean our local elected Democrats pushing for more money for police, prosecutors, and prisons? You mean our local elected Democrats cutting services to the poor so they can reward their middle class "union professional" friends protect their 1% pensions and retirement packages?

kindred spirit

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 7:57 p.m.

Wow. This is one reason why I stopped my subscription. Who writes these editorials? Who influences this news website and its endorsements? The CEO of GM's job will be taken by President Obama? The man helped save the auto industry. What paranoia. This should be called an independent blog rather than a source of news. Hysteria at its finest. Sometimes I think the decision to shut down the Ann Arbor News was to intentionally keep the citizens of Ann Arbor in the dark at election time.

PersonX

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 8:24 p.m.

It is a letter to the editor, but the blog chooses which ones to print and one wonders why this pathetic example was used.

kindred spirit

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 8:03 p.m.

Whoops. I didn't notice it was a letter to the editor. Sorry. How can we get adults more informed about how the government operates? So many misconceptions.

Mike

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 7:55 p.m.

The freedoms we are losing are caused by the government running deficits and needing to raise taxes through fines, fees, regulations, and taxes in order to support themselves while taxing away from the rest of us. The real point should have been that Romney will create jobs that don't rely on tax payer dollars to exist and restore freedom by getting the money hungry government off of our backs.........

northside

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 1:45 p.m.

The Romneys of the country have been outsourcing those jobs to nations like China for decades. But go ahead and keep believing he's a "job creator" and everything is government's fault.

talker

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 3:56 a.m.

As Gov. of Massachusetts, Romney raised the costs of various licenses and permits tremendously. Have you noticed that Romney is far behind in the polls in Massachusetts and doesn't even campaign there. Instead of raising state income taxes, he increased license and permit fees tremendously to raise more revenue.

1bit

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 11:08 p.m.

You are talking about the Congress, not the President. Maybe the problem is that everyone thinks this is under the control of the President. Congress has the power of the purse. The President does not "create jobs"; it doesn't matter which party they are from.

Rick Stevens

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 7:55 p.m.

Waiting for Laurel's endorsement of RoMoney.

JimmyD

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 7:29 p.m.

Who wants to vote for a 1%'er who believes that the tax burden on the 1%'ers is way too heavy and should be shifted to the less productive middle and lower classes? Isn't Freedom at risk when "the power to tax is the power to destroy" everyone other than the 1%ers?

Jack

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 7:34 p.m.

In all fairness, that is not what the Republicans ate proposing. Why do you say it is? Because you can?

bluetonguedlizard

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 7:27 p.m.

In a way it might be good if Romney is elected then all these GOP supporters can reap what they sew. In the unlikely event Romney turns out to be a positive influence FOR ALL then that would be a good problem to have...but somehow I think our freedoms will be worse off if this man is elected and he has to "pay back" all those people he has made promises to behind our backs.

Jack

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 7:32 p.m.

Promises behind our backs? Oh, no. And here I thot they were all so honest. Both parties do that, not just Republicans.

Indymama

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 6:27 p.m.

It is Obama who has made promises behind our backs. Look up the statement he made to Putin when he thought he was no longer hooked into the microphone, He promised Putin that once he was re-elected then he could/would change everything, but he didn't want to reveal the dirty tricks until after he was re-elected. I'm surprised you are not aware of this! Don't you listen to the news,,,or maybe you only listen to one side of the news. I urge you to get out of the sand and find news that will tell you the actual truth,,,not just puppets of Obamas!!

average joe

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 11:32 a.m.

@ Talker- I'm not for any wars, but the military reserve members kind of knew what they were signing up for when they joined the reserve. I might have missed something, but I don't remember hearing Romney say he is going to "... rob these vets of the full rehabilitation and lifetime medical benefits, benefits we've given to World War II veterans for the past decades." Who exactly has proposed this?

talker

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 4:18 a.m.

I agree that our freedoms will be worse off it Romney is elected, but it's not worth electing him for supporters to reap what they sow. People would suffer too much. The people that would be hurt the most aren't "takers" as Romney and Ryan consider. They include military reserve members who were forced out of their civilian jobs and sent to fight wars,while family income fell and some required food stamps. Some want to rob these vets of the full rehabilitation and lifetime medical benefits, benefits we've given to World War II veterans for the past decades. Fortunately, medicine is now able to save many who would have died during World War II, but it also means there will be more serious conditions to treat and the people getting such benefits are NOT "takers." Who benefits from 401(k)'s and personal accounts instead of Social Security? Wall Street benefits the most when receiving fees for each account managed instead of lower fees per person when managing pension funds, etc..

JRW

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 7:22 p.m.

It will be a dark day for America if this slick ex-CEO wins the presidency. He is nothing more than an empty suit who will blow in the direction of whoever is sending him billions of dollars, including the extreme right wing of the Republican party. If you want to see Big Banks continue their criminal activities unchecked, Big Oil start drilling in national parks, Big Gas expand their fracking polluting the countryside and water supply at will, go ahead and vote for ex gov Romney. He will change positions continually, provide no details and do all he can to lower his tax rate along with his billionaire cronies. Ryan is a cute little devil in disguise who will smile his way to ending Medicare and privatize Social Security. None of these people care about anyone but the 1% and themselves, slamming the door on everyone else, while lying their way with impunity through this campaign.

Superior Twp voter

Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 5:33 p.m.

Nope, JRW, the "dark days" you refer to are RIGHT now - under BHO's regime. We are experiencing Obamaville, and anyone who wishes four more years of it is simply ignorant.

Jack

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 7:27 p.m.

Fear-mongering and demonization, two of the most highly effective and unethical means of discrediting an opponent.

Indymama

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 6:22 p.m.

JRW...YOU are a fear monger spreading false statements that are unfounded!! The atributes you write about are more Democratic than Republican. There is a distiinction!!

Mike

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 7:58 p.m.

There is no documented cases of polution caused by fracking. This is the way the anti-carbon folks scare the uninforced while driving up the cost of heating and transportation..............

greg, too

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 6:59 p.m.

"We need freedom so that an unborn child may live throughout all their stages of development" Development continunes after the umbilical cord is cut and on throughout that child's life. That seems to be lost on most pro "life" persons. But I give the writer credit for posting his thoughts in an obviously treacherous forum. The opinions are misguided and not based in fact or logic, but it is a prime example of the why we have the freedom of speech. Now we just need to educate him.

rick

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 6:36 p.m.

Steven Darr you are right on.... If people think that they have NOT lost freedoms under the Obama administration then they obviously have their heads burried in the sand.... I could not agree more...I second your endorsement

clownfish

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 2:54 p.m.

List them. Then compare that list to GOP passed laws, such as the Patriot Act, DOMA (signed by Clinton), Repression of gays in the military, restrictions on medical treatments accessed by women and the limiting of the freedom to marry whom one chooses. You have it backwards.

Laura Jones

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 6:29 p.m.

It's is so hard to be a Republican these days on a national level. So hard.

BHarding

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 3:41 p.m.

The Republican Party has turned into something it has never been before. There is a huge difference between liberty and license. Conservative values, fiscal responsibility, etc. have become xenophobia, extreme nationalism, and Might makes Right.

Veracity

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 4:35 a.m.

For sensible, caring and patriotic Americans that is so true.

G. Orwell

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 6:17 p.m.

Whatever Romney promises us about our freedoms is just talk. Please do not be fooled and so naive. The leaderships from BOTH the Democratic and Republican parties are doing everything to take away our rights. They despise the Constitution. George Bush said of the Constitution, "it's just a GD piece of paper." Obama signed the NDAA into law that gives the president the right to jail and kill Americans without a trial. Wake up people. Don't be sheeps.

G. Orwell

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 5:18 a.m.

@veracity Either you are not informed or you are spinning it like FOX News and CNN. Of course Obama would not personally incarcerate people or kill them. He would order the military to do his dirty work. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK1kWqb5t6U

Veracity

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 4:34 a.m.

The President does not personally incarcerate anyone indefinitely and is not given the right to kill anyone. Please inform yourself by reading the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2012."

Peregrine

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 6:17 p.m.

President Obama supports the freedom of women to choose how to manage their own bodies. President Obama supports the freedom for adults to marry whom they choose. President Obama has enabled people to be covered by health insurance, even if they have pre-existing conditions, even if they don't have great means. He supports the freedom to get and remain healthy, the freedom from the stress of being unable to afford healthcare, the freedom from bankruptcy where so many families have ended up due to skyrocketing healthcare costs. President Obama, by helping the struggling auto industry, has helped hundreds of thousands of workers to put in an honest day's work and provide for their families and support their local economies. Their economic security enhances their freedom. President Obama has strengthened Medicare, so our seniors can better meet their healthcare needs and live in dignity. President Obama turned around the economic free fall GWB and the Republicans created. We're creating more and more jobs every month, unemployment is now below 8%, consumer confidence is on the rise. President Obama has worked hard to support the middle class through these tough times and help provide opportunity for people to climb into the middle class. President Obama inherited the worst economy since the Great Depression and turned it around. I want to move forwards, not backwards.

Jack

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 7:20 p.m.

Please forgive the typos. It's from a cell phone.

Jack

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 7:18 p.m.

Uh, how has Obama relieved the stress of people not beong able to afford health insurance. People will be forced to putchase insurance that many feel they cannot afford. How has he sttenghtened Medicare? By diverting $760 billion from it? And how has he given Americans freedom from bankruptcy? I can't believe you said that. He did give the auto industry a much-needed shot in the arm, but so did Toyota with its bad cars and unwillingness to take responsibility for them. I've not yet decided who to vote for. But I will say that when it comes to civility of these comments, Republicans win hands down. Democrats used to be lond and courteous people who would not tolerate personal attacks. Sadly, that has changed.

Indymama

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 6:04 p.m.

Oh My Goodness! I am even more convinced that people in AA are not nearly as "smart" as they claim to be! We are not moving forward, we are moving backwards!! IF Obama is re-elected all the "reasons" you have given, and that others in these responses have given will suddenly shift by Obama's Executive Orders,, Look up "Executive Orders" and compare the huge difference in numbers from President Kennedy, etc, through the years to Obama. Many of Obama's Executive orders were signed by him AFTER our Congress voted against them! They are not "laws" that are in our favor as Americans. Some of the Muslims in this Country and Muslims from other Countries are working toward instilling Sharia Law in America, forcing you and me to follow their Sharia Laws. Did you not hear about the 14 yr old who was expressing her opinion that women should have the right to an equal education, and she was shot in the head=killed=because she would not stop taliking about it,

golfer

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 5:57 p.m.

ok name me some freedoms we have lost in the last four years. i am not taking about tax, benefits etc. just FREEDOMS.

Z-man

Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 6:24 a.m.

Personally, my freedom was usurped when the Obama Administration screwed the GM bondholders like me to illegally favor the unions and reward them for their support to his campaign, and the taxpayers were screwed as well. BTW, the process used to restructure GM and Chrysler were not that different to the normal bankruptcy process, except the decisions were make by the Obama Administration rather than an impartial judge. Note also that under bankruptcy as advocated by Romney, GM would not have ceased to exist as the Dems imply.

sbbuilder

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 5:54 p.m.

You guys like examples, so here's one for you: http://lakelandtimes.com/main.asp?SectionID=9&SubSectionID=9&ArticleID=10649 Note the way it was done. With no fan fare, and precious little attention paid to it by the media. Yet this piece of legislation was soundly criticized by Mr Obama during his campaign. Here he is not only signing it, but key portions were even strengthened, further eroding the rights and freedoms of Americans. The Patriot Act. Just one glowing example of our current presidents' Terpitude. Any rebuttals on this specific example?

northside

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 1:43 p.m.

@ sb: The only example you've got is something put forth by the Bush Administration and supported by the vast majority of conservatives? Really? LOL.

talker

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 2:30 a.m.

The Patriot ACt was signed into law by President George W. Bush on October 26, 2001. The was 7 years and three months before Barack Obama became President. President Obama wasn't even a U.S. Senator at that time. Since he wasn't even in the U.S. Congress in 2001, he didn't even have a vote on the issue. This huge gaffe, itself, discredits the entire argument of the writer.

Cathy

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 11:58 p.m.

The President has to sign legislation before it becomes law.

Basic Bob

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 8:42 p.m.

Patriot ACT - that means it was passed by Congress, not an executive order. Once it is law, the president is expected to enforce it. Of course some presidents choose to openly defy Acts of Congress, but that is the exception.

greg, too

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 7:03 p.m.

He continued a republican policy that was pushed through with mccarthy-istic fervor. But you fail to show a freedom that Obama took away from us. I am not a fan of Obama in any stretch. He is more GOP than I want in a president. But the alternative is so much worse.

1bit

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 6:01 p.m.

C'mon sbbuilder, I'm no fan of the "Patriot" Act but that was hardly Obama's baby...

Jon Saalberg

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 5:44 p.m.

"We need freedom so that the CEO of a private company like GM does not have to fear being fired by the President of the United States." I had no idea that dismissing the leaders of corporations fell under the President's list of responsibilities - because it does not. "We need freedom so that our citizens can buy gasoline at an affordable cost." This statement indicates that the GOP's strident campaign of Economic Ignorance 101 is working, since the President does not control the price of crude oil, in any way. "We need freedom to explore and utilize the natural resources that we have been blessed with in this nation." I believe this it the GOP's coded language for "let's destroy our planets natural resources as quickly as possible, since we are humans and therefore have divine right to use this planet as we want" - a recipe for using up what we have as quickly as possible. "We need freedom to be able to choose whether or not we buy health insurance or any other product without being forced to do so by our government." So making sure every American is healthy, and ensuring that health care costs are contained, since every American would have preventative health care, is not a priority of the GOP - because companies that make money from the sick and dying, are the GOP's health care priority. If these are the sort of "freedoms" that the GOP thinks we have lost, they don't know what the word "freedom" means.

Cathy

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 11:57 p.m.

Is the GOP for or against spray paint vandalism? Enquiring minds want to know.

ThaKillaBee

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 5:44 p.m.

I would challenge anyone to name ONE "freedom" they have personally lost over the last four years. Something that they really wish they were able to do, but now risk being sent to jail because Obama took it away. Just ONE.

Middle America

Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 12:19 p.m.

The name "Jimmy" has been with replaced by something similarly bland, but you can still get crappy SUVs churned out by GM, Ford, and Chrysler. Just because the name changed doesn't mean your rights have been taken away. Weird marketing is not an assault on your freedom. You should spend more time concerned with actual issues.

Bear

Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 1:25 a.m.

thakillabee, I find it hilarious that the 'freedoms lost in the past foru years' list cites things that were implemented by the neocons in the Bush administration. Sort term memories or simple willful ignorance? But somehow, ol' Mitt is gonna change all that. Political illiteracy at its worst.

BernieP

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 9:31 p.m.

Sorry Jake, you indicated Constitution, and I quoted our Declaration of Independence. The Constitution has in its preamble, "blessings of Liberty", which may vaguely include "pursuit of happiness", or the 14th amendments due process clause, which also protects liberty and property. I still would find a 2012 Jimmy a pleasing prospect in my own pursuit of happiness.

BernieP

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 9:11 p.m.

@JakeC ---- "pursuit of happiness".

Jake C

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 7:30 p.m.

"Freedom to drive a 2012 Jimmy" -- that's a good one. Where is that in the Constitution?

BernieP

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 2:42 p.m.

@Mr. Carter - then you and I agree. This is why I choose that we have responsible states of industriousness that advance the standard of living of all of us. That is, unless there is an assumption that evil exists inherently in the hearts of men.

Richard Carter

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 2:33 p.m.

I pretty much don't care what people do on their property... it's what comes off their property onto mine or everyone else's where I don't mind the regulations. Want your property mined for minerals? Fine, until it pollutes my water supply or dumps toxins into the air. You get the idea.

BernieP

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 11:40 a.m.

Through added regulation, these freedoms have been further restricted... Our freedom to responsibly drive whichever vehicle we choose is being restricted. Tell me where I can find a model year 2012 Bronco or K1500 Jimmy. This is directly related to tightening federal fuel economy regulations and discussion of artificially holding gasoline prices high through higher taxes on fuel. Our freedom to responsibly extract minerals from real property that I own and have rights to has been restricted. Again related to overreaching federal environmental protection regulations. Our freedom to begin and steward a cranberry bog on appropriate real property restricted by overreaching regulation. Our freedom of families to farm and market their products, restricted by overreaching regulation... reference hog farmers here in Michigan. You get the idea. Personal property rights are under siege.

Cathy

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 11:55 p.m.

Let's see, American citizens can be: 1) Held indefinitely without charge or due process; 2) Killed by a drone without charge or due process; 3) Photographed with a naked-cam to board a plane; 4) Relieved of their personal property without charge or due process; 5) Relieved of their money by government agencies to support religious organizations. Shall I go on? You are correct, though, that none of this tyranny started with Obama.

ThaKillaBee

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 9:15 p.m.

Actually, I'll give you that one. Good call.

Bryan Ellinger

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 7:29 p.m.

Here's one: Americans' freedom from indefinite detainment without charge or trial. Thanks to the latest NDAA.

Milton Shift

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 5:39 p.m.

Romney is very strongly opposed to medical marijuana, so cross that off your list of freedoms. The political right and the wealthy believe in the freedom to take everything you have and let you make do with scraps. They believe in their freedom to take away your civil liberties and your right to choose how to treat your own body, whether it be your choices in a partner, your decisions on abortions, or your use of drugs. Freedom, for them, is unchecked power.

GP

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 8:35 a.m.

Paul Ryan is not opposed to marijuana being legalized.

Milton Shift

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 5:36 p.m.

Political fetishism at its worst. "All we need is no laws and no rules and everything will magically fix itself." Naive idealism...

Cathy

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 11:48 p.m.

"Less laws and regulation where I don't want them, more where I do." It's the pathetic cry of the Republican Party.

Mick52

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 5:20 p.m.

If I were your teacher Mr. Darr, I would have sent this back and told you to reconsider use of the word, "freedom." While I am eager to vote for former Gov Romney, I feel quite free and do not consider my freedom at risk at all. A little overboard I think and thus is detracts from anyone putting much merit to your intent.

1bit

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 5:16 p.m.

This is utter nonsense. Every four years we go through this and someone always makes this exact same opinion based on, well, their gut impression and cherry-picked facts. Both sides do it and it's really just a waste of everybody's time. It's mental laziness because you really can't explain your reason for voting for your candidate. And, honestly, why do you have to justify your opinion to anyone? Anyway, back to the basics: your "freedoms" are not defined by the President of the United States. If you think they are then do us all a favor and don't vote because you clearly don't understand the US Constitution or how our government works.

15crown00

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 5:14 p.m.

neither candidate are A Neither candidate are A Neither candidate are A+ but given the choice Mitt gets my vote. =

arborani

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 2:56 a.m.

Then I trust you can tell us what both candidates is?

flexorz

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 6:21 p.m.

Thanks for proving everyone's point.

say it plain

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 5:13 p.m.

Oh my goodness, I find this editorial to be such sad evidence that the obscene faux-news operations in this nation have totally *destroyed* our freedoms! Our freedom to live free of the brainwashing induced by too many outlets of our media forms...it's scary!

say it plain

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 5:56 p.m.

Mr. Obama is not part of the media, in case you haven't learned that in civics 101. We need a strong, independent, and ethical "Fourth Estate". Because otherwise "the people" become mushy impressionable mouthpieces for those with power... President Obama does his share of spinning stuff so he looks good, looks better, absolutely! The best thing we can do for our *freedoms* is to do something about the ridiculous state of campaign finance in this country! Back when McCain was more about that than aspiring to be president I found him respectable, but alas all changed when he came closer to that corrupting pursuit, too bad... But if anyone believes the red herring silliness about Obama being some agent for removing our 'freedoms', then they do so via a scarily effective emotions-level appeal made by people who are not in the least bit interested in the "freedoms" of regular American citizens!

15crown00

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 5:17 p.m.

and Mr. President Obama does more than his part to

Polyjuce123

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 5:12 p.m.

Freedom? Oh yes, you mean the GOP's view on women's rights, gay marriage and immigration? Or do you mean "freedom" as viewed through the eyes of a middle aged christian male? Freedom is a broad topic in a melting pot that is the USA, Romney does not understand that.

Polyjuce123

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 5:28 p.m.

Don't =M? Oval office policies, campaign trail speeches? None of these are cited in the aforementioned article. I'm not sure this is your article to be commenting on.

15crown00

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 5:16 p.m.

campaign trail speeches don't =m sitting in the Big Chair in the Oval Office policies.

Goober

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 5:10 p.m.

Oh my! This is not the right town and area to voice one's desire to vote for a Republican Presidential candidate. I can hardly wait to read the comments.

Napalm.Morning

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 6:57 p.m.

Well I, for one, applaud the courage to voice an opinion--popular or not. . .we are all best served when most are actively engaged in the political process.

ThaKillaBee

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 5:43 p.m.

Most of the comments on this site are conservative, so I wouldn't worry.

15crown00

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 5:19 p.m.

and that very well might b part of the problem

hmsp

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 5:06 p.m.

I find the premise pretty bizarre: * Romney is the guy who wanted GM to have the "freedom" to go bankrupt, and said as much. * The economy of the entire world was just about destroyed because the banks had too much freedom. Does anyone really think that the recession was caused by too much bank regulation? Get real! * What does "freedom" have to do with the price of gas. Please explain in detail, and give examples. * What does the President of the US, whether past, present, or future, have to do with the current price of gas? Again, please explain in detail, and give examples. * As for, "We need freedom so that people can find well paying full time employment," how many well-paying jobs has Romney's "Job Creating" 1% created since the policy of "Trickle Down" was established over 30 years ago? The 1% have never been richer, so where are the jobs? If you are worried about the working middle class, the party of the bankers is not for you! ******** It is hard to know where to stop when faced with such wild and non-specific claims, so I'll end with this one: "We need freedom so that we can voice our values without fear of persecution." Please expound on this, giving examples of the "persecution" that you claim exists. ******** And aa.com, what is up with you folks? Slow news day? Do you really publish every rant that comes down the pike?

walker101

Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 8:31 p.m.

In most cases it only has to do with a weak dollar, almost all countries purchase gas with dollars, since our dollar is weaker such as it is due to our economy it takes more dollars to buy the gas. The demand from other countries such as China, Russia, etc. demand more gas for their country due to more individuals have vehicles and a stronger economy or at least better than ours. And it doesn't help when tighter mandates for better mileage vehicles are implemented to reduce consumption causing tighter regulatory controls in this industry. Weaker dollar and ratings haven't helped this administration, more regulations haven't eased the pain, and as long as gas is high so is everything you purchase along with a longer recovery and higher unemployment.

Dog Guy

Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 5 p.m.

I would agree only if you specified a longer time for the attack on American freedom . . . either ten years or eighty years or one hundred fifty years.

Dog Guy

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 7:26 p.m.

All of what you write is undoubtedly true, Michigan Reader, but did you actually cook a live frog ?

Michigan Reader

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 1:53 p.m.

The loss of freedom is akin to putting a frog in a boiling pot of hot water, he will jump out immediately. But put him in cool water and slowly turn up the heat until it's boiling, and he will fry to death. One of the first freedoms under Obama is the eroding of religious freedom, i.e. the HHS mandate that requires that a secular and religiously affilliated institution or employer to provide abortion inducing birth control. Even though it's indirectly, it's a loss of freedom. Other liberals on the Supreme Court have said there's no right to life of the fetus. And there will be the rationing of health care of the infirm, based on expectant "quality of life" to control health care costs. And there are other affronts to freedom, I could go on, but I don't have time right now.