Bloomberg View’s Deobrah Solomon and The New Yorker’s John Cassidy join Hardball to discuss the secrecy around Mitt Romney’s time at Bain, and what the lack of transparency
Watch Hardball at 7 p.m. ET.
Romney, why so secretive?
Fri Aug 24, 2012 6:34 PM EDT
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Will someone please follow through on getting the President's real birth records in Topeka, KS. Ive been trying to get the birthers to do this for over a year after 2 fires where some records may be. I began posting my eye witness account on 7.26/12 on my facebook and Daily recaps,since Its a story of westboro baptist church, segregated Topeka, KS , my home town and the birth pangs of integration includuing the real threats over the interracial relationship that resulted in the birth of President Obama. The Hawaii bith records is not his doing nor the Kenya one. The president may not know all details and I have e-mailed the White House my postings and no one has asked me to stop. Florence Hardy, my mom , present at his birth.My parents, asked to step in by authorities when they tried to find some of hs mother's paternal relatives. My second cousin, his mother, didn't even know that Dunham was an assumed name. And authroites finally located her grandparents in Colorado, theP opes and that led back to my parents in Topeka, her grandmother's brother; Rev Tracy Hadry and Florence in Topeka, KS. No one would listen to her and the president just had to sign a law restricting the free speech at soldiers; funerals recently, of his maternal grandmother's relatives. I went with my Mom, Florence hardy, one sunday to westboro baptist where she had to get the gdnshp papers signed over and I bolted from the church over the awful racism preached from the pulpit by Fred Phelps who preached the opposite of Christ's teachings. Linda Joy adams
He is clearly a draft dodger and a tax dodger. He is also dodging his record at Bain and his time as Bishop at the LDS Church. His time as Governor, his policies and plans. His V.P.s policies and voting record his parties policies, voting record and plank. He dodges answering questions regarding his policy of shipping American jobs and businesses to foreign countries. He's dodging interviews with what he perceives to be liberal "journalists," and networks and he's dodging "controversial" questions.
This is what he does. Avoidance of responsibility and questions relating to anything of substance. As opposed to the POTUS who has had to spend most of his time working around a do-nothing Congress we have a do-nothing man in Romney and that would be a powerful mess. A do-nothing Republican President and a do-nothing Republican Congress.
I keep hearing liberals stating the same arguments, Lets wait until the debates and then see if Romney explains his plans.
I am still waiting after 3 1/2 years to hear what Obama is going to do to bring this country back.
After all he said if he can not make this country better after 4 years then he should be a 1 term president.
Someone explain how this is a better country today. Unemployment is up, the economy is down. Our standing in the world is embarassing now.
Phillyherb, you are way too late to class. Go back through the following past posts: Sedwinars, SL Cabbie, and Calbab until you get caught up!
We should not digress every time a yahoo shows up. FORWARD!
Phillyherb, (EXTRA GRADE):
I dare you to watch the link, forward .
Feel free to start at the beginning, go ahead.
Philly: You're so funny! I guess you either forgot or weren't paying attention. When Obama came into office we were losing 750,000 jobs a month. Under Obama we have been gaining jobs now for 30 months straight. As a matter of fact we have created 4.5 million jobs. That's over a million more jobs than Bush created in his whole eight years.
All this while the Republicans in Congress have refused to pass Obamas jobs plan 19 times in a row and are planning on filibustering for a 20th time. The Republican Governors have fired 650,000 government employees and we now are at the same government employment level that we were at in 1968 even though our population is almost double. In fact the business community says they are not investing in jobs right now because of the uncertainty in Washington that has been caused by the Republicans who have refused to pass Obamas jobs/economics plan for over two years. The same plan they keep telling people like you has failed even though that can't possibly be true since they haven't passed it.
I'm sure you did hear about the auto industry bailout and the 1.1 million jobs Obama saved even though Mitt and the Republicans all voted against it right? So tell me, the President and the Democrats have been proposing and creating jobs while your party has been doing everything in their power do kill jobs and you, like your party and your friends at Fox are blaming Obama and the Dems for your failures and efforts to keep Americans out of work?
As far as our economy goes, 62 of the 66 worlds leading financial institutions have said the Presidents stimulus plan was a smashing success and that's why we, the U.S. are doing so well whereas the 16 or more European countries who also crashed during the Bush/Cheney economic recession of '08 decided to go with the Republican/Ryan type recovery plan are doing horrible, and are in double dip recessions with unemployment as high as 25% as compared to our 8.1% unemployment.
In fact, Europe is now changing in their money for ours because the American dollar is so strong.
So why don't you do yourself a favor and stop watching Fox and listening to Limbaugh because you sound like a fool.
Cuckoo.
Will somebody please follow up and get the warranty for LindaJoy? Her batteries are wearing out and she clearly needs an oil change. Ha Ha Ha!
Man, I'm wondering if Michele Bachmann decided to troll this site...
It amazes me how the Republican's and Mitt insist that we should just sit back and shut up when it comes to anything regarding their lives, business etc., all while they accuse the President of releasing false documents regarding his birth, and releasing top secret information constantly.
Yet it was Bush and Cheney who exposed a CIA Station Chief in a foreign country endangering not only her life but the two hundred plus CIA agents under her management. It was the Republicans in Congress during the Bush administration who put the instructions on how to build a nuclear bomb in Arabic on the internet and now it is Fox who have exposed the name of one of the SEAL Team Six members who killed Osama Bin Laden on the internet which has now been posted on several Al Qaeda sites putting both he and his families lives in danger.
The right wing hypocrites are so off their rockers they fail to see the truly treasonous and dangerous things they do while always trying to reverse their ineptitude around on the Democrats. Let's face it, it is only the Republican's who have continuously put lives in danger with their reckless and stupid behavior.
I know exactly why the Romney's won't release their tax returns...
In an interview in this Sunday's "Parade" magazine, the Romneys claim that they won't release their tax returns because they don't want people to see what they tithe to the mormon church, that it is a private matter between their family and church. But multiple times, in the past, both Mitt and Ann have openly stated that they give exactly ten percent to their church, as prescribed in the Bible. So, there should be nothing surprising about their tithing in releasing their tax returns.
You know what I think, though? I think they probably actually gave a lot less than ten percent to their church, and would be embarrassed to reveal that in releasing their tax returns.
Actually after watching "The Mormon Candidate," a BBC documentary currently being shown on Current TV, he may be protecting the Mormon Church. The documentary is excellent (as most BBC documentaries are), and through interviews of Mormon officials, ex-Mormons and excommunicated Mormons the documentarian suggests convincingly that the LDS church does indeed operate like a cult. Indeed it seems very similar to the Church of Scientology although probably due to it's age more sophisticated.
It was interesting to see that in reality the LDS Church seems to be a combination of cult, Freemasonry (which is where the "magic underwear, secret signs etc., come from) and of a corporation. The two former aspects allow them to control their "flock" while maintaining loyalty and secrecy and the latter allows them to control and channel funds especially to the upper echelon of the church like Mitt. This may very well be why Mitt does not want his taxes released.
As far as his Presidential aspirations are concerned, it was shown that the church has used ex (and perhaps active) FBI and CIA agents to track and intimidate church members who have decided to leave the "flock" and that is very troubling to me.
Yet another reason why there should be a separation between church and corporations and state.
That's a fairly accurate analysis of the LDS Church, Sed. I don't use the word "cult" for the modern church (certainly the 19th Century edition qualifies), but many of my ex-Mormon friends do. They control the information here to an unprecedented extent; every public secondary school in the state has church seminaries adjacent to their campus, and "release time" is offered where they are educated in church doctrine.
As a modest historian, I can tell you Mormons were permitted to "write their own faith-promoting history" for around fifty years, beginning with the end of the Smoot Hearings. Probably the publication of No Man Knows My History by celebrated historian Fawn M. Brode which detailed the story of church founder Joseph Smith marked the "beginning" of more objective accounts. For her reward, Mrs. Brodie was excommunicated even though her uncle, David O. Mckay, was LDS president.
I've got a whale of tale sometime about Salt Lake police surveillance of an LDS dissident in the 1970's that ended tragically. An old mentor and friend of mine was involved. These days there's so much information available on the Internet that I'm sure any "Mormon fanactics" within the FBI or CIA have given up hope of tracking down all of us "troublemakers." Still, I keep my personal anonymity and try to draw firm lines about how much IRL information I give out.
Here's my friend Will Bagley and another Mormon critic featured in an incredible Al Jazeera piece...
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/peopleandpower/2012/04/201244114433199395.html
Personally I'm doubtful that Mitt's tax returns have anything to do with the LDS Chruch, except he does personify the "entitled Mormon male." Mormonism is particularly toxic to women with the demands made on them by large families and the demands of "church callings" on their time. My big complaint about trying to maintain a relationship with my Mormon friends is they are always occupied with church callings, and trying to get together with them is particularly problematic.
They both should release sealed records, taxes, college transcripts, employment history, and all.
So you're for setting new rules and precedences. That's nice. As for me I'm fine with just sticking with the precedence set by Mitts own father and that has been followed by all Presidential candidates since then. Release your tax returns Mitt.
Of course it would be interesting to see Mitt's college transcripts, I must admit.
Sed, I don't believe you live in reality, You only want the rules changes when it will help your cause. It is to bad that so many politicians and their pundit's don't care about the truth or being honest, and are only worried about forwarding thier agenda. It all comes down to greed.
Sorry Chem as always you're wrong. I do want policy changes to help everyone as I have outlined for months. However, there are no "rules" or "laws" in the election process there are only precedences set by Mitt Romney's own father and followed by every one since then including Obama. Mitts father set these precedences of releasing ones taxes to ensure that candidates weren't cheating the system.
Republicans have asserted a false equivalency with regard to Obama's college grades which have never before been a precedence because they are implying as a black man he is somehow not as smart as whites.
However, your argument might go a lot further if in fact Romney had released his college transcripts wouldn't it? Since he hasn't as usual your argument is pure unadulterated hypocrisy. So go crawl back into your hole.
Sed, these guys are full of it. Romney is a snob and a wannabe U.S. President. The Press missed a full-er meaning to the 'focus on taxes is small-minded" comment from Romney, while they tippy-toe around the RNC and Romney.
Romney knew before, or should have researched before, he decided to run for the office of President, the history of his father's intentions behind moving the bar up for presidents-a tax portrait tradition.
He should be proud to show his past tax records, as a means to show he is in-touch with the legacy of his father. But not this arrogant...snob.
So this Chem and Hernandez want to see whatever the President has not shown according to current standards? These...two want to raise the standard even higher? Well, that's gall and a red herring trail.
Why don't they ask Romney to stop lying about welfare "queens" first, in here for all to see.
Mormon Jokes (warning: may be offensive to sum):
Q: What do the Golden Plates and Mitt Romney's tax returns have in common?
A: We're supposed to take them both on faith...
Q: What's the difference between Romney's tax returns and the Golden Plates?
A; More people were permitted to see the plates...
Since Mitt and the Republicans want to return to the '50's with regard to abortions rights I wonder if they will be proposing outlawing cell phones, computers, and cable/satellite TV? After all I hear god hates electronics because it takes away from 'family time.' Ha Ha Ha!
Wait what am I saying those things are way too profitable and Jesus said, "Live long and turn a profit." Right? Ha Ha Ha!
I keep waiting for the South Park guys super Mormon fans to start up.... it must be pretty bad to have spawned such a brutal satire...Cabbie, we need to make up another joke from the guy with the Midas touch and those Golden Plates....
Yes, Romney is way too secretive. No tax returns equals no vote.
Here's a little note for Evangelists, Mitt gives 10% of his income to the Mormon Church, should he be elected his salary will be paid by taxes of which 10% will go to the Mormon Church. In their own words, Mitt belongs to the Cult of Mormon. Funny how things change just like Mitt.
Your display on Morning Joe(-Bama) this morning is typical of how far left you have gone and how you will do anything in your bully-pulpet to help Obama get re-elected. Its a good thing you work for a liberal tv station, otherwise you would not get to host Hardball. Hardball used to tackle issues, now all you do is tackle anyone who is not on your far left side of the isle or an Obama lover. Not allowing Joe's Republican guest to talk is typical of your talk-over rantings. If you had any guts, which you dont, you would allow the guy to reply. Have me on your show Chris, I will burry you in an Obama debate. I'll even pay my expenses. You are why Amercian Journalism is in decline. it used to be fair reporting, now it is one sided opinionated crap out to sell the American people from your point of view. You are the example of how libral journalism is killing this country and I hope more people boycot the diatribe you put out over the air. You are just how bad american news media has become, and get to air even more on Obama-loving Morning Joe. Lets see how much you paid in taxes last year, how much you house cost, and what kind of cars you drive, then lets look at your charitible donations. Youre a hypocrit of the worst kind.
Go back to watching your propaganda on Fox, CNN, ABC and CBS. You'll be happy there where no one questions any right wingers at all Ressler. You can even see Democrats there who aren't afraid to be questioned by your right wing "journalists." You wont however ever see any of your right wingers on the prime time MSNBC shows because they are all too cowardly to show up and have been for over a decade now.
I would much rather elect men and women who are brave enough to stand up to the questioning of Rachal Maddow because then I know they wont be scared to stand up to leaders from Iraq etc. Only the Dems aren't afraid to go on opposition networks like Fox. The Republicans are cowards, full of bluster and hot air.
And by the way, Republicans are up 1 point in the electoral count and Regan won19 points behind. So we're no "losing",you lie again Chris.
You're so cute, Ressler. That 1 point lead is in one poll. Obama still has an overall lead when you average all national polls together as he has since the very beginning of the race. Obama is ahead in 9 out of 12 polls and by multiple points in most where Romney only has one point leads in his three polls which are all in the margin of error.
Sorry dude, as I said above, you should just tune back in to your factless Fox channel so your head won't hurt when you're actually fead real facts.
Like polls are facts! No one polled me to see who I am voting for! Hint: NOT Obama!
why is obama so SECRETIVE?
it goes both ways
Just saying something doesn't make it so even though that's what you guys believe. LIE BIG. That's Mitten's and the GOP's strategy as always. Hey watch this...Charles Einstein has the worlds smallest sexual organs! Ha Ha Ha! See what I did there! Ha Ha Ha! I just made something up like you did Chuck (if that's even your name).
Sedwinmars (if that is YOUR real name,
How old are you to make a statement like that about a person you don't even know?
I appreciate when you use facts for your arguments, but that is just childish.
But then it goes along with the dirty politics of Obama's election campaign.
Hey PhillyHerb (if thats your real name): While I appreciate your defending of people you also don't know at all, I can't appreciate you complete lack of defense and in fact justification for attacks on our Commander-in Chief, and the President of our country. As always it makes me wish I was still in active service and you two were also there so I could gladly haul you off to the brig. I wonder, do you have contact with other America haters like the Taliban? Do you discuss how much you hate the President of the United States of America and members of Congress etc?
Talk about not only about rank hypocrisy but in fact as always the demonstration of the real dirty politics that I simply point out by fighting fire with fire.
I've noticed incidentally that I've had to come back into the archives to address these comments you are making in the archives. Dirty, dirty, dirty.
MY SOLUTION: THE FISCAL PATRIATISM ACT OR AMENDMENT
ANY INDIVIDUAL CITIZEN, PARTNERSHIP, BUSINESS, CORPORATION
OR CONGLOMORATE (FOR-PROFIT OR NON-PROFIT) that sends and/or keeps the majority (75%+) of his-her-its fiscal and/or monitory wealth and/or fiscal resources off-shore or out of the designated and/or recognized United States of America (USA) shall be labeled as a “Traitor” to their Country and will be prosecuted for Treason.
Once proven of the charges all assets and resources shall be
seized and returned to the control of the United States IRS and GAO to be
redistributed to programs and projects within the United States of America.
Traitors shall be stripped of their US Citizenship and Deported immediately to whatever other nation that will grant them asylum.
This Act/Amendment would also apply to ANY INDIVIDUAL CITIZEN, PARTNERSHIP, BUSINESS, CORPORATION OR CONGLOMORATE (FOR-PROFIT OR NON-PROFIT) that sends and/or keeps 50% or more of his-her-its production and/or service staff(s) off-shore or out of the designated and/or recognized United States of America (USA), they shall be labeled as a “Traitor” to their Country and will be prosecuted for Treason and punished as above.
THE FISCAL PATRIATISM ACT OR AMENDMENT
ANY INDIVIDUAL CITIZEN, PARTNERSHIP, BUSINESS, CORPORATION
OR CONGLOMORATE (FOR-PROFIT OR NON-PROFIT) that sends and/or keeps the majority (75%+) of his-her-its fiscal and/or monitory wealth and/or fiscal resources off-shore or out of the designated and/or recognized United States of America (USA) shall be labeled as a “Traitor” to their Country and will be prosecuted for Treason.
Once proven of the charges all assets and resources shall be seized and returned to the control of the United States IRS and GAO to be
redistributed to programs and projects within the United States of America.
Traitors shall be stripped of their US Citizenship and Deported immediately to whatever other nation that will grant them asylum.
This Act/Amendment would also apply to ANY INDIVIDUAL CITIZEN, PARTNERSHIP, BUSINESS, CORPORATION OR CONGLOMORATE (FOR-PROFIT OR NON-PROFIT) that sends and/or keeps 50% or more of his-her-its production and/or service staff(s) off-shore or out of the designated and/or recognized United States of America (USA), they shall be labeled as a “Traitor” to their Country and will be prosecuted for Treason and punished as above.
Oh, please! Now we're criticizing Romney for being "secretive?" There has never been a more secretive president than we have right now! How long did it take to find out where the guy was even born? And all the secret backroom deals! Where was all the C-Span coverage that was supposed to take place and all the "transparency" we were supposed to have from his administration? It's so amazing how you fail to see the hypocrisy here!
please explain to me how come when a black person was speaking at the RNC convention MS NBC went TO a commercial?
While the Koch brothers are trying to eliminate Social Security and Paul Ryan says he won't hurt Social Security for those over 55, few voters connect the dots to realize that Social Security checks for CURRENT retirees will end if those younger than 55 are not paying Social Security payroll taxes which fund current benefits. No one is asking Republicans what they will replace Social Security WITH. They are avoiding the term 'privatization' but that appears to be their program.
When I was 27, I was told Social Security could not survive til the time I would be a retiree. That was 50 years ago and Social Security is still here. Republicans have never liked Social Security and still don't. I have other money in the stock market but don't want my Social Security funds invested there.