Romney Will Have to Answer Questions On Mormonism If He Wants to Win Black Voters

Impact

Unfortunately, in election 2012 Americans must choose between the lesser of two evils,, which will leave some voters struggling to figure out where to cast their vote. As a result, specific policy issues will be what helps Barack Obama or Mitt Romney win in 2012. In particular, black voters will look at issues that affect them, their country and the universe. One issue that hits home for blacks is, of course, racism, an issue which this voting bloc contends is better handled by the Democratic Party, and consequently Obama. But religion is also a critical issue. As a result, Romny's Mormonism will be a major issue that may push black voters away from the Republican candidate.

Though the focus on the economy has been an advantage for Romney, a candidate’s religious beliefs are a crucial aspect of the candidate's platform, especially for the black community.

Romney: “I’m very proud of my faith… well, it’s true”

Romney said he wept at the news of the radical breakthrough in his religion and claims that all people — even black people — are children of God; yet, if this was so convenient to say, why was it so difficult for him to denounce his church’s former racist stance on blacks? This clearly shows he is concealing a racist origin, which in his eyes, does not necessarily translate into the possibility of his being a racist. But, what will black voters say?

It is important to note that Romney dodged all of the opportunities to confront this issue. He did not admit that his religion was wrong as they once disallowed the priestly status to black males until the late 1900s. He also cleverly escaped answering the question of racism by mentioning his family’s charitable advocacy for blacks outside of the guidelines of Mormonism. The devastating truth is that a candidate for the presidency of the United States of America carries a racist doctrine near and dear to his heart.

Mormonism: Black People are Cursed and Devilish

A site talks about Mormonism and "black skin" sheds light on “god-ordained” racism, saying: “But let them apostatize, and they will become gray-haired, wrinkled, and black, just like the Devil" (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, vol. 5, p. 332).

Here is a few more questionable points from the Book of Mormon listed by Mormonism and Black Skin.

Jacob 3:5 (Lamanites cursed) "whom ye hate because of their filthiness and the cursing which hath come upon their skins. . . ." Jacob 3:8-9 "their skins will be whiter than yours... revile no more against them because of the darkness of their skins. . . ." Alma 3:6 "And the skins of the Lamanites were dark, according to the mark which was set upon their fathers, which was a curse upon them because of their transgression and their rebellion."

Once blacks realize what Mormons fundamentally believe, Romney’s “goodwill towards men” will not do any justice for his inherently racist religion.

Some people, especially blacks have considered Romney’s giving a black woman $50 in cash as a racist and condescending gesture. Romney also hired a black female strategist, Tara Wall, to reach out to blacks in hopes that this would dispel concerns of racism associated with his campaign. Nevertheless, Romney’s religion and how it relates to African Americans will now also be a major question which Wall will have to tackle.

Ol’ Defense Tactic: Romney on Separation of Church and State

 

Romney must provide evidence on how he can truly reckon his own beliefs with American ideals of egalitarianism. Obama had to answer for his affiliation with Reverend Jeremiah Wright which he later denounced; it is only fair that Romney expounds on his beliefs concerning blacks unless he desires to achieve the opposite, to lose voters across color lines.