If I were an American, I would be happy to vote for Mitt Romney in November. In fact, I would insist that everyone with a conscience vote for him. However, I couldn't force anyone's hand to do so, as both Canada and America are still token democracies, or so we're told.
Let me spell out the reasons why I would do the above, first in a negative format, then a positive one.
First, it has nothing to do with colour. In fact, I was so relieved when Americans had the courage to vote a black man into office. Character, not colour, should always be a higher qualification for office, job, or even friendship. I tend to see people in terms of inner virtue more than outer shade.
Second, it has nothing to do with religion. I am aware that Mr. Romney is a Mormon, as are many readers of this column. While I know some Mormons, and even have some professionals in my life who are Mormon, I am not one myself—so, no bias here, thanks.
Finally, it has nothing to do with looks. Yes, he looks like he could be a USA president, but looks (beauty and ugliness) are surface, superficial, and shallow. We are driven beyond reason to believe, emulate, and even worship good-looking people over those who aren't—and look at the mess that's got us into.
Now let's get positive.
First, he can't be any worse than Barack Obama. Thus, a fresh perspective and voice, a new team in the White House, would be most welcome. I challenge any rational-thinking reader to check out Romney's credentials when it comes to his birth certificate, his years at Harvard Law School, and his marriage to his wife, Ann—just for starters. Then if you get ambitious, look in to his charitable donations (versus Obama's and Biden's).
Second, he has some very strong economic principles, seen both through his past successes and present vision. To be sure, some money he inherited, some he invested: The money he inherited from his father, I understand, he donated to charity; in terms of investment, he got involved in something called Bain Capital that has grown exponentially.
As a venture-capitalist, Romney's first major business deal with Bain Capital involved investing in a start-up office supply company with one store in Massachusetts that sold office supplies. That company, called Staples, now has over 2,000 stores and employs over 90,000 people. And while they're at it, someone should find out how he eliminated a 1.5 billion-dollar debt while governor of Massachusetts, an office he held for four years--with no salary.
And did I mention the three years of salary-free service he gave as CEO to the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics?
Finally, he comes at things from the right-wing perspective, versus Obama's left-wing viewpoint. This is a complete bias from yours truly, but I do say it sincerely and thoughtfully. I have always maintained that the moderate right should always hold office, with the moderate left as leaders of the opposition. That's why last week's election in Quebec is such a debacle.
This last reason is quite frankly the best argument I would use for a Romney-led USA government. I say that on every front--morally, economically, religiously—for starters, he is the right man for the job. By the way, Romney is pro-Canada, pro-Alberta, and in particular, pro-Keystone XL Pipeline. Think of the economical boon it would be to our nation.
The above, of course, is a pipe dream: I can't vote, because I am not an American citizen. I like the States: I like to visit and shop there, and I would even consider living there for a while, but that's as far as it goes for me. I just wish the best for them.
They are a powerful country, a global player, but they need to be stronger and more robust than ever. Under a Romney-led government, I'm sure they could regain their former role. The American voters indeed need our prayers.
Maybe, just maybe, under President Romney, we could do that...publicly.
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