Mitt Romney Hates You, Asia

• What I'm Watching/Listening To/Reading:
• I have to say -- I love "Survivor" this year. I think it's one of the best seasons they've had. Of course, I'm as big a junkie as there is. I'd be shocked if either Todd or Amanda don't win it.
• Great "CSI:" this week. For such a popular show, I'm always impressed with how willing the producers are to take chances.
• I'm glad to see that SoapNet is moving "90210" back to 5 P.M. Good, wholesome after-work viewing.
  
• Random Thoughts/Links:
• At some point in the next few weeks, I'll start a year-end recap. Suffice to say that Sherri Shepherd of "The View" is a pretty good representative for the quality of thinking that went on in the world this year. Here, she proclaims that all history began with Jesus.
• If you haven't heard about Alexis Goggins, she is one of the great stories of the year. Just wow...
• Looks like the Tigers may put up some challenge for the BoSox this year. I only question how D-Train and Cabrera will do in a new, more competitive league.
  

• Daily Rant:

Ok, let's see. The Bush administration has bypassed Amendments four, six, eight, maybe nine, and maybe ten. Screw that though, we're going to have a new President in only thirteen months and change. So this week, Mitt Romney decided to throw down the gauntlet by going straight for numero uno! Here are some quotes from his speech on Thursday:

I believe that every faith I have encountered draws its adherents closer to God. And in every faith I have come to know, there are features I wish were in my own: I love the profound ceremony of the Catholic Mass, the approachability of God in the prayers of the evangelicals, the tenderness of spirit among the Pentecostals, the confident independence of the Lutherans, the ancient traditions of the Jews, unchanged through the ages, and the commitment to frequent prayer of the Muslims. As I travel across the country and see our towns and cities, I am always moved by the many houses of worship with their steeples, all pointing to heaven, reminding us of the source of life's blessings.

...We separate church and state affairs in this country, and for good reason. No religion should dictate to the state nor should the state interfere with the free practice of religion. But in recent years, the notion of the separation of church and state has been taken by some well beyond its original meaning. They seek to remove from the public domain any acknowledgment of God. Religion is seen as merely a private affair with no place in public life. It's as if they are intent on establishing a new religion in America — the religion of secularism. They are wrong.

The founders proscribed the establishment of a state religion, but they did not countenance the elimination of religion from the public square. We are a nation "under God" and in God, we do indeed trust.

We should acknowledge the Creator as did the Founders in ceremony and word. He should remain on our currency, in our pledge, in the teaching of our history, and during the holiday season, nativity scenes and menorahs should be welcome in our public places. Our greatness would not long endure without judges who respect the foundation of faith upon which our constitution rests. I will take care to separate the affairs of government from any religion, but I will not separate us from 'the God who gave us liberty.'

Catch anything weird here? ROMNEY IS ONLY TALKING ABOUT MONOTHEISM! If I were Hindu or Atheist or if I freaking worshipped the Beatles, I would be offended by Romney's statements. He also (and I credit Keith Olbermann with pointing this out) says that if your religion is secularism, you're wrong. So every faith is good unless you don't believe in MY God? Obviously, Romney is pandering to the Republican base and we know that pandering is what Mitt does best. The National Zoo has all the "pander" I need in D.C. (sorry... PandaCam does rock though!). So let's make sure that we can all practice or not practice whatever religion or lack of religion we choose. Let's keep the Founding Fathers from finally rising from their graves to unleash their zombie righteousness on our bastardization of their political system. Let's make sure the only important Mitt anywhere near Washington is the one on Ryan Zimmerman's hand.