Romney is a religious, economic extremist

Now Romney is accusing Obama of increasing the deficit. He boasts of his success in economic matters, but I wonder if Romney has ever heard of Maynard Keynes? Obama focused on stemming the 800,000 job losses per month by supporting businesses (banks, the automobile industry) instead of balancing the budget, and was even able, despite the dire economic situation in the world, to create jobs. How much more unemployment in the US would have happened if Obama had chosen a balanced budget as his priority? 

Following the primaries and the debates I no longer understood all the support for Romney/Ryan. This team has an extremist agenda in not accepting gays and as such “throwing away” 10 per cent of the population. Add to this his “47 per cent dependent on welfare” claim, and Romney’s support by so many Americans baffles me. To force their beliefs on all Americans by not allowing free choice is not democratic. Following your religious beliefs is fine, but these should have no place in government policy. Religion is a private matter that cannot be foisted on all Americans – every American is entitled to his own set of beliefs. 

Very little has been said of Ryan’s results as a congressman. Are there any, or is lowering the tax on hunting-arrows to achieve the painful death of more animals the only one? 

I will refrain from commenting on the laughable idea that, by cutting tax rates and increasing spending for the military, a balanced budget can be reached. As Obama said, “The math doesn’t check out.” Nor will I comment on Romney’s criticism of government financing for certain areas of research. As a businessman, Romney should know that companies are profit-oriented and don’t spend money on research that is not geared to profit. And Romney is wrong to deny that the spin-offs of this kind of research help progress in the world. 

Most telling for me was the debate on foreign policy. Romney agreed with nearly all the policies of Obama, in stark contrast to his stance in the run-up to the debate. Maybe he is beginning to understand that strong talk will not give the desired result. This flip-flopping was a real eye-opener. On election day I will be praying that Obama is re-elected – it would benefit the US and the world.

Egon Wout

Bangkok