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BOWLING GREEN, OH -- Rick Santorum riled up Ohio Republicans in back-to-back Lincoln Day dinner appearances with Newt Gingrich on Saturday, critiquing President Barack Obama for creating an America dependent on government and selling himself as the only conservative competing for the GOP presidential nomination.
“The problem with socialized medicine – socialized anything? It’s a narcotic," Santorum said. "You don’t even know what you’re missing. You don’t even see the dynamism of life, and the economy, because you’ve been given something for nothing, and you’re happy to have it. This is not us. We are different."
The thought gave way to a swipe at Mitt Romney.
"We need someone who can go into this election and draw a clear vision," he continued, "contrast a vision between a president who on every single issue believes in command and control."
While the former Pennsylvania senator has drawn criticism for focusing on social issues ahead of the economy, he did not back down from hitting on issues like religion and family.
At an earlier event, he took a veiled jab at the first lady and her campaign against childhood obesity. "We'll talk about childhood obesity until the cows come home," Santorum said. "But we won't talk about one of the great underlying causes of childhood obesity, which is the instability of the community, the neighborhood and the family."
Here, before a crowd of more than 600, Santorum said, “I love it because the left says, 'equality, equality.' Where does that concept come from? Does it come from Islam? Does it come from other cultures around the world? ... No, it comes it comes from our culture and tradition, from the Judeo-Christian ethic. "
The speech earned Santorum a warm reception and four standing ovations, prompting him to joke, “If a speaker’s smart, when he gets a standing ovation like that, you stop.”
(Stop he didn’t; Santorum continued for another 15 minutes.)
The applause stood in contrast to former House Speaker Gingrich, who was politely received but won little of the enthusiasm the crowd awarded Santorum.
Gingrich reiterated his recent vows to deliver gas at $2.50 a gallon and declared Obama’s “left wing view” a “fantasy,” calling it expensive to the American people.
“I believe we have a chance, a very real chance,” Gingrich continued, to win a historic election of landslide proportions.
As Santorum was on stage Saturday night, news broke that Mitt Romney would win the Washington state caucus. Campaign advisers were hoping for a strong showing in the Pacific Northwest to grab some momentum going into Super Tuesday.
He'll stump in Tennessee and Oklahoma on Sunday, both states where polls show him in the lead heading into Tuesday. But he'll quickly return to the Buckeye State to campaign on Monday.
"No matter what the election, no matter when it is, Ohio is the key," said Santorum in Lima.
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Neither Judaism nor Christianity have ever been for equality. Christianity especially has a long two thousand year history of brutal suppression of women's rights and vicious attacks on Jews, blacks and anyone who's not Christian. The only time Christianity has ever shone any "equality" has been when, and only when, a secular progressive government forced it to. One reason slavery was able to survive as long as it did in the south was that it was sanctified by southern christian denominations as being a God given right. Black people, according to many christian denominations, are "marked" by God as the outcast descendants of Cain ( the murderer of Able) and therefore only fit to be unworthy slaves. The same Fundamentalist Christian churches who repressed and abused women and promoted slavery are now the very ones supporting Santorum the most -- all they while squawking about how they, of course, invented "equality". Fundamentalist Christianity in the US is a bunch of sick, twisted, two-faced nonsense. This is a perfect example of why local school boards should be required to teach the real, verifiable and universally accepted history of the US, and not their local revised versions.
You forgot the rape of children. Very Chrtistian, very Catholic.
Republicans, your choices have become a sincere, but sincerely delusional man who wears a lot of sweater vests or an insincere, say-anything, empty suit, who no longer has a clue about the lives of the middle class or the poor.
The empty suit will win the primary because of his own wealth and his Super-Pacs that will run millions of dollars of negative ads.
Voters, beware. After Romney, the "well-lubricated weather vane", wins the primary, hundreds of millions of dollars will be spent trying to demonize our president. There will be lies and attempts to scare you. These horrible ads will be bought and paid for by a few of the nation's wealthiest- like the Koch brothers- to try to get you to vote against your own self-interests.
Stay strong and stay informed.
. . . except he's not so sincere in every way as you seem to think. Oh yes, Santorum may be absolutely sincere in his conviction that his brand of conservative Catholicism reflects God's law, but he is educated in the law of the land, he knows what the establishment clause of US Constitution means, and he knows that imposing his religiously-based moral code on others violates religious freedom, however sincerely he may believe it accords with God's will - but he doesn't care!
Santorum cannot possibly be oblivious to that, Sara. And so he cannot be sincere in his proclaimed support of religious freedom for ALL. That man would make the US into a theocracy if he sould.
All I know is that the man is "sincerely nuts".
Religion and politics don't mix. And I now hate sweater vests, which looks good on my husband- but make Santorum look like a fundalmentalist preacher.
The only difference between fundamentalist Christianity and fundamentalist Islam is that US and European governments maintain a separation of church and state, and they protect the government and it's citizens from fundamentalists. Santorum, and his fundamentalist friends, want to change this. But, look at history. In every single instance where Christanity genuinely controlled a government/nation, it has always been abusive, repressive and often even murderous. Why does anyone think it would suddenly be different now?
There was a time when religion ruled the world. We call that time THE DARK AGES.
amen
This guy is a moron. The concept of equality is not owned by a religion or culture nor have I ever seen evidence that it was originated by a specific culture. I guess love originates from Christianity too...how about peace.....hell...why not say Christians invented eating too. These morons think they are the center of the universe which is why they are so arrogant they think they have conversations with the fictitious creator of the universe and know what it wants. How narcissistic and ignorant and insecure can you get? It is unreal how these idiots walk the face of the earth and even more unreal how people actually can actually agree. Ignorant sheep.
Santorum is insane. Socialized medicine is a "narcotic"? That suggests that getting medical treatment is addictive, which is stupid; people generally don't get medical treatments unless they have to. Second, whether the system is private or universal (government), you generally just hand the doctor your insurance card and maybe make a co-pay; the system takes care of the rest. Third, I think that the U.S. is the ONLY advanced nation in the world that doesn't have universal health care, and of course we have partial government health-care via medicare and medicaid. Forth, conservatives like to denigrate the government as nefarious but apparently think that big business--in this case big insurance companies--treat their policyholders with loving care and consideration. How naive can one be: The insurance companies that constantly deny coverage for all sorts of treatments? Anybody who applauds anything Santorum has to say is a dope.
Again fear end of the world Satan running the country if we don't stop now the country will go to the Chinese. The GOP HAS BECOME TERRORISTS. Scare the American people make them live in fear if you don't do what the GOP wants. Secular ideals just like the Taliban. I CALL THIS TREASON. the GOP STOP GOVERNMENT AT ALL COST IS REVOLUTION, Clear and simple overthrow of the US at all costs listen to McConnell or Boehner protecting the rich. Time to call it what it is TREASON!
Mr. Santorum: You obviously need to brush up on your religions. If equality is a Judeo-Christian ethic, can women become priests in the Catholic church? Women who want to be priests in the Catholic church are an anathema and the worst of the worst according to Pope Benedict. Can they become ministers in many Protestant denominations? Can they become rabbis in some Jewish denominations? Where is the equality there? As for Islam, Mohammed wrote equality into the Qur'an and worked side by side with women. The things that go on in the Middle East that persecute women are cultural traditions that somehow worked into Islam. STUDY UP ON WORLD RELIGIONS! Study up on world religions. Study up on politics. Study up on history. Etc.
Malcom X abandoned the teachings of The Nation of Islam in favor of the real thing, mainstream Islam, when he attended the Haj and witnessed the vast crowds of pilgrims from all over the world, of all races, all made welcome in Mecca.
Equality, it can just as reasonably be argued, is a Muslim value.
No. Justice burns in every mans and womans heart. The founders speak of this as "inalienable rights". Sparticus predates Christianity.
Equality and democracy had it's roots in the Greek culture but didn't really start spreading with any gusto until the enlightenment period of history in the 18th century which was based on a secular perspective of the world; not a religious one. It was based on the idea that the divine right of Kings was bogus and that the power of the church should NOT be intertwined with the power of the government which was the western european model that our founders escaped from when they started America. All religions discriminate and seek to divide humanity into groups of "us" and "them". Why would anyone vote for a person to be the President who doesn't even have a modicum of understanding of world or US history on such an important topic as this?
Some would say a distinctly counter-religious perspective. Many people who are willing to put their finger on a single thing that spawned The Enlightenment put their finger on Ethics by Baruch Spinoza. While not directly and definitively repudiating Judaism or Christianity, it set forth the first clear and comprehensive basis for doing so, and in doing so set forth a strong case for equality in modern society.
The real axis of evil is the republicans, religion and the corporate oligarchy. Sadly, they are winning. It really depresses me that so few people are willing to acknowledge this and stand up against it. Too many Americans, dems and reps, would rather sit on their fat American behinds in their big cozy, comfortable lazy boys and watch football, wrestling, sit-coms, "reality" tv, etc. -- or just go shopping -- than bother to get informed and get involved. American democracy, genuine democracy, is on the verge of extinction -- and the mass of people could care less. They have their bread and circuses.
So from what I can see the keyword here is equality, it sounds good doesn’t it but let’s face it, it has very different meaning for all of us, especially when put into a social context, so with that in mind I have to ask what does the word equality mean to the readers here, especially when used in the context of society?
Losmuertos, Very well put.......again, your reasoning is highly enlightening and perceptive. Thank You.
Yo hypocrite, why not apply your so-called equality morals to everyone regarding marriage? I'm no Democrat or Republican, few in this country have the extreme views, and that's why you'll lose. Check it out: I find gay sex disgusting (FOR ME), but I sure as hell ain't trying to legislate my position on anyone. I find you kinda queer as well for what its worth, Rick.
Red Dawg, Yo.......it appears you missed the point. Why your rant on gays? And who cares what you find disgusting regarding "gay sex". I mean, I could understand if someone here were attempting to engage in "queer" sex with you. Maybe you had a "disgusting" experience, and feel creepy about it. And if so, I hope you recover (doesn't appear so, though). Let's not get nasty and/or stray so far.......you were very rude and off base. You really owe an apology......come on.
Yeah, right...that's why they've treated women so well and had slaves.
Yep, Christianity is ALL about equality. At least as long as you're Christian, White, and Male.
Yeah, the crusades and inquisition were ALL about spreading equality. Believe what we believe or we'll burn you at the stake! The entire history of most religions are about the exact opposite of equality. We're right and your wrong!
This story is a big waste of time. Santorum, Romney or the rest the tea-o-pee stand no chance to win the White house. The anti-american party should focus their attention on keeping control of Congress and give this a rest.
Now two GOP "LOSERS" are talking about "VISIONS" and "FANTASIES"... What's next "HALLUCINATIONS"?
OOPS! Sorry I forgot, they already have those!
Rick who? Newt Who?
On Sunday, March 4, 2012 I do not understand why the polls allegedly show Saint Ricky Torum, The Most Pious High Priest from Pennsylvania even with Romney? Who will vote for this fanatic? Women? No. Catholics? No. The polls also show that he has lost every Catholic vote segment of the population. So who is going to vote for him? A few blue collar rednecks who dislike Romney. Okay. I don't see them as a major factor. Saint Torum is the greatest danger to our country since WWII.
Jesus effing Christ! Sorry, but this horse's ass just hasn't a damn clue. If he believes what he says, why does he practice something totally different? He doesn't believe women should be able to control their own bodies, but men have no masters. He says he is for equality, but spews religious hatred in all he says. This guy should join Limbaugh in sticking their heads in an oven!
We will never be free (or equal) until the last politician is hung by the entrails of the last priest. Paraphrased from a French philosopher. Yes, I know it's a pessimistic quote but look at what we're being shown and offered and how our system of government and resources are being abused by these so called leaders.
Everytime Santorum opens his mouth his brain retreats to the back of his skull.
I would like to question Mr. Santorum’s premise about the ideal
of equality. All the major religions embrace the concept of equality. When you
mention Judeo Christian tradition you fail to mention Muslim, as all believe in
the God of Abraham; However, Hinduism and Buddhism also have this tradition.
Even some skeptics embrace equality. I would also like to remind him, it took a
while for even the “Christians” to accept that women and non WASPM were equal.
Our great Nation is still taking a long time to execute on the ideal. We still
have economic inequality in Healthcare, if you can afford it you have access to
great health care and if you cannot _____? Rick fill in the blank how are you
going to make quality education and healthcare and housing non-economically equal?
While you are at it answer these as well
Make it easy is there anything wrong with having an orgasm?
Do you think evolution is contrary to Christian tradition?
How would you solve immigration equitably?
How are your economic remedies different from deregulation
and trickle down? Might add there is more Trick than Icle in the latter.
Where do you stand on imposing the WAR tax?
"Even some skeptics embrace equality." Please. Skeptics are THE reason we have any equality at all, and for that matter, Skeptics are the ONLY reason we have had any progress in the west in the last 2000 years. Religion has always stood in the way of logic, reason, sanity, progress and equality. You will find more fair minded people among skeptics than you ever will among the religious.
Buddhist don't believe in a "god" take it from a Buddhist.
I don't know how Santorum would solve the immigration problem but I would suggest letting the border states have a lot more input. We deal with the reality of the border not the rhetoric of it. This token Anglo would rather trust the 90% hispanic police force of Brownsville Texas with my safety and my rights than anyone whose posts I have read on msnbc in the last 6 months. I read what people post and think all of you are insane bigots.
@positrondave: There actually IS one subset of Buddhism that worships various Bodhisattva as "deities": Vajrayana Buddhism.
Whereas the Mahayana school of Buddhism merely views Bodhisattva as enlightened individuals who exemplify the goals of the Noble Eightfold Path, Vajrayana takes that practice one step further and actually has meditative "prayers" to them, usually performed through tantra techniques.
Religion is the greatest plague ever to infect the human race. And these posts only help prove it.
I would say that one holding a personal religious belief isn't a plague, or problem. The Plague/Problem comes when people try to 'Organize' such beliefs into one set of rules that all must follow, then trying to enforce that everyone does.
Sharing ideas is a good thing. Cramming them down anothers throat and persecuting those that object to such..., is very bad!
Well said Sol. BTW like the R. Howard name you use. ;)
Thx!
Solomon the same goes for cramming your political beliefs down someone elses throat. I will find out within a year just how much people like you believe in justice and equality when if your man wins I refuse to participate in the healthcare systems as it stands over the contraception issue and refuse to pay the fine.Then please come visit me in jail and explain how that is OK for you but refusing to pay for what I consider murder is wrong for me.