Casting for Votes, not Debate

Many years ago, as a Midshipman in the Navy, I was taught the rules of conversation appropriate to the gentility of the Wardroom on a naval vessel. The Wardroom is the dining and lounge area for commissioned officers on a Navy ship. The primary rule I remember was the stricture that it is never appropriate to speak about religion, sex, or politics while in the Wardroom. Since these seemed to me to be the three most interesting subjects in life, I found this rule both amusing and absurd.

For the last few weeks this web site has had questions bearing directly on religion, sex, and politics. I have been very interested in the questions as well as the responses and have regretted that important family matters prevented my entry into these discussions.

Mitt Romney’s “Faith in America” speech strikes me as a well crafted statement, designed to position his candidacy as a moderate conservative leader with personal integrity and character.

Romney’s handling of his own Mormon faith clearly passes the Wardroom test. The message seems to be: “Let me clarify a little what you already know about my religious beliefs and also state that this is not the time and place to argue, debate, or explore religious issues.” The reception afforded by common courtesy, available even in a Navy Wardroom, would not be offended by Romney’s description of his own views on religion in public life. While the speech clearly made points with which many might not agree (not all believe that “every single human being is a child of God”), the personal tone of this address seems to my ear to create the kind of speech that does not ignite fiery debate and angry disagreement.

Time will tell whether or not the speech passes the political test of gathering voter support to the Romney candidacy. My guess is that the speech is a political winner. It has certainly already received a good deal of media attention and much of that positive.

I wonder if Mids still get the same instruction on Wardroom decorum?

By James Anderson  |  December 6, 2007; 10:33 AM ET  | Category:  Religion & Politics
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