Mitt Romney ties dog to roof of car for 12 hour road trip

[chachi]

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

Well, let me say first that there are some acts that transcend time. If Mitt had, say, been a male prostitute in his twenties, that would still follow him around. Just sayin'.


The other thing that disturbs me about this story is that it's so... odd. Mitt driving around with dogs in the back of his pickup, not a great idea, but as has been said, lots of people do it. But NO ONE has said, yes, my family drove around with our dog on the roof, or our neighbors did it, or even, I've seen it a couple times on the highway.

I'd say what Vick did was far, far worse, but at the same time, I find it more understandable because he came from a background where dog fighting was commonplace (though Vick took it to an even more disturbing level). I have a hard time believing that a wealthy, educated man like Mitt simply didn't know any better.

I honestly don't know much about Mitt as a politician, but I'll admit I've seen some other stories that make me think that not only is he maybe indifferent to the suffering of others, but that there's something not quite right going on in his head.

Im no Mitt Romney supporter and I did say I thought he would have fared alot better if he would have said it wasnt a smart thing to do. It would have been smart because he would be appeasing animal rights people. But obviously he isnt good at playing the political game yet because he didnt do it. I know some character things do follow you but in these very difficult times where Companies are failing and leaving this country and people are jobless do I think it is overall important if a canidate did something of this nature 20 yrs ago, had an affair 20 yrs ago, smoked pot 20 yrs ago is more important than how they are going to turn this country around and how they are going to keep us safe from terriorist threats. Now I know Ive went too far in talking about politics but anything revolving around a political canidate is eventually going to turn political. Just my thoughts for whatever they are worth

[MI Yorkielover]

Just for the record you crack me up too Jodi A little levity is a good thing.

[gidget529]

I'm not really sure I understand the thought process here. Maybe someone can explain this to me bc I am having problems understanding.

There is a thread currently about a couple leaving their yorkies in the trunk of their car for 2-3 hours while they ate dinner. The conscensus was to my understanding - not a great decision on this couple's part.

Mr. Romney puts a dog all by itself, separated from its pack, on the roof of his car for a 12 hour trip. Things do come off of roofs due to the speed traveled on trips - I have seen that happen on the highway. This container would be subject to heat, cold, noises, and probably the feeling of the wind resistance on the vehicle. It is reported by his son the dog was so afraid he defecated so much that it was running down the back window. The dog was rinsed off and put back on the roof.

How does the set of facts surrounding Mr. Rommey's decision make a better decision than the first couple's?

Is it bc you personally like him? He is your same party affiliation? I honestly do not understand. It seems an inconsistent scale to me.

[CouversMom]

Originally Posted by gidget529

Is it bc you personally like him? He is your same party affiliation? I honestly do not understand. It seems an inconsistent scale to me.

Really makes you wonder

[jmdt]

I just came to the last page of this thread because I couldn't imagine what we are all still debating.

I just don't get it. Do you hear yourselves???

Dog...car...roof...12hr trip... Hello????

You call ourselves dog lovers and you still think because it was 1983 or it happens to be someone you want for president then it's ok???

Just admit he was a jerk and did a stupid thing!!!!!

[chachi]

For me it is 20 yrs ago not today. For example 20 yrs ago people drove with children in the back of their pickup. Now adays a child has to be in a car in a seat belt. How would anyone not know that putting a dog in a trunk in texas type of weather is wrong. Did people probably do it 20 yrs ago-most likely but we have evolved as a society. Im independent so its not political affilliation with me because I go both ways

[Bitsy]

Honestly, neither side of this is going to change the other side's mind.

Might be best if we didn't try as it will only lead to upset and offended feelings.

We are all entitled to our own opinion. We don't have to agree with everyone else.

[chachi]

Originally Posted by Bitsy

Honestly, neither side of this is going to change the other side's mind.

Might be best if we didn't try as it will only lead to upset and offended feelings.

We are all entitled to our own opinion. We don't have to agree with everyone else.

Im not offended at all. Its just not so much a black and white issue that everyones going to see it the same way and I understand it. I wasnt even going to spea my peice on the issue but their was a minority of people who expressed what I thought also just in different ways but their opinions kindab got drowned out by the majority so i piped in. I hope I didnt offend anyone because that wasnt my intention this has kinda been an interesting thing to discuss for me because it is usually taboo on here to talk about politics. I think we have all did a good job with it by not taking it so personal

[gracielove]

I did not see one person on here say they thought it was alright to put a dog on top of the car in a carrier. Some said they did not agree with it but it was not something that they judged him as a candidate on. So if everyone agrees that it is wrong to put a dog on the top of a car in a crate to travel what is the problem? Wasn't there enough outrage expressed by everyone to make you happy?

Each person has a right to decide by their own conscience how they will judge a person. I don't think anyone even said they would vote for the man, they just didn't get as upset as others did.

I think many people are already tired of the political antics going on in this country and it is not even close to the election yet. I dislike politics and I hate to see what the political process does to some people. Many people have expressed their view here and everyone has a right to their opinion. There has been one consensus here and that is that no one believes that a dog should travel on the top of any vehicle.

[gidget529]

Originally Posted by gracielove

I did not see one person on here say they thought it was alright to put a dog on top of the car in a carrier. Some said they did not agree with it but it was not something that they judged him as a candidate on. So if everyone agrees that it is wrong to put a dog on the top of a car in a crate to travel what is the problem? Wasn't there enough outrage expressed by everyone to make you happy?

Each person has a right to decide by their own conscience how they will judge a person. I don't think anyone even said they would vote for the man, they just didn't get as upset as others did.

I think many people are already tired of the political antics going on in this country and it is not even close to the election yet. I dislike politics and I hate to see what the political process does to some people. Many people have expressed their view here and everyone has a right to their opinion. There has been one consensus here and that is that no one believes that a dog should travel on the top of any vehicle.

Not sure if this was directed at me? (I like the quotes; helps me know if I'm the one being asked the question.) If not, sorry about replying. If so, I will answer the question about making me happy.

I have been a staunch supporter of the "passion" expressed here at YT. When ppl have been accused of being "mean", I understood, chalking it up to their passion towards animal cruelty. I was glad to see a group of ppl who would speak for those who can't.

When it came to this thread and it seemed to me the act was being minimized or justified (and I think I was not the only one who got this impression). I could not understand why, as we as a group love animals so much and are not afraid to be their voice when they cannot speak.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I guess I fall into the passionate side of the treatment of animals.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by chachi

Im not offended at all. Its just not so much a black and white issue that everyones going to see it the same way and I understand it. I wasnt even going to spea my peice on the issue but their was a minority of people who expressed what I thought also just in different ways but their opinions kindab got drowned out by the majority so i piped in. I hope I didnt offend anyone because that wasnt my intention this has kinda been an interesting thing to discuss for me because it is usually taboo on here to talk about politics. I think we have all did a good job with it by not taking it so personal

This. I also consider myself an independent because I have beliefs on both sides.

My view is not from a political stand point at all.

I do not agree with it... I think it was a stupid decision... I don't really like Mitt Romney all that much as a person or a candidate.

My only point is that I believe many people have done things in their past, probably even more stupid, that may be brought up 20 years later and most people just forget about it (unless it's something really really horrible, like obviously if he had beat a dog to death or something... to me, that's unforgivable and that person should NEVER have an animal again).

I also want to add that if in fact this dog was so scared that it pooped all over down the window... yes, that's AWFUL. But I know how the media can twist things so I am not really sure what is true and what is not. I also think Romney's lack of sympathy is disgraceful.

Hell, my step-dad was from a family of 12 children and they drove all the way from MD to Rhode Island in a station wagon with 12 kids packed in, unbuckled, dad driving in the front seat with a cooler full of beer. Today, this would be completely illegal and a cause for being pulled over and ticketed - possibly even jailtime. The thought never even crossed their minds back then. It's not that they did not love their children... it was just... different. I'm not if it makes it right. But what's done is done. Let's say it was possible for my step-dads mother to still have children... would this make her a potential unfit parent for a child today? I don't believe so.

I also want to add that a few had commented on how "my dog sits in my lap" and basically was trying to make the point that it's sooo much BETTER. I honestly believe a dog in a crate on a roof is MUCH safer than a dog sitting on someones lap or a dog loose in the car. Again - how many of us have been guilty of sitting their dog on their lap while we drive? Most likely, 95% of us have done it at least once. We know it's wrong, and probably not safe, but does it make us terrible pet parents? I don't think so... I think it's called a mistake, or a lack of judgment, or whatever you want to call it. But I'd be so hurt if twenty years from now, someone told me I was horrible person because I allowed it at one point in my life, when Jackson has probably the best doggy life there is. I'm just saying... none of us know the facts of much of anything because once it's on TV, it's been edited, twisted, and said in so many different ways, it's hard to decipher what is fact or fiction.

Another disclaimer: I don't particularly like Mitt, nor did I plan on voting for him, and I am not sticking up for him or a party. Simply offering another opinion. Also, again, I do think it's WRONG and would never ever do it or condone it and I'm fairly certain even in my dads generation, they would have never driven this way with a family dog so I'm not necessarily blaming it on a generation difference, just saying that things DO change in regards to what is considered safe and what is not safe, etc, and I don't think a human being should be judged on their entire character with such a matter.

[Ringo1]

Originally Posted by Britster

This. I also consider myself an independent because I have beliefs on both sides.

My view is not from a political stand point at all.

I do not agree with it... I think it was a stupid decision... I don't really like Mitt Romney all that much as a person or a candidate.

My only point is that I believe many people have done things in their past, probably even more stupid, that may be brought up 20 years later and most people just forget about it (unless it's something really really horrible, like obviously if he had beat a dog to death or something... to me, that's unforgivable and that person should NEVER have an animal again).

I also want to add that if in fact this dog was so scared that it pooped all over down the window... yes, that's AWFUL. But I know how the media can twist things so I am not really sure what is true and what is not. I also think Romney's lack of sympathy is disgraceful.

Hell, my step-dad was from a family of 12 children and they drove all the way from MD to Rhode Island in a station wagon with 12 kids packed in, unbuckled, dad driving in the front seat with a cooler full of beer. Today, this would be completely illegal and a cause for being pulled over and ticketed - possibly even jailtime. The thought never even crossed their minds back then. It's not that they did not love their children... it was just... different. I'm not if it makes it right. But what's done is done. Let's say it was possible for my step-dads mother to still have children... would this make her a potential unfit parent for a child today? I don't believe so.

I also want to add that a few had commented on how "my dog sits in my lap" and basically was trying to make the point that it's sooo much BETTER. I honestly believe a dog in a crate on a roof is MUCH safer than a dog sitting on someones lap or a dog loose in the car. Again - how many of us have been guilty of sitting their dog on their lap while we drive? Most likely, 95% of us have done it at least once. We know it's wrong, and probably not safe, but does it make us terrible pet parents? I don't think so... I think it's called a mistake, or a lack of judgment, or whatever you want to call it. But I'd be so hurt if twenty years from now, someone told me I was horrible person because I allowed it at one point in my life, when Jackson has probably the best doggy life there is. I'm just saying... none of us know the facts of much of anything because once it's on TV, it's been edited, twisted, and said in so many different ways, it's hard to decipher what is fact or fiction.

Another disclaimer: I don't particularly like Mitt, nor did I plan on voting for him, and I am not sticking up for him or a party. Simply offering another opinion. Also, again, I do think it's WRONG and would never ever do it or condone it and I'm fairly certain even in my dads generation, they would have never driven this way with a family dog so I'm not necessarily blaming it on a generation difference, just saying that things DO change in regards to what is considered safe and what is not safe, etc, and I don't think a human being should be judged on their entire character with such a matter.

I can't buy that one - that a dog is safer on the roof than unrestrained in the car. Not safer from the elements certainly - heat, wind, cold. Hope those bungee cords were pulled tight! As an insurance adjuster - I hate to see unrestrained children, children riding in the back of a truck - but my eyes would pop out to see one restrained on the roof. Same goes for dogs.

To me it's just so weird and ridiculous - something I can't even fathom.

And he thinks it was ok! Didn't realize there were laws against that . . .

I agree with whoever said that he should have come out and said, 'YES, that was stupid; can't believe I did it; would never do it again. . . . "

But he can't even come out say he was wrong. Which may be what makes me think he's a complete idiot. When you make a mistake - own up to it and move on. Don't hem-haw around about how you weren't familiar with the laws - as if a law would be needed to regulate such stupidity.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by Ringo1

I can't buy that one - that a dog is safer on the roof than unrestrained in the car. Not safer from the elements certainly - heat, wind, cold. Hope those bungee cords were pulled tight! As an insurance adjuster - I hate to see unrestrained children, children riding in the back of a truck - but my eyes would pop out to see one restrained on the roof. Same goes for dogs.

An unrestrained pet that weighs 35 pounds can create 1,500 pounds of force in a car accident that occurs at 35 miles per hour.

I suppose the same could be said for a crate on the top of a car - if it were to go flying, but then at least the dog would still be in a crate, and not flying through a windshield, or into a person.

I agree, if I were to see a dog in a crate on top of a car, I would be at a loss for words. But I've seen dogs in crates in back of pick-up trucks, dogs loose in back of pick-up trucks. Not as often as, say, 10 years ago maybe, but it still happens and it DOES make me sad because I would NEVER want my family member to be anywhere other than inside of the vehicle. But in regards to safety, I really don't feel that it's anymore unsafe for a dog than being loose inside of a vehicle.

Originally Posted by Ringo1

To me it's just so weird and ridiculous - something I can't even fathom.

And he thinks it was ok! Didn't realize there were laws against that . . .

I agree with whoever said that he should have come out and said, 'YES, that was stupid; can't believe I did it; would never do it again. . . . "

But he can't even come out say he was wrong. Which may be what makes me think he's a complete idiot. When you make a mistake - own up to it and move on. Don't hem-haw around about how you weren't familiar with the laws - as if a law would be needed to regulate such stupidity.

I do completely agree with all of this!

[chachi]

Honestly I think he should have said it was a stupid thing to do but if he did a big commotion would have been made out of that just like he didnt and something ended up being made after that. How does he know whats best to do really. Political canidates have a right to be human. They have a right to have character flaws in their past because they are human just like the rest of us. We make them live up to a pedestal by judging them on things that arent important as far as them being the most qualified person to run our country. I am looking for the cannidate that has the best plan for how to address the problems in our Country. Not 4 more years of the same. A plan

[megansmomma]

Originally Posted by Britster

Hell, my step-dad was from a family of 12 children and they drove all the way from MD to Rhode Island in a station wagon with 12 kids packed in, unbuckled, dad driving in the front seat with a cooler full of beer. Today, this would be completely illegal and a cause for being pulled over and ticketed - possibly even jailtime. The thought never even crossed their minds back then. It's not that they did not love their children... it was just... different. I'm not if it makes it right. But what's done is done. Let's say it was possible for my step-dads mother to still have children... would this make her a potential unfit parent for a child today? I don't believe so.

I'm wondering what your stepdad's parents think about this now?

Let me also add that times have changed and so have laws etc over the past 30 or so years. Believe me, I look back on some of the things that I and many of our circle of friends did "back in the day" and there are plenty of things that we now reminisce about now 30 shake our heads in disbelief and say aloud "What the he!! were we thinking?!?!" What is missing is Romney's lack of accountability for his questionable actions many years ago. From what I have read and seen regarding this story IMO there wouldn't have been such an uproar from the animal loving public if he would have hung his head in shame, embraced it and said "Looking back, boy was that stupid". His response to this little bump makes his seem to not be in touch with something as basic as animals care also makes me wonder what else he is not in touch with regarding many other issues.