This is not an endorsement of Governor Mitt Romney for president. What follows are, however, thoughts about his recent address entitled, "Faith in America."

One of the comments he makes in the speech is, "There are some who may feel that religion is not a matter to be seriously considered in the context of the weighty threats that face us, [i.e., the United States]."

He proceeds to say, "If so, they [i.e., those who think religion is not a serious issue in America today] are at odds with the nation's founders, for they, when our nation faced its greatest peril, sought the blessings of the Creator."

The governor could not have been more right. Religion is a matter that should definitely be taken seriously by Americans in this day and time, and it is, in fact, the most serious issue that does face our nation during the upcoming election.

The fact is, a very violent, radical form of "religion" threatens to destroy the United States and freedom anywhere in the world where that "religion" finds it.

The fact is, our very first president, George Washington, said in a Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamation, "Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor…" Were presidential candidates to stand up in today's climate and say that kind of thing, certain members of the mainstream media and of a certain political persuasion would attempt to "crucify" them, denying them freedom of speech and of religion.

Romney also says, "In John Adams' words: 'We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality by morality and religion…Our constitution was made for a moral and religions people.'"

John Adams was right and Romney was right to quote him.

The governor also said:

"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 is 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.'"

The governor is right. Any candidate who is serious about becoming the president of the United States should agree with the sentiments Romney expressed and should stand up and repeat the essence of it in his/her own words, making it clear for every American to understand.

Jack Rollins is the managing editor of the Daily Dunklin Democrat.