Romney to deliver foreign policy speech Monday at VMI
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney will return to Western Virginia on Monday to deliver a major foreign policy speech at Virginia Military Institute, his campaign confirmed this afternoon.
Romney plans to draw contrasts between his foreign policy goals and President Barack Obama’s record, the campaign said. Romney also will talk about national defense spending and his opposition to automatic defense cuts that occur next year if Congress and White House fail to agree on a plan to reduce the deficit.
Romney’s campaign has criticized Obama for including the defense cuts in a package of spending reductions that would occur under a bipartisan 2011 agreement to raise the federal debt limit. The deal called for automatic spending cuts to occur if a congressional “supercommittee” failed to come up with a long-range deficit and debt-reduction deal.
The Monday speech at VMI, scheduled for 11:20 a.m., will be Romney’s third event in Western Virginia in five days. Romney and running mate Paul Ryan are holding a rally in Augusta County tonight, and Romney will campaign in Abingdon on Friday.
– Michael Sluss
October 4, 2012 - 1:48 PM
Romney must be really worried about Virginia.
I wonder if he knows that a much larger percentage of Virginia Tech cadets go into the military than VMI cadets.
Anyway, I eagerly await his details about how we can cut our deficit significantly while lowering taxes and increasing military spending (which is already too high).
Did you ever stop and think that Virginia Tech is much larger than VMI so, based on that account, the percentage going into the military would be higher?
The AMOUNT might be higher, dnt wry, but why would the PERCENTAGE be higher?
#2 PERCENTAGE, dnt wry, PERCENTAGE. The PERCENTAGE of Tech’s corps members who go into the military is MUCH higher than VMI’s.
On top of which, VMI actually has more students in its corps than Tech does in its (about 1,500 to 1,100) . But Tech’s number still might be higher.
Rethink that one, dnt wry.
Just curious, gdad. 50% of all cadets at VMI pursue a commission upon graduation.
What figures did you find that tell us what percentage of VT cadets pursue commission?
Remember the quote from Newt Gingrich about Romney? “How can you debate someone who lies about everything?”
Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said her impression after attending a recent Mitt Romney speech is that “there’s just nothing going on” with the Republican presidential nominee. She said his understanding of foreign policy not only lacks depth but diminishes U.S. standing abroad.
http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/09/30/14161885-madeleine-albright-theres-just-nothing-going-on-with-romney?lite
Ryan’s proposed budget would put pressure on funding for veterans’ programs, housing and jobs programs, making the transition to civilian life even more difficult for returning vets.
Sandy, remember the quote from Hillary about obama?
“He continues to spend millions of dollars perpetuating falsehoods,” Mrs. Clinton said. “So shame on you, Barack Obama.”
#6 As of a few years ago, according to the VTCC administration, 80 percent of Tech’s cadets pursued commission. I thought VMI was somewhere in the 35-40 percent range but that was just from memory.
Wow, gdad, I would have never expected the percentage to be 80%. Wonder why VTCC doesn’t list that anywhere on their site or in any current documentation. That certainly is a high number. I hope that 80% have the resources they need to remain safe if deployed after the obama administration gets done ransacking the military.
#10 Gosh, MMM, you can take your marketing suggestions to the VTCC, but since there’s obvious skepticism in your tone, I’ll help you out with your inability to find that 80 percent number:
From the summer 2012 issue of the VT mag:
“The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets boasts an 80 percent commissioning rate. While a majority of cadets join the military after graduation, approximately 20 percent of cadets—a growing percentage—join the corps to hone their skills before entering the civilian workforce.”
http://www.vtmagazine.vt.edu/sum12/on-mission.html
From the fall 2006 issue:
“Our Navy ROTC detachment produces the most naval and marine officers outside of Annapolis, and the Army and Air Force ROTC detachments are among the largest in the nation. Each year, the VTCC commissions twice the percentage of graduating students compared to other senior military colleges, such as VMI, Texas A&M, and The Citadel.”
http://www.vtmagazine.vt.edu/fall06/corps.html
There are more but that should do. Glad to be of assistance. Now where was it you found that 50 percent rate for VMI? I took a quick look at their website but didn’t see it. I think Tech has always said it’s 35-40 percent but maybe they’re lying.
I hope that whomever is elected cuts back on the military. Our obsession with babysitting the world is part of the reason the deficit is so high.
Gosh, gdad, maybe VMI will hire YOU as a marketing intern… especially since it doesn’t look like you will be able to ride that obama gravy train much longer.
Here ya go:
From 2011-12…
http://fbelitemag.com/articles/2012/04/01/1157977
“VMI’s four ROTC programs – Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy – have a high success rate. About half of VMI students accept a military commission”
http://www.vmi.edu/content.aspx?tid=4294970021&id=4294974097
“Mullen also praised the Institute and the VMI superintendent, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, for having the highest percentage of commissioning cadets in 20 years – nearly 60 percent of the graduates have or will soon commission.”
I guess your memory once again served you wrong, gdad.
#12 Nope, MMM, because the rate USED to be about 40 and Tech’s rate was double VMI’s for year. Note that that “nearly” 60 percent was the highest in 20 years at VMI while Tech pretty much averages 80 percent. No problem with my memory.
Anyway, glad I was able to help you with Tech’s rate, which you obviously mistakenly didn’t believe.
gdad, so we are supposed to take your word that VMI’s rate “used to be about” 40??
Have any proof on that? I seriously doubt a school that brands itself as a military school and heavily employs the ROTC program would EVER have under 50% applying for commission.
But if you say you have proof on that, then show us.
#14 Well, MMM, all I can do is point directly to the VTCC piece, as I’ve ALREADY DONE, that says that Tech’s 80 percent was about double that of all the other senior military schools.
“Each year, the VTCC commissions twice the percentage of graduating students compared to other senior military colleges, such as VMI, Texas A&M, and The Citadel.”
Now if you want to accuse the VTCC of lying and say that you know more than they do (just as you did with the guy who closed his Subway), then be my guest. Have at it. I didn’t realize that you, a Hokie football fan, despised the VTCC so much. I’d think you’d be happy to learn that the VTCC sends such a high number of its cadets into the U.S. military.
Even if you want to pettily continue questioning the actual percentages, there’s absolutely no doubt whatsoever that I’ve proven the original contention that you asked for proof on — that the VTCC commissions a higher percentage of its cadets than does VMI.
Thanks gdad, for admitting that if any individual or group makes a magazine, then comes up with a number in it, it has to be the solid truth (even without a reference).
You sure seem to ask for commenters to provide proof of their data… I guess you aren’t asking for any real data on the VTCC article in their magazine.
That is good to know that you will extend the same level of trust to anyone else that makes up a figure and has no references to back it up… obama, Romney, any commenters on the blogs, you know.
Plus, gdad, you are confused. I never asked for proof that the VTCC commissions a higher percentage. I just wondered where the data was that showed VT had 80%. That is all.
I provided proof that VMI (from more than one source) regularly has over 50% (much higher than what you claimed you thought you had probably, most likely read somewhere, pretty much, sometime.
#17 MMM, you cold at least go back and read your own posts before answering. Let me repeat your first request on this thread:
“What figures did you find that tell us what percentage of VT cadets pursue commission?” Nothing there about proving 80 percent.
Now, as to sources. Your “sources” — including the general who was speaking — got their numbers from the VMI administration. My sources got their numbers from the VTCC administration. No difference whatsoever in the source of the numbers. My links were to a magazine. Your link was to a magazine that quotes no sources whatsoever and a release written by the VMI communications and marketing department.
And then there’s this: “I provided proof that VMI (from more than one source) regularly has over 50%”
Where? I see no such proof anywhere. You had one source (a MAGAZINE that, again, cites no source, by golly) that said “about” half. I’ll wait for you to get back with your proof of VMI “regularly” being OVER 50 percent.
Meanwhile, if you have proof that the VTCC is lying about its numbers, you should provide that proof. If not, you should stop defaming them. It’s disgusting.
Did Romney use a telaprompter in his speech at VMI today>
Maybe Joan, but he has already proven he can squash someone in a debate without one as well…
Typical gdad… you ask him to provide proof of the data he spews, and he tells you to provide proof the data is fake.
You can’t make this stuff up! gdad, YOU sir should be the one running on the Democratic ticket!
My first question, “What figures did you find that tell us what percentage of VT cadets pursue commission?”
“…the original contention that you asked for proof on — that the VTCC commissions a higher percentage of its cadets than does VMI.” – gdad
You are incorrect yet again, gdad.
The most recent statement from the Virginia Tech commandant’s office concerning commissioning at Tech and elsewhere.
“Virginia Tech is one of only three public institutions in the U.S. to offer full-time military and civilian student lifestyles (the others are Texas A&M and North Georgia College and State University). The Corps of Cadets annually commissions approximately 80 percent of its graduates; VMI, the Citadel, and Texas A&M commission 35 to 50 percent.”
Having been a member of the Corps, gdad, I expect you owe me the honor of showing the exact link where that statement came from the office…
http://www.vt.edu/about/facts_figures_2012.pdf Bottom of page 39.
MMM, once again, you’re freefalling into silly nitpicking mode. And given your past posting history and what I know about the corps, I simply don’t believe you were a member. I mean, it’s pretty appalling to see you essentially accusing the corps administration of lying. If you are challenging the 80 percent number, you’re absolutely obligated to show us why you would challenge it. We’re waiting.
As much fun as it’s been watching you flail around and given your basic dishonesty in more than one thread, I wasn’t going to do all of your homework for you, but I see that Sandi found what you obviously couldn’t. Except that in the latest version the corps is saying “approximately” 80 percent instead of “more than.” I assume that the percentage has dropped a little below 80 and they want to be accurate about it. Unlike you when you wrongly stated you showed me that VMI “regularly has over” 50 percent.
MMM, if for some reason you want to continue titling at this windmill, please take it up with the commandant’s office or the corps executive officer. Your relentless effort to make the very corps you say you were a member of look like a liar is bizarre. And please, please, quit embarrassing yourself.
Unfortunately gdad, Sandi assisted me in busting you. You said (and even put quote marks around your statement) that the commandant said the exact phrase you posted. Nice try though. You should get a LOT of democratic votes when you run for office.
Sandi’s pdf in no way stated that the commandant issued that remark.
You are caught lying again.. and to think that you were putting words into the commandants mouth really goes to show your reporting skills… well they must not have been very good at all.
If I put ‘pretend’ quote marks around every statement I make and tell you that they came from the ‘Commandant’s office at VMI’, will you believe everything too??
MMM, the words came from the executive officer in the commandant’s office, approved by the commandant. That’s where that info comes from. What Sandi found merely supported what I said.
You’re toast.
#27 “You said (and even put quote marks around your statement) that the commandant said the exact phrase you posted… and to think that you were putting words into the commandants mouth”
Show me, MMM, where I said it came from the commandant’s mouth. Silence. It came from his office. In fact, you’ll notice that my paragraph does NOT exactly match what Sandi linked to — because my paragraph is the new version.
You haven’t the slightest idea what you’re talking about. Just like when you claimed you knew why certain folks closed their businesses.
The really strange and very weird thing is — why the heck would you pend so much time chasing this rabbit. You’re wrong and I’m right, but you persist.
gdad, show us the quote then, complete with the quote marks you fabrica… I mean, copied and pasted then.
Oh, did you mean the physical office miraculously spoke the words one day?
We will wait.
Anyway, if VT commissions 80% (according to VT) and VMI commissions 50%-60% (according to VMI, complete with the person’s name and everything), then how do you figure that VT commissions twice as many??
Your math and reporting skills are poor, gdad. Your lying skills are terrific though!
One consideration on the VT v VMI commission rate that might be considered is the statement that “only three public institutions in the U.S. to offer full-time military and civilian student lifestyles [emphasis added].”
That is that at VT one can switch from the Corps of Cadet to the “civilian student lifestyles.”
Even back in the day, many who were not going to be commissioned [i.e., offered a contract, quit the corps after the mandatory (unless IV A or a Vet) first two years etc.] switched at the end of their sophomore year. There were not a lot of “skippers” even back in my day.
The percentage of entering freshmen in the Corp v. freshmen at VMI who get commissioned upon graduation would be more meaningful, IMHO.
Hence, I believe the rates are apples to oranges.
#31 MMM, you’ve really gone off the deep end.
First, anybody who reads my posts knows that I put words I’ve taken from elsewhere and are not my own in quote marks. I do this ALL THE TIME on DC’s blog and here. It’s not an indication that it’s a direct quote from a person, it’s an indication that I didn’t write the material. Some people put that material in italics; I put quote marks around it. Always have.
Second, let’s give you a little test. All those facts in that document you saw — where do you think they come from? A) Somebody at Tech sits around making them up, or B)They’re compiled in the various college and division offices and then approved by the top office, like deans, division heads, and a commandant? (HINT: If you answered A, you’re wrong).
What’s really sad and befuddling is that this all started because you asked me what figure I had for VTCC commissionings. I gave you an honest, accurate, and polite answer — and you went ballistic and falsely accused either me or my source (or both) of dishonesty. Something is seriously wrong with this picture.
PS, MMM, it’s not hard for everybody to see that you have absolutely no figure other than the 80 percent one I gave you. Because there IS no other figure. Why you keep questioning it when I’m right is unfathomable.
I question how you can say VT commissions twice as many when actually, according to both universities, it is 80% to 60%.
Now go get your shine box.
And no gdad, you were pretending to quote the Commandant. Everyone here and on whatever other blogs you lurk on know that you always link to your source when you put quote marks around something.
Nice (feeble) try.
It is mentioned here too Marked Man, if you are still looking for a source from the Corps of Cadets:
“TRAINING: We are developing and honing our leadership skills in a time of war. With 80 percent of our graduates commissioning into the military, we owe it to our cadets to provide training in an environment that is realistic…”
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:phAhdW40Y3AJ:www.vtcca.vt.edu/%3Fq%3Dsystem/files/corps_review_spring07.pdf+&cd=27&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
Bottom of page 33 from Cadet Col. Andrew N. Archut, Regimental Commander, VTCC
From the Spring 2007, Vol. 17, No. 2 “The Corps Review”
As usual, I do not understand your OCD, or your constant beef over such stuff, but it is a factoid from the VTCCC.
VT’s rate has NEVER been twice as high as VMI’s, gdad. You were proven wrong.
Sandi, gdad stated in the ‘quote’ that “MMM, the words came from the executive officer in the commandant’s office,”
He said that referred to the article you found for him from 2012. Nowhere in that article does it state that the executive officer said those words.
Not OCD or anything of the sort, just showing that gdad lied about it. That’s all. I’m done with this topic.
Continuing the VT v, VMI discussion
http://tinyurl.com/9g5a2ml
**
Tech outshoots VMI in competition
Monday, October, 8, 2012; 10:09 PM | 0 | ShareThis | Print
by Donal Murphy, news staff writer
Virginia Tech students can celebrate one victory from over the weekend.
In front of almost 1,000 cheering Tech fans, the Corps of Cadets stole a narrow win from Virginia Military Institute during a musket shooting competition in Northern Virginia.
As part of the North-South Skirmish Association’s (N-SSA) national celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, a team of Tech’s cadets in the Army ROTC Marksmanship Unit won against VMI in a competition featuring Civil-war era muskets.
SNIP
**
#39 Show us your proof it’s never been twice as high. And tell us why you are calling the administrators of the VTCC liars.
#40 ” I’m done with this topic.”
IOW, MMM is owned again.
#38 Thanks, Sandi, MMM is indeed one of the strangest, most obsessed posters I’ve ever seen.
Unfortunately, gdad is as bad a debater as he is at telling the truth.
VMI – Commissions 50%-60%
VT – Commissions 80%
If I cannot explain to gdad how VT’s is NOT twice as much as VMI, can someone else please? Certainly we must have some primary or elementary school teachers that visit the BRC blog here that can lend gdad a hand.
#44 MMM now 0-2 on this topic on two different RT blogs. Might be an RT blog record for futility.
0-2?? Your math and comprehension skills are poor. Are you honestly saying that 80% is twice 50-60% ?