MITT ROMNEY’S recent remarks that comments regarding his religion are making debate less civil is pure political hypocrisy ( “Romney condemns ‘poisonous’ talk,’’ Political Notebook, Oct. 9). Like most modern presidential candidates, Romney wants it both ways: He seeks approval from the electorate by portraying himself as a churchgoer, yet isn’t willing to speak to how, if elected, his faith might affect the electorate.
To be sure, faith issues have altered educational, health, and science initiatives over the last three decades - much to their detriment, many would say - yet the country is right to be steadfast in upholding the right of all people to worship peacefully as they wish. Freedom, however, from religious persecution doesn’t mean that one cannot be judged by what one believes, nor does it mean that faith need be accepted by all in the face of dubious religious claims. A self-proclaimed successful businessman, Romney should know that religion, like a business product, has the right to exist in the marketplace of ideas. Americans have the right to know what they are being sold, and to vote it up or down.
Glenn Kulbako
Somerville 
