KARMA: GOODBYE MITT ROMNEY!

In his farewell address to the U.S. Senate, Republican Senator Mitt Romney of Utah encouraged his colleagues to prioritize collaboration over relentless partisanship.

Romney, who previously served as governor of Massachusetts and was the Republican Party’s 2012 presidential nominee, reflected in his speech, saying, “my life’s work has been a group affair.”

“I will leave this chamber with a sense of achievement. But in truth, I will also leave with the recognition that I did not achieve everything I had hoped,” Romney remarked.

He expressed frustration with the impact of partisan gridlock, particularly on efforts to address the national debt. “Among other things, the scourge of partisan politics has frustrated repeated efforts to stabilize our national debt. Without the burden of the interest on that debt, we would be able to spend three times as much as we do on military procurement,” he explained.

Romney illustrated this point further: “Three times as many aircraft, three times as many ships, three times as many drones, spacecraft, cyber defenses. Or alternatively, we could spend double the amount we spend on Social Security benefits every month. Our national credit card is almost maxed out, and America risks becoming debt poor.”

Reflecting on his time in the Senate, Romney shared, “My biggest surprise in the Senate has been how much I enjoy the other senators on both sides of the aisle.” However, he candidly admitted he wouldn’t miss “the myriad meaningless votes” or the “10-minute votes that last an hour.”

Romney also appeared to subtly criticize President-elect Donald Trump as he prepared to step down, maintaining his reputation as a prominent Republican voice of dissent against Trump.

“There are some today who would tear at our unity, who would replace love with hate, who deride our foundation of virtue, or who debase the values upon which the blessings of heaven depend,” Romney stated on the Senate floor.

Romney, reflecting on his quarter-century in public service, asserted, “I have learned that politics alone cannot measure up to the challenges we face.”

He also took the opportunity to acknowledge the people of Utah. “It has been an honor to represent the people of Utah, the state of my family heritage. What sets Utah apart is not just its beauty and vibrant economy; it is the admirable character of its people,” he said.

As he concluded his remarks, Romney offered a hopeful and patriotic message. “Now, it is customary to end remarks like these with the words: ‘God Bless America.’ That has never seemed jarring or out of place to me because Americans have always been fundamentally good. From our earliest days, we have rushed to help neighbors in need, as De Tocqueville noted. We welcomed the poor, the huddled masses yearning to breathe free. We have respected different faiths, as our first president confirmed to Muslims and Jews,” Romney remarked.

He emphasized the importance of unity and the country’s role as a global leader. “United We Stand is a fitting refrain. As the leader of the free world, our sons and daughters have fought time and again for liberty, and our treasure has buoyed freedom fighters around the globe. Like all people, we have made mistakes, some grievous, but often our mistakes have come from misguided understanding. God has blessed America because America is good,” he added.

Romney concluded by reiterating his belief in the strength of the American people. “A country’s character is a reflection not just of its elected officials but also of its people. I leave Washington to return to be one among them and hope to be a voice of unity and virtue. For it is only if the American people merit His benevolence that God will continue to bless America.”