Do you ever change your mind?

Before a recent speech in New Hampshire, some people who were identified as members of the "Tea Party" criticized Mitt Romney as a flip-flopper. Does anyone know what they are referring to? Reading his book No Apology, one gets the impression that he thoroughly examines and explores solutions to our nation's problems, then takes a stand in favor of the option that is best supported by data. What's wrong with that? Do you ever change your mind, when data proves you were wrong in earlier decisions? (By the way, after listening to his speech, the Tea Party folks gave him an appreciative applause at the end).

In his book Romney advocates developing nuclear power. That was before the Japanese earthquake. I wonder if he is such a staunch advocate of nuclear power now. The same with off-shore drilling in shallower waters close to land. He might not be such an advocate now after the BP oil spill in the Gulf. Overall, he advocates a proactive energy policy, emphasizing exploration and utilization of the latest techniques to extract natural gas, but not forgetting other sources of energy. If exploration and research open up new possibilities for the United States, you can be sure that he will advocate their development. What's wrong with that?

He is a man who pays attention to data. For example, in education, he claims that the data shows that the most important factor is the quality of the teachers, not how much we spend or how small the class sizes are. Health insurance? Once again he is first and foremost about quality. Business? Remove government obstacles to enable entrepreneurs to achieve high productivity, innovation, providing the best quality products for the lowest prices. Military? Give our soldiers the most up-to-date equipment in the world, build the strongest navy and air force, and recruit the best and brightest to wear the uniform of the United States. Entitlements? Review all research to reform Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid to ensure the best quality and solid financial footing. Climate change? Spend money helping people cope with any real changes that occur, rather than spending billions trying to stop it. Immigration? Encourage policies that enable the best and brightest to stay in America, not be forced to return to the countries from which they came to America to study.

I don't know. Perhaps in his eagerness to tackle issues, Romney may jump on proposed solutions a little too fast (global warming, ethanol), then realize unforeseen consequences later and change his mind.