I've read a lot on this topic but I'm not a professional. I gather information, as the average person does, by reading articles, picking out what can be verified as fact, and forming an opinion. If something I have written can be proven false by credible sources, I would be willing to reformulate my opinion. If you have such information pertaining to this topic please forward it to me. If you have also formed the same opinion about the facts surrounding this event please sign the petition. September 11/12 The Cairo Embassy learned that some Egyptians were angered by a movie, made by an American, insulting Mohammad. In an effort to decrease the anger felt by protesters in the city and to try and avoid an attack on the Embassy, staff released a statement. The Cairo Embassy, 'condemns the continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims – as we condemn efforts to offend believers of all religions...Respect for religious beliefs is a cornerstone of American democracy. We firmly reject the actions by those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others." It did not work. The Egyptian and Libyan Embassy's were attacked resulting in the deaths of four Americans. Secretary of State Clinton spoke at at 10:08 announcing the death of an American and stating, 'Some have sought to justify this vicious behavior as a response to inflammatory material posted on the Internet. The United States deplores any intentional effort to denigrate the religious beliefs of others. Our commitment to religious tolerance goes back to the very beginning of our nation. But let me be clear: There is never any justification for violent acts of this kind." At 10:10 the White House disavowed the Embassy Statement. At 10:24 Romney released a statement expressing outrage at the death and attacks. The statement had been received by news agencies at 10:10 and was not scheduled to be released until midnight. There was supposed to be no political attacks on 9/11. "It's disgraceful that the Obama administration's first response was not to condemn attacks on our diplomatic missions, but to sympathize with those who waged the attacks." -Romney He repeated his sentiments the next day, even when it was clear the statement was not from the White House and was issued before the attacks. "I also believe the administration was wrong to stand by a statement sympathizing with those who had breached our embassy in Egypt instead of condemning their actions". Romney also claimed the statement was 'unAmerican' and 'apologetic of American values'. He led people to believe that the statement was from the President and that it expressed sympathy for the terrorist cause as America was being attacked. In the following days Romney, who was receiving backlash from the statement, tried to claim the White House had disavowed the statement for the same reasons he criticized it, therefore he had done nothing wrong. The White House never agreed with Romney's claims that the statement, 'sympathized with the enemy', was 'unAmerican', or, 'apologized for American values'. The White House expressed concern with the wording of the statement but continued to express the sentiments. In an interview President Obama Stated, 'It came from folks on the ground who are potentially in danger. And my tendency is to cut those folks a little bit of slack when they’re in that circumstance...". He also stated, "this film is not representative of who we are and our values, and I think it’s important for us to communicate that." The story has blown over with the last word being that he did just what the administration did. This is not true and he should take responsibility for his actions. Mr. Romney should apologize to the Embassy staff and all American's. He has perpetrated a lie that the President 'sympathizes with the enemy', which has resulted in a sharp divide in the American people at a time when they should be united. It was insulting to criticize a statement coming from Americans who, while in service to their country, were trying to avoid a hostile situation and ensure their own safety. The statement expressed that Americans do not believe in religious intolerance and do not support the use of free speech to provoke any group. Romney tried to tell Americans this was something they should be ashamed of and by doing so threw his weight behind the film maker, which could have potentially caused more unrest. Mr. Romney, America does not need a President who can't own up to his own mistakes, even when it is obvious you spoke without regard for the facts. Exploiting a crisis for political gain is what's disgraceful, especially when your comments could have provoked more anger. The average American does not need to analyze every word they say but someone running to be the president does. As a representative of America your words ring out across the globe and terrorists could have used them to incite more violence. A President has to be aware that his every word could affect the safety of the people and while American lives and interests were hanging in the balance was an inappropriate time to speak without the facts. Apologize to the American people for dividing them during a time of crisis, and for dishonoring the reasonable efforts of Embassy staff to protect themselves and the American Embassy. Set straight the facts of the night for the American people so that they may have informed opinions of these events. This is your responsibility and only you can do it. Sign the petition and ask Mitt Romney to take accountability for his actions and to stop spinning this incident to avoid political backlash.