“It seems to be, first of all, from what I understand from doctors, it’s really rare. If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut the whole thing down.” - Todd Akin
Missouri Representative Todd Akin made this statement when he was asked whether he believes abortion is justified
in cases of rape. He essentially replied that [legitimate] rape does not result in pregnancy. We all know the outcome of that statement. If you don't, crawl out from under the rock you're living under and find another blog to read.
I can already hear the questions... "Who are you to question someone's freedom of speech after your defense of Dan Cathy's remarks?" I see a difference between an owner of a corporation and an elected Representative. I have a choice whether or not to patronize Chic Fil-a. An elected Representative has a role in creating laws to which I am subject, whether I agree with them or not.
I can already hear the questions... "Who are you to question someone's freedom of speech after your defense of Dan Cathy's remarks?" I see a difference between an owner of a corporation and an elected Representative. I have a choice whether or not to patronize Chic Fil-a. An elected Representative has a role in creating laws to which I am subject, whether I agree with them or not.
When you think about it, Akin's recent gaff makes Joe Biden look like Niles Bohr. That comparison, witty as it might be, might even be true if Akin's comment was actually a gaff. The sad reality is that's what he really thinks. Akin is one of those ultra hardcore anti-abortion zealots who believes pregnancy termination should be prohibited under any circumstance - including rape and incest. I wonder if he would be so steadfast in these beliefs if one of his daughters were brutally raped and impregnated by a disease-ridden assailant with a genetic family history birth deformities. I wonder if he would embrace this blessed event and the lifelong reminder of the brutal action against his daughter as the gift from God he seems to think it is when it happens to other people.
I suppose points could be awarded to Akin for speaking his mind, even if what's on his mind is despicable. President Obama often tells us what he really thinks too - when he goes off the teleprompter: "spread the wealth around", "you didn't build that", "Under my plan of a cap and trade system, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket." When these bursts of honesty take place, America is further reminded of the Marxist we elected President. But I digress.
A small part of me would like to hear Akin's definition of illegitimate rape. The rest of me just wants to hear that he disappeared, which it appears he will soon be doing. Essentially, the entire Republican party has politely suggested Akin end his bid for the Missouri Senate seat and they've cut off his campaign funding. If I were a Republican, I might say "Yay us!" As an independent, I just shake my head. Nevertheless, you sure don't see that sort of action from the Democrat party in response to the indiscretions of people like Sen. Roland Burris, Rep. Jesse Jackson,
Jr., Rep. Alan B. Mollohan, Rep. John Murtha,
Rep. Charles Rangel, Rep. Laura Richardson, Rep. Pete
Visclosky, and Rep. Maxine Waters. Again I digress.
Akin has vowed to continue his campaign and is soliciting funds privately. If he is successful and wins election to the Senate, then I suppose Missourians will know firsthand the meaning of "legitimate rape".
