Thanks to Slowpoke for this most generous gift. I missed seeing it and it should absolutely not go unnoticed.
Washingtonpost.com:
Rep. Todd Akin, the newly-christened GOP Senate nominee in Missouri, said in an interview airing Sunday that “legitimate rape” rarely causes pregnancy.
Explaining his no-exceptions policy on abortions, Akin was asked why he opposes abortion even when the pregnancy is the result of rape.
“First of all, from what I understand from doctors, (pregnancy from rape) is really rare,” Akin told KTVI-TV in a clip posted to YouTube by the Democratic super PAC American Bridge. “If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.”
Akin added: “But let’s assume that maybe that didn’t work or something. I think there should be some punishment, but the punishment ought to be on the rapist and not attacking the child.”
Akin issued a statement Sunday afternoon saying he misspoke.
“In reviewing my off-the-cuff remarks, it’s clear that I misspoke in this interview and it does not reflect the deep empathy I hold for the thousands of women who are raped and abused every year,” he said. “I recognize that abortion, and particularly in the case of rape, is a very emotionally charged issue. But I believe deeply in the protection of all life and I do not believe that harming another innocent victim is the right course of action.”
What a total idiot. Legitimate rape? Opposed to illegitimate rape? Wannabe Senator Akin clearly is too ill-informed to serve even in the Senate. What moron says something like this aloud, within earshot of any microphone. If the people of Missouri elect this misogynist, then they get what they deserve. Only problem is, the rest of us don’t deserve him. Its difficult to walk back from any statement this ridiulous.
Congressman Todd Akin can look longingly at that Senate seat because I doubt that is going to happen. In fact, I expect there will not be a national movement to unseat Akin from Congress for making such a stupid statement.
You can send Congressman Todd Akin an email from his congressional website. He is unable to respond to you because you will be outside his district.
Marin perhaps said it most succinctly: “Good job GOP. Snatching a defeat out of the jaws of victory once again!” Thanks again, Slowpoke. I agree. He is a moron as you state. It seems we all agree on this one. It’s difficult for me to beat up on his but so much. When someone says something this absurd there is only so much beating up on a person you can do.
So let’s see if I’m following this right, Todd. If a women is “legitimately raped” and she gets pregnant, then she did not do enough biologically to become impregnated, and………thanks Todd……thanks a lot!
I think we all need a lesson from Todd so we all understand because I sure don’t.
This one is going to stick to Rep. Ryan. He sponsored some bill with this toad having to do with defining rape.
Apparently there is real rape and then not real rape.
Anyone know what not real rape is?
Spousal rape has only been real rape for about 10 years or so. Maybe we have to thank Lorena.
Anyone who has been raped or almost raped is going to want to slice and dice anyone who has touched this one. Near rape = rape that has been stopped by overpowering your attacker with whatever it takes.
Oh, trying to pin this on Ryan is fantasizing a bit.
Enough with these bozos, where do they come from? This is what the Republicans have become? Hopefully all the other Republicans will repudiate his remarks.
Rep. Cantor has been urged to do a real smack down with a whole lot of people.
What did Michael Steel ultimately lose his job over? Not controlling the GOP party habits. Too much naughtiness was being paid for from GOP campaign funds, I thought. So lets hold the same standards for what’s his face. I always felt sorry for Steele. He got railroaded.
Let’s ask Whoopi. She knows what’s rape.
http://youtu.be/9NX_D0Bv9M0
Because, if its not “rape-rape,” its ok.
Are there medical physiological reactions to the stress of a rape that prevents impregnation? Never heard that before. That would be an interestig statistic to try to establish – the percent of successful impregnations caused by rape versus the percent of successful impregnations occuring under “normal conditions.” Still, if the body reacts differently when under attack (the heart rate, the amount of adrenilin or some other chemicla in the system that shuts down the ability to concieve or lock -on, it would be an interesting study. It would not IMHO be determinative, but might be an additional indicator. And yes though not politically correct today, not all claims to rape are legitimate. But then, I suspect this is more about anyone who has the audacity to suggest that human life begins at conception – becuause that has implications – legal and moral.
Blue, your suggestion is equally offensive to the statement of Rep. Akins if I understand you correctly. Political correctness has absolutely nothing to do with false accussations of rape. To falsely accuse anyone of a crime is an illegal act.
You are perfectly free to feel that human life begins at conception. Please tell me what that has to do with “legitimate rape” or still better, if you feel someone who was raped should be forced to bear the offspring of a her rapist.
I am sorry that you are not offendeD by what Rep. Atkins said. I would say that is probably a sign that you really shOuldn’t be posting here. If you want such a study, why Not volunteer to be raped repeated to see if it “takes.” Leave other people out of it. That is oNe of the nAstiest things I have ever heard someone say. Truly a pig comment.
Someone should ask Akin if he was referring to “legitimate rape” or “rape rape”. I think “rape rape” is what the IRS does to me.
Department of Justice has two categories of rape – statutory and forcible. Why is forcible necessary? As you say Rape by a spouse has only been considered rape for a few decades.
There’s a lot engrained in this society that evolved from a like minded genetic group.
Moon,
I pray that Blue doesn’t have any daughters. I would NEVER EVER EVER EVER condone rape twice, first the act itself and then the forced bearing of a child. Only in a backwards county would such a heinous act be legal.
Gender not genetic. Smart text!!
Who condoned rape? Atkins does not condone rape. I don’t condone rape. Whoever said they condoned rape? Oh yes, you did of me. So Moon, are you saying that all claims to rape are legitimate without review or challenge? Is that your position? Is just saying so enough- can’t be – the consequences are to great.
The issue then is , notwithstanding any other life threatening medical rational, when is abortion appropriate? The abortion on demand meets the life is sacred regardless of how it got here. Bearing a child of rape is awful to you, I get that. For others – others for whom you have no respect, the killing supercedes.
Actually, I am not sure where I am on this – not at the creation of a soul at conception or the simple definiiton of life, but, somewhere past viability abortion on demand is immoral. Others view it differently.
“Actually, I am not sure where I am on this – not at the creation of a soul at conception or the simple definiiton of life, but, somewhere past viability abortion on demand is immoral. Others view it differently.”
@blue- Exactly, that is why it’s called pro-CHOICE, people do what they feel is right for themselves. If someone has been raped and gets pregnant and wants to have the baby that is their CHOICE. Others might view it differently, that is THEIR choice. I don’t believe it is my right to tell other people what to do or what to believe. Many people today try to force their beliefs on others, that’s where the problem starts. IMHO a lot of those who try to force their opinions on others are not representative of society, but of course, that is why we have elections. Let’s see how his comments affect that senate race. Maybe everyone agrees with him and he gets elected in a landslide.
@blue
What does “abortion on demand” mean? That is an expression used by the anti choice crowd, not by pro choice people.
When is abortion appropriate? When the person seeking an abortion feels that it is, as long as the procedure is performed within the guidelines of Roe v wade. Who am I to make that determination for someone else.
Watching brings up something that is really at the crux of the matter. Why are we even talking about a perfectly legal procedure?
My outrage is at Atkin’s suggestion that some rape is not rape. I am not speaking of false accusations here. To even listen to him assumes that one thinks women don’t have good bat brains. I frankly don’t want this moron making laws for me or mine.
You know Moon, I know, first hand, plepty of stories involving people who believED( emphasis on past tense) they too were completely anti choice, until, and that is a big until, they are personally impacted. It’s easy to be anti choice until its your body or YOUR daughter. The parent that would FORCE their daughter to bear the offspring of a rape is simply Taliban mentality to me. THAT is sick to me and I have absolutely no tolerance for that kind of abuse to women, especially those that are the most vulnerable.
FYI to Atkins, people like him and Blue should be strongly advocating for the morning after pill in cases of rape if abortion is so unpalatable to them.
Justifying rape is morally repugnant. Sadly, the congressman’s attitude is all too common within the repugs party.
@Moon-howler
Why are we having this debate – that’s easy, because of an attack on a perfectly good guy who believes deeply and believes that all holy writ confims that abortion is murder and who tried to respond to a loaded but reasonable question regarding when, in his view, abortion might be acceptable – if ever. He actually did confirm some – from his perspective – appropriate situations for abortion. His mistake was to begin a very techical medical discussion about rape that is not an absolute and certainly not understood by very many. We are having this debate because the Obama folks cannot discuss a single program that has worked to improve the economy nor are they prepared to pull back from their mistakes. We are having this debate and the spin on it to counter the real insults and gaffs of old Joe. We are having this debate because there are a lot of folks who are not willing to reverse Roe, but want more controls on it for moral reasons but cannot have a reasoned debate over the issue with the pro-choice crowd. Just for engaging in this discussion I have been villified, offerred to be raped myself and invited to leave the blog.
Elena, I am sure there are as many stories that justify your position as there are of those who really were/are heartbroken and consumed by guilt from the decison. Now personally I beleive in redemption and forgiveness – but again, if you are really suggesting that anyone who oposes abortion on religous grounds is the equivelent of Taliban – that really is offensive and we probably should end this debate right here.
I have no objection – personally – to the morning after pill. I am not a Catholic nor am I locked into other theologies that argue that a soul is created at conception. I am concerned by being able to have access to it underage without parental consent. It presents additional problems at that age.
We are having this debate because someone said something totally unacceptable. The issue isn’t really even about abortion, its about his cavalier attitude about rape.
Interesting that he is a good guy now. We would be having this debate regardless of who is/was president. I have been to this rodeo for many years. There is no such thing as legitimate rape. What a stupid thing to say.
He is perfectly within his rights to think whatever he wants about abortion. What he does not have the right to do is decide what *I* am to think about it or or make laws that restrict the women of America from a legal medical procedure that has been codified by the Supreme Court. He is giving out medical dis-information for political convenience and gain about a subject that has brutalized and terrorized far too many people of both genders. That makes him not such a good guy in my book.
He gets what he deserves from his own party. They are the devourers because they know he socked them in the gut.
Blue said:
You said something very offensive is why you were invited to leave. Perhaps you would like to reread what you said. I will even suggest you walk it back. Since when are rape victims “studied?’ I can’t think of anyone who would volunteer for that. i can’t imagine that the information would even be close to accurate. Most people who wanted an abortion would just go scrape up the money and get one. It would be no one’s business. I find it hard to believe that you don’t see why I found your comments offensive.
yes, Elena and I are pro choice, without apology. We believe women are capable of making their own morally appropriate choices. That means we don’t make choices for others or enact laws that act like we know what is best for them. It certainly doesn’t mean that abortion is the only choice nor does being pro choice advocate abortion.
Why does Paul Ryan want to redefine rape? Rape is rape. The FBI has 2 categories: forcible rape and statutary rape.
Spousal or maritial rape has only been a crime for less than 2 decades. Women are often twice victimized. First by the rapist and then by the legal system.
Blue,
You suggest he is a “good guy”? Why is he a good guy, what do you know about him? Is he your personal friend?
Almost all conservatives are treating this guy like he has the Ebola virus. Why? Because, well, he said a completely ignorant statement based on NO facts.
Let’s break apart his words. His first premise is that in REAL rape, not the kind where, what, in his world women say no but really mean yes?! Anyway, I digress. In his definition of REAL rape, because women are in fear, they can actually stop an egg from being ferilized by the sperm, but in FAKE, give it me baby, I love it rough consentual rape, because women ENJOY it, they can get pregnant.
The damage this turd does to women who are already afraid to report rape is incomprehensible. Having volunteered for a rape crisis hotline, the victims ALREADY feel at fault somehow, like the didn’t fight hard enough, like somehow, it is THEIR fault. He is implying that REAL victims of rape don’t get pregnant! Can you, for just one moment, pretend, humor me, that you or someone you love was the victim of rape and subsequently became pregnant. Imagine how you would feel hearing this kind of rhetoric from somone who might, G-d forbid, get polticial power if he wins.
For the record Blue, anyone that defends that kind of sick drivel on this blog, better well be prepared for the onslaught.
Happened to hear Hennity interviewing Akin on the car radio this PM. He was trying his darndest to get Akin to admit that he should not continue his campaign for the good of the party. Akin, however, stood firm trying to show how terrible it would be if Mrs. Mc ??? (no remember the rest) should win the election.
She must be delighted!!!
See, you get jokey when you try to pin this on Ryan. That’s going to go nowhere…..except for those who hate him anyway. Oh well, bon chance!
You are missing the point. Ryan is one of the people who was trying to redefine rape. Do you think that might be one reason people find Ryan unacceptable? I don’t hate Ryan. I believe I said right up front I would never vote for him because his policies are the opposite of what I would like to see done. However, I dont think he is a moron, just someone who I couldnt vote for from an ideological point of view. He doesn’t work up any disgust or anything.
So you’re never seen any MTV programs. Consider yourself lucky.
A few, pokie…in the past. I used to have a teenage daughter. Afraid that one went over my head. Can and do are do different things. I don’t need some distant male or the government making them for me.
Let’s get past the moral outrage on this and look at what is really happening. This dude just handed Missouri to the democrats.They have to cut him loose if they don’t want to spent the rest of the race fixing what he did because the Democrats and the pro choice people are going to be political (imagine that) and make Akins big mouth define not only his race but also the presidential race.
He won’t cut lose. He is staying until someone makes him an officer he can’t refuse. He created a political crisis. Even Hannity is trying to get him to leave.
Akins is obtuse!
No, he didn’t. At no time did he attempt to redefine rape. What he DID do, however, was introduce a bill to prevent taxpayer funding of abortion EXCEPT in the case of forcible rape.
So if you were a victim of incest or statutory rape, you’d be $hit outta luck. While I disagree with him here I’d be willing to listen to a justification of why he felt it necessary to do so, if there is one.
McKaskill (or whatever her name is), didn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell until this dude opened his mouth and said these incredibly stupid things. And he did just hand the seat over to the Democrat.
@SlowpokeRodriguez
From what I saw today on TV, you are totally correct, Slow.
@Cato the Elder
He and Akins both redefined rape to avoid ever having to pay for it. Regardless of reason, he still redefined rape. Sorry that you don’t like the facts but that’s pretty much the way it is.
Akin’s views are common within the republican party.