I can understand why some politicians are tempting to talk about being "stunned" or "shocked" by the type of statements Todd Akin has made, yet again. But anyone taken by surprise either has not been paying attention, has no memory, is delusional, or just plain stupid. I've been tracking the far right since I was in high school. I have no problem admitting that I have been paying attention for rather personal reasons. These crazy assholes scare the shit out of me.
In regard to Akin specifically, his statements are no more offensive than many others he's made. The mainstream media does not always pay attention to him either. Unfortunately when they do the tend to frame his comments or actions as if they are an anomaly. They are not. Akin has always been a religious right crusader. A partial list of the bills he has introduced over the past few years is a pretty good indication of what he really cares about.
H.Con.Res. 284 (110th): Encouraging the President to proclaim 2008 as “The National Year of the Bible”.
H.Res. 598 (110th): Supporting the goals of the Ten Commandments Commission and congratulating such Commission and its supporters for their key role in promoting and ensuring recognition of the Ten Commandments as the cornerstone of Western law.
H.R. 699 (110th): Pledge Protection Act of 2007
H.Res. 153 (108th): Recognizing the public need for fasting and prayer in order to secure the blessings and protection of Providence for the people of the United States and our Armed Forces during the conflict in Iraq and under the threat of terrorism
*Parents Right to Know Act
*Pledge Protection Act
A handful of days later with media attention (finally) a large number of Republican/conservative pundits and politicians are now asking Akin bow out of his reelection bid. I'd be fine with that but would point what a bunch of hypocrits and selfrighteous assholes they all are. I have no doubt that had the media and the general public shrugged it off or not paid more than a moments attention they never would have gotten indignant. Most of them have said very similar things or worse. The GOP platform itself is not that far removed from such ignorant spiteful dehumanizing crap.
* I didn't include specific year or bill number since he introduced each of these acts multiple times. You might be aware that the "right to know" is more about chipping away at reproductive rights. The pledge was basically him having a hissy fit over atheists pointing out that "under God" was not historical, honest, or constitutional.
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