ST. LOUIS — Representative Todd Akin apologized Monday for televised comments in which he said that women’s bodies are able to prevent pregnancies if they are victims of ‘‘a legitimate rape,’’ but he refused to heed calls to abandon his bid for the Senate.
Appearing on Mike Huckabee’s radio show, Akin, a Missouri Republican, said rape is ‘‘never legitimate.’’
Comments
Grammar lesson for Mr. Akin. "Legitimate rape" is an oxymoron. "Forcible rape" is a tautology.
I don't understand the attempts to create classes of rape. If an individual is forced to have sex against their will, it's rape. If an individual is taken advantage of when they're not able to make a decision, it's rape. If an individual is in any way coerced into having sex, it's rape. This is straightforward and logical. And, Rep. Fathead Akin, rape is NEVER EVER legitimate.
sunnypatch, I heard the statement in context and it was not a big thing. It's being blown way out of proportion, both by the Democrats because they can score political points with a politically incorrect sound byte, and by the Republicans because they just want to win and have no backbone to stand up for right. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I'm not sure what he was trying to say by "legitimate", but I *think* he meant a rape where the claim is not false. Are you political correct types saying that false claims of rape are OK, the alleged rapist should be punished anyway. The woman filing the false claim should not be prosecuted. What is this, the Madonna Complex? Women are perfect, but weak and need every support. Men are bad, born bad, and need to be punished (and used)? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> So, come on people, are those politically correct among you saying that there are NEVER false claims of rape? Do you know what the penalty for rape is? It's not like shoplifting. Do you think the woman (any woman) should be taken at her word? Are you crazy? Do you think people (men and women) don't lie and exaggerate? Have you ever watched the People's Court? Get real. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Of course, rape is a crime and should be severely punished -- no dispute about that (like mugging, assault and battery). >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I stand with Mr. Akin.
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SO wait, saying "rape is never legitimate" makes you inhuman? Please enlighten us. What constitutes a legitimate rape? One where the woman was wearing tight fitting clothes, perhaps?
Some of you are foaming at the mouth so much you don't even know what you are saying. GrnMachine's message to Rep. Fathead Akin is: "rape is NEVER EVER legitimate". Is that what the intended message was? Or was it "rape is NEVER EVER illegitimate"? Telling that the Globe censors me over pointing tht out. To think clearly you have to be able to understand the words you are using and then use them appropriately to make your point. Do I really need to make that point to the Globe?
By the way, Globe, it seems strange to remove the comment but leave the reply.
Wasn't aware one could apologize for being embarrassingly and unforgivably dumb! I suspect this fellow doesn't really know he is dumb.
The Republicans strongly believe in states' rights, and it is the people of Missouri's right to vote for whomever they please. The GOP should not interfere by pressuring Mr. Akin to withdraw. If the bushwackers of Missouri want to vote for (or against) this ig'nint cracker, it's their right!
Off the cuff? Says it all right there