Mist-AKIN' Decision to Remain in Race

Mist-AKIN’ Decision to Remain in Race
Commentary by Sanford D. Horn
August 22, 2012

My mother, of Blessed memory, used to say, “when two people tell you you’re drunk, lie down.”

Congressman Akin, Mitt Romney and Karl Rove have spoken.

Congressman Akin, your friend and colleague Paul Ryan has spoken – and to you personally.

Congressman Akin, Sarah Palin has quoted Kenny Rogers when she said you’ve “got to know when to hold ‘em [and] know when to fold ‘em.”

Congressman Akin, your fellow Show Me Staters John Ashcroft, Kit Bond, Roy Blunt, John Danforth and Jim Talent, senators past and present have spoken.

Congressman Akin, Senators Scott Brown (MA), John Cornyn (TX) and Ron Johnson (WI) have spoken.

Congressman Akin, conservative commentators and writers Charles Krauthammer, Mark Levin, and Sean Hannity have spoken.

Congressman Akin, the people with the big money have spoken.

Only, you’re not listening to the message, Congressman Akin: GET OUT NOW! Drop out of the race for the United States Senate or you may very well cost the Republican Party the opportunity it needs to regain a majority in that body that can end Obamacare; that can actually pass a budget, something that has not been done on over 1,100 days; and that can restore the dignity needed that has been missing under the so-called leadership of the pugilistic Harry Reid (D-NV).

Congressman Akin, sadly, your message has been heard loud and clear and is resonating nationwide like Bobby Thompson’s 1951 shot heard ‘round the world.

Congressman Akin, you did not misspeak, flub a word or two, or as you said, “get a word in the wrong place.” You got your whole statement about rape in the wrong place – from your head, to your mouth, to the ears of millions of voters.

On Sunday, August 19, six-term Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO), a staunchly pro-life House member opposing all abortions even in cases of rape, said pregnancies from rape are “really rare.”

“If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut the whole thing down. 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 of the rapist, and not attacking the child,” said Akin in an interview on KTVI-TV.

There are so many things wrong with Akin’s statement, it’s a wonder the television interviewer’s head didn’t explode trying to keep the incredulous laughter that should have burst out, on the inside. But this is not a funny matter at all.

Rape is rape – the forcing of unwanted sex upon someone, male or female. The legitimacy of rape is left to the courts to decide as per a he/she said, he/she said argument.

“Some punishment?” I have fervently held the view of the death penalty being the appropriate punishment for a rapist, a subhuman piece of filth who has inexorably altered a person’s life in perpetuity.

I am also pro-life; but who am I to tell a traumatized woman who has been impregnated, not by choice, to carry to term a child that will be the constant reminder of the violence besot upon her? Yes, the child could be put up for adoption, but for nine months, that violated woman still has the reminder of the ordeal to carry around furthering her pain.

I am not going to use this space to argue the merits of overturning Roe v. Wade, or whether or not a person approving of an abortion for a rape victim is truly pro-life.

The issue here is whether or not a sitting Congressman, who fully understands the implications of his bid for the United States Senate, should remain in a race that could have the ultimate impact on the direction the Senate goes in the 2012 elections.

Congressman Akin, you have made some outlandishly obtuse and unintelligent statements that are offensive and hurtful to many people. You understand the implications of remaining in a race necessary for the GOP to recapture the Senate and the risk at which you put that potential victory.

You have heard the words and messages of so many from your party. Now it is time to appreciate those words and heed those messages. Make the honorable decision, Congressman Akin; remove your name from consideration for the United States Senate as your party leaders have asked. Be the team player that will help your team win this fall.

Sanford D. Horn is a writer and educator living in Westfield, IN