The World's Reaction to Akins Rape Statement

I HOPE that this news is just as appalling and disgusting to the rest of you as it is to me.  Though Todd Akin later apologized and explained his reasoning, it does not excuse his actions.  Words can never be unspoken.

Congressman Todd Akin, a republican from Missouri, was recently asked if he believed that abortion is justified in cases of rape.  His response was matched with gasps and head shakes from men and women all across the nation.  "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."  I'm not sure what doctors he's been talking to, or what university he attended, but his lack of empathy and sensitivity for women who have been traumatize in this way is just astounding.  Senator Claire McCaskill, the Democrat whose Senate seat Mr. Akin is seeking, released a statement soon after, discussing her negative feelings toward Akin's remark.  She has worked closely with hundreds of rape victims and truly understands the pain they have endured.  McCaskill later stated, "It is that experience that makes Akin's statements so outrageous". Of course the senator shot back a rebuttal, claiming that he mispoke in the interview, "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. I also recognize that there are those who, like my opponent, support abortion, and I understand I may not have their support in this election”.

Mit Romney, the Republican presidential nominee, called Mr. Akin's comments "insulting, inexcusable, and frankly, wrong".  Mike Huckabee, out of the kindness of his heart, allowed Akin on his radio program to explain himself, respectable I thought, but still unforgivable.  Obama himself condemned the congressman's remarks and said they were an example of why politicians should not make health care decisions for women.

As the chorus of politicians each put in their own two cents, the public responded in similar, yet unique ways.

The "Renegade Raging Grannies" made up a song, ending with this lovely gesture.  

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/21/us/politics/rep-todd-akin-legitimate-rape-statement-and-reaction.html?_r=1