A LETTER FOR YOU, REP TODD AKIN

Dear Rep. Akin,

My name is Shauna Prewitt. You do not know me, but you should. I am one of the approximately 25,000 women who every year become pregnant as a result of rape, and I would like to help you better “empathize” with my story.

During my final year of college, I experienced an event that was so absolute in its effects that, since it occurred, it has figured as the point of reference from which all understandings and meanings of my life now stem: I was raped.

I do not know if, in your terms, it was “legitimate rape.” Yes, I cried hysterically. Yes, I fought until my body ached. And, yes, I changed afterward in ways I could not ever imagine.

As I read Shauna's letter, my anger at Akin and his ilk grew and grew with each word, each paragraph.  I have to wonder if those men (and probably a few women out there, too) believe that women who are raped are real human beings.  Rep Todd Akin, how dare you?  How can you speak, how can you think so heartlessly, so soullessly?  Have you no shame?  I suppose not.  You should resign...NOW.

UPDATE: One of my Facebook friends thought it might be best if Akin hangs in as a Representative and as a candidate for the Senate, and he may just be right.  Drip, drip, drip...  

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Is "legitimate rape" an oxymoron?

Rep Todd Akin:

"It seems to me first of all, from what I understand from doctors, that's really rare," Akin said. "If it's a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down," Akin said of a rape victim's chances of becoming pregnant.

I don't need to ask if Akin's statement is other than ignorant garbage.  I'd like to know the names of the doctors who spew the garbage. Actually, my question of the day is, as some of you may have already suspected, rhetorical.

IF MEN GOT PREGNANT. . .

* Maternity leave would last for two years . . . with full pay.

* There'd be a cure for stretch marks.

* Natural childbirth would become obsolete.

* Morning sickness would rank as the nation's number-one health
problem.

* All methods of birth control would be improved to 100 percent effectiveness.

* Children would be kept in the hospital until they were toilet trained.

* Men would be eager to talk about commitment.

* They wouldn't think twins were quite so cute.

* Fathers would demand that their sons be home from dates by 10:00 p.m.

* Men could use THEIR briefcases as diaper bags.

* They'd have to stop saying, "I'm afraid I'll drop him."

* They'd stay in bed for the entire nine months.

* Menus at most restaurants would list ice cream and pickles as an entree.

* Paternity suits would be a line of clothes.


Cheers,

Paul (A.)

Thanks, Paul. You should know. :-)