Mike Huckabee Discusses The Bright Side Of Rape With Pal Todd Akin
COMMENTARY — While we’ve heard a whole heck of a lot about Todd Akin’s views on “legitimate” rape in the past few days (views for which he has since apologized), not nearly as much press has been given to some reactions within the GOP tent after the controversial remarks stirred up a whole pot of rape culture vs. redefining rape debate in the US.
And, to be fair to Akin, he is not the sole Republican voice advocating for a critical eye when it comes to rape in the US. Earlier today, we reported on Rep. Steve King’s followup remarks indicating that he’d never personally heard of any pregnancies resulting from statutory rape or incest, and, when Akin appeared on Mike Huckabee’s show to discuss the controversy today, Huckabee also voiced some opinions that many would deem an example of rape culture.
For the purposes of current debate, it is important rape and its myriad legal considerations are separated from the consequences and outcomes of rape, lest the violation itself be minimized due to the potential for an outcome that may eventually be positive or acceptable to the victim. And, given the nature of the crime, Huckabee’s remarks appear even more heinous than one might initially perceive.
Speaking of the impact of rape, Huckabee explains that some notable figures were the product of rapes. And, indeed, throughout history, some women have made the painful choice to carry a pregnancy resulting from a rape to term. But, in the discussion of whether rape is “legitimate,” such considerations really do not deserve a mention.
What Huckabee said was:
“Ethel Waters, for example, was the result of a forcible rape… I used to work for James Robison back in the 1970s, he leads a large Christian organization. He, himself, was the result of a forcible rape. And so I know it happens, and yet even from those horrible, horrible tragedies of rape, which are inexcusable and indefensible, life has come and sometimes, you know, those people are able to do extraordinary things.”
Notable too is Mike Huckabee’s choice of words: “forcible rape.” While it may seem to some to be a relevant qualifier, what it truly is designed to do, as a word, is call into question whether the majority of rapes are “real rapes.” (Or as Whoopi Goldberg might say, “rape rapes.”)
That we are even having this conversation in 2012 is upsetting, but the fact that notable people such as Mike Huckabee are advancing these concepts — to the detriment of victims everywhere — is inexcusable. A position on abortion is one thing, but casting doubt on the trauma victimized women (and sometimes men) suffer every day in this country is an inexcusable transgression, and folks like Mike Huckabee should really reconsider their words, do the right thing, and clarify their positions.
Tags : gop, mike huckabee, mike huckabee rape, mike huckabee todd akin, Missouri, Mitt Romney, Mitt Romney Todd Akin, rape apology, rape legitimacy, rape pregnancy, Todd Akin, todd akin rape controversy, war on women
Posted: August 22, 2012
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Aug 22, 2012
"Legitimate" rape?
If the Republicans win, the rich will abort Medicare and Social Security,
as they rape this COUNTRY…."legitimately".
Lyin' Ryan and More-mon-ey Romney are the Conservative Caviar Candidates.
They're the DREAM team for the super-rich – they want it ALL!
But they're the NIGHTMARE team for seniors, the middle-class , women’s rights, students receiving Pell grants, and the rest of us who are struggling…. while the big corporations send jobs and profits overseas, and the super-rich like Romney avoid paying their fair share.
Romney-Ryan can fool some of the people some of the time.
But no more – we’re ON to you guys!
Aug 22, 2012
More brilliant comments on rape by another pathetic excuse for a politician.
Aug 23, 2012
Christian bigot, don't it just figure, he is such a man of God, HA!
Aug 23, 2012
Christian bigot, don't it just figure, he is such a man of God, HA!
Aug 23, 2012
I cannot stand these two faced bastards. How many women do they actually know that have been raped, and what gives them the right to make any determination as to what a woman should do about it?
Aug 23, 2012
They both sicken and terrify me at the same time…
Aug 23, 2012
hear hear! How can any man make a judgement on something like that??!!
Aug 23, 2012
As well they should. People like these two, who are in power, would subject women to their will, setting them back 60 years or more. This cannot be allowed. Women need to stand up for themselves. This isn't a matter of party, this is matter of equality and human dignity. I wonder, how would these men feel if the shoe were on the other foot?
Aug 23, 2012
the ignorance…"forcible rape?"…is there such thing as a welcome rape? how can people vote for and support these jerks? Sad and scary.
Aug 23, 2012
No doubt about it, Val.
Aug 23, 2012
Outrageous!!!!
Aug 23, 2012
sisnce when is there ever a bright side to rape?????
Aug 23, 2012
That's like saying that there is a bright side to murder. They are both violent crimes.
Aug 23, 2012
I started venting all over my poor husband on this topic. I Teach this stuff; I know women who have been raped. These guys are in an ivory tower, spewing garbage. They all need to spend some time in a battered women's shelter or talk to victims of rape. Makes me sick!!!! I cannot vote republican. We women will be dragged back to the 1950s. Maybe they would like us all to start douching with Lysol again!! I have devoted too much of myself to marches, prolife barricades at obstetricians' homes , as a nurse escort at Planned Parenthood, and experiencing heart-wrenching conversations with young female students who have been victimized in one way or another…bc they are female! Sorry to go off on this, but I am preparing material for a Women and Violence class…terrifying and tragic stuff.
Aug 23, 2012
how many women have they or someone in their families raped and then had it covered up. these comments are positively archaic.
Aug 23, 2012
It's fine, Peg. Someone needs to say it. I know a couple of battered women, up close and personal. Enough said. No one has the right to use another human being, period.
Aug 23, 2012
http://www.mum.org/Lysol48.htm
Aug 23, 2012
Read it. Really dangerous and disgusting.
Aug 23, 2012
My father was a republican, but these republicans are different people. What I can't stand is all the lies! They blow everything up to look good for them. Why can't they show they're good government. Money and shareholders is all they care about.
Aug 23, 2012
My mother was a Republican, also. This is no longer the party of Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt. It has been taken over.
Aug 23, 2012
Disgusting!
Aug 23, 2012
There's a bright side? He must be talking about that other 10th demension world he lives in right? We could always dress him up and show him "legitimate".
Aug 23, 2012
Someone needs to set these sanctimonious hypocrites on their ears. American Women must stand as one and say 'Enough!'
Aug 23, 2012
Huckabee is as ignorant and asinine as Akins. They represent far right wing of the republican party, the tea Party. Pay attention America, they are ruthless liars and will do anything to take our country back to 1955. Please read Margaret Atwood's book "The Handmaid's tale", written over 30 years ago, and it is a road map as to where this group wants to take women. It'll scare the hell out of you. Just like Akins, Huckabee, and a large segment of the tea Party.
Aug 27, 2012
Huckabee and Akins are "legitimate" assholes.