How Todd Akin And Paul Ryan Partnered To Redefine Rape
Source: ThinkProgress
Earlier today, Missouri U.S. Senate candidate Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) claimed that legitimate rape does not often lead to pregnancy because the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down. This is not the first time the biologically challenged senate candidate tried to minimize the impact of rape. Last year, Akin joined with GOP vice presidential candidate Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) as two of the original co-sponsors of the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, a bill which, among other things, introduced the country to the bizarre term forcible rape.
Federal law prevents federal Medicaid funds and similar programs from paying for abortions. Yet the law also contains an exception for women who are raped. The bill Akin and Ryan cosponsored would have narrowed this exception, providing that only pregnancies arising from forcible rape may be terminated. Because the primary target of Akin and Ryans effort are Medicaid recipients patients who are unlikely to be able to afford an abortion absent Medicaid funding the likely impact of this bill would have been forcing many rape survivors to carry their rapists baby to term. Michelle Goldberg explains who Akin and Ryan would likely target:
Under H.R. 3, only victims of forcible rape would qualify for federally funded abortions. Victims of statutory rapesay, a 13-year-old girl impregnated by a 30-year-old manwould be on their own. So would victims of incest if theyre over 18. And while forcible rape isnt defined in the criminal code, the addition of the adjective seems certain to exclude acts of rape that dont involve overt violencesay, cases where a woman is drugged or has a limited mental capacity. Its basically putting more restrictions on what was defined historically as rape, says Keenan.
Although a version of this bill passed the GOP-controlled House, the forcible rape language was eventually removed due to widespread public outcry. Paul Ryan, however, believes that the forcible rape language does not actually go far enough to force women to carry their rapists baby. Ryan believes that abortion should be illegal in all cases except for cases in which a doctor deems an abortion necessary to save the mothers life. So rape survivors are out of luck.
-snip-
Read more: http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2012/08/19/712251/how-todd-akin-and-paul-ryan-partnered-to-redefine-rape/
nolabear
(41,991 posts)It should have occurred to them somewhere along the line that when they chose Paul Ryan they'd end up with...well, Paul Ryan.
Coyotl
(15,262 posts)Let the Photoshops Begin = Rep. Todd Akin
http://www.democraticunderground.com/125173320
CoffeeCat
(24,411 posts)I read about Akin earlier in the evening. Now, I hope on line (with insomnia) and I read about Ryan being the sicko behind the "forcible rape" verbiage that he coined.
I never realized that it was Paul Ryan who spearheaded that sick, twisted effort. Turns out he co-sponsored a bill -- with Akin of all people -- to redefine rape as "forcible rape" which suggests that some rape is not forced, consensual if you will.
Seriously. Can anyone believe this? Paul Ryan is going to be very busy this week -- all week -- and no doubt he'll be asked about this in the debates. His actions are indefensible.
He wrote and co-sponsored this "forcible rape" bill with Akin. Paul Ryan hitched his wagon to a meteorite, I believe.
The upside to all of this--is that Paul Ryan is going to be held to account--on steroids. That sick bastard coined the term "forcible rape" and he spearheaded the effort to force this on every woman in the United States. This personal "forcible rape" project was very important to Ryan. He worked hard on it with Mr. Akin. However, he was forced to abandon the language because public outcry killed his bill. The issue faded away without Ryan being held accountable.
But today is a new day.
I am really looking forward to hearing Ryan explain what "forcible rape" is and the differences between rape and "forcible rape." He cannot escape accountability this time. This was his pet project for which he fought.
Berlum
(7,044 posts)thank you
bucolic_frolic
(43,344 posts)to make Ryan into some macho superhero?
He can redefine rape, make it legitimate in some cases to violate
the sanctity of women
His budget attempts to make it legitimate to violate the sanctity
of Medicare with VoucherCare
and violate the sanctity of Social Security with private accounts
managed by Wall Street
Rape is rape by any definition
Trying to make superheros by twisting and manipulating minds with
garbage is anti-Christian in my book
pnwmom
(109,000 posts)like to redefine rape. Apparently, giving consent for sex with a condom the night before means a woman gives consent to being penetrated in her sleep the next morning -- without a condom.
Otherwise, it's not a legitimate rape.
I try to stay out of it because I support Sweden's very feminist interpretation of justice but don't want to be thrown under the bus as anti-Wikileaks / anti-justice.
Anyway, just wanted to say you put it perfectly. It's really frustrating to see those comments.
Quantess
(27,630 posts)Hmm, let's see....
NOTHING.
blkmusclmachine
(16,149 posts)Assange's most likely framed. Innocent until proven guilty.
pnwmom
(109,000 posts)I disagree with those who say the allegations, if proven, wouldn't constitute rape.
Bernardo de La Paz
(49,047 posts)Quote: "Ryan believes that abortion should be illegal in all cases except for cases in which a doctor deems an abortion necessary to save the mothers life. "
CoffeeCat
(24,411 posts)Paul Ryan tried to narrow and distort the definition of rape--so that he could further legislate the denial of more abortions. He coined the term "forcible rape" because he wanted to further constrain abortions--for some women who are raped.
Ryan's legislation, that he co-authored with Mr. Akin -- would have made abortions illegal for women on Medicaid who were raped when no overt violence was used. That means women who are raped with the date-rape drug are on their own. Children who are raped by their fathers, uncles, grandfathers or coaches are on their own. Those situations almost always don't include violence as this type of child rape involves grooming, trauma and psychological games that leave the child unable to fight back. Any woman who blacked out due to trauma--and didn't fight back--is on her own.
This is really sick and inhumane, people. I don't know how Paul Ryan lives with himself. Yet, he authored this legislation and proudly sponsored the bill. He believed so deeply that some rapes are not "forcible rapes" that he spearheaded this effort with Akin.
So, I'd say the "key takeaway" is that Paul Ryan is willing to suggest that some rapes are not forced--just so he can personally force some women to continue pregnancies when they are raped in ways that didn't involve overt violence.
Again, that is sick. And it needs to be discussed and Paul Ryan needs to explain.
drynberg
(1,648 posts)1. Relevant to his VP attempt
2. Very relevant to those seeking to terminate a pregnancy, esp. from RAPE
3. We are judged by the company we keep (like Atkin)
4. Rmoney, we have a problem...
CoffeeCat
(24,411 posts)...but I'm seeing no Akin/Paul Ryan this morning from our oh-so liberal media.
If the media ignores this...they are disgusting.
We must post the Ryan/Akin article about their co-sponsoring HR3--EVERYWHERE. Fire up your
Facebooks, write in the comments sections on CNN and other national outlets.
It is unfair if the media dismisses this. This is huge.
Ryan co-wrote this legislation. He devoted a great deal of time and resources to redefining what rape is. He even
came up with a new definition "forced rape." The man needs to explain--big time.
Please everyone--spend a few minutes today disseminating the truth.
Liberalynn
(7,549 posts)avebury
(10,952 posts)Bernardo de La Paz
(49,047 posts)Berlum
(7,044 posts)A story within the story ?
Response to highplainsdem (Original post)
freshwest This message was self-deleted by its author.
stopbush
(24,397 posts)They are saying things that are supported by their church doctrine.
They have elevated make believe (religion) to the status of reality, and are going through life under the delusion that they are tuned into some cosmic truth. They aren't.
CoffeeCat
(24,411 posts)...to fight like a dog--to prevent women who are raped from having abortions--is a very sick person.
This is not about saving babies. This is about controlling women and being very sadistic.
It's creepy that some man would work tirelessly to redefine what rape is -- just so he can force more women to continue pregnancies caused by rape.
I don't think these men think of women as people. They're just objects about which they're legislating and dictating what they can and can't do with their bodies. As they write these sick words, they are not really thinking about women as people.
It's psychopathic and it's disgusting. Paul Ryan and his cohort Mr. Akin are sick.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)How people like this can achieve any status in Public Office just baffles me.
lavenderdiva
(10,726 posts)you paint with a very wide brush, stopbush. Not all Christians think this way. IMHO, they say these things not because they are Christians, but because they are ignoramuses of the highest order.
Yes, there are a lot of fundie nutjobs out there going off at the mouth about these sorts of things, but I can name you at least a hand-full of people who, like me are Christians, and believe the way that I do, that women should make their own decisions about their own bodies -- and I'm sure there are lots more too, even here at DU. You just don't hear them blasting away through megaphones with signs that are misspelled, or giving interviews saying very stupid things revealing their lack of knowledge about basic biology.
alarimer
(16,245 posts)Let's give them all the cold shoulder.
I hate these fucking people. I hate them. They are truly horrible.
bucolic_frolic
(43,344 posts)Birthers
Why don't they get out of everyone's bedroom?
"forcible rape"??? "legitimate rape"???
Maybe they're illegitimate anti-birthers, if 2 negatives make the opposite
Why don't they just go quietly about their business and live and let live?
Everything the Republicans ain't:
"Desiderata
Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its shams, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy."
--- Max Ehrmann
wordpix
(18,652 posts)I had this argument with a Xtian friend of mine, who justifies pro-life and anti-gay activism with, "It says in the Bible," and "God is for this and against that."
When I said, "That argument does not hold water because many people are atheists and don't believe in God and know the Bible is a collection of stories written 3000 yrs. ago, some of which cannot possibly be true," she then attempted to "prove" God is real because she's seen fall on the floor and speak in tongues when God has "anointed" them.
I told her I could fall on the floor and speak gibberish, too, but there is no physical evidence God exists.
wordpix
(18,652 posts)depicting rape and violence against women as something male spectators should hoot and holler for and beg for more. A tearful woman is dragged around by the hair, turned over a man's knee, slapped, spanked, yelled at and ordered around, and otherwise degraded as violent sex acts are intimated.
http://www.mothersopposingmcmahon.org/
DU should ban these ads for McMahon! I'm all for free speech but DU, you should not be putting them up to help McMahon who has done nothing to make her millions but glorify abuse and violence against women.
It's not entertainment, it's SICK.
riverwalker
(8,694 posts)like a stinking goat carcass. He will never get rid of the stench.
CoffeeCat
(24,411 posts)Facebook, Twitter and the comment sections need to be fired up with our words--letting people know that Akin and Ryan both co-sponsored legislation that narrowed the definition of rape to "forcible rape." As if some rapes aren't forcible????
Who in the hell are these people? What is wrong with them?
Their crazy ideas need to be revealed to the electorate. They need to know who is running for office.
Please--post to social media and get on the comment sections of articles and voice these concerns.
Here is the link to the legislation (co-sponsored by many, including Akin and Paul Ryan) that clearly spells out this "forcible rape" redefinition that was added. This was specifically added, but luckily it died.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/111/hr5939
Spread the word!!!
Arugula Latte
(50,566 posts)Seriously, there seems to be no limit to the stupidity, extremism and just plain evilness of the GOP and their minions.