To The Editor:
Republicans who reacted to Rep. Todd Akin’s recent comment about rape gives us a preview of what to expect from the GOP.
Here are the names of just a few who seek to silence, perhaps evict, Rep. Akin: Sen. Blunt, Sen. Cornyn, Sen. McCain, Sen. McConnell, and Rep. Ryan. Accompanying them are Sen. Ashcroft, Sen. Bond, Sen. Brown, Sen. Danforth, RNC Chair Priebus, Gov. Romney, and Sen. Talent.
Akin is consistent with the words and spirit of H.R. 3, which was sponsored by Rep. Smith of New Jersey and cosponsored by 227 others, including Ryan. It was introduced Jan. 19, 2011 and was passed by the House on May 4, 2011.
In other words, Akin is not some lone, fringe Republican. He has the support of a majority of GOP representatives.
After the passage of H. R. 3, Senate Bill S.877 was introduced on May 4, 2011 by Sen. Hatch with 34 cosponsors. Among the cosponsoring Senators were Blunt, Cornyn, McCain, and McConnell. Again, Akin is not some lone, fringe Republican. He has support of many Senate Republicans as well.
The GOP wants to deprive him of his right to free speech. How well will they fight for your rights when they act as if Akin said something terrible even though they hold the same beliefs as he does? How well will they fight for your rights if it is expedient for them to deprive you as well?
No matter how you feel about Akin’s speech, he has the right to express his beliefs. He, at least, is candid about what he believes and has the courage to say so.
I do not share his beliefs,but I respect his obvious integrity and honesty. Why have 262 other members of Congress suddenly developed a political amnesia?
ARTHUR THOMAS
Gloucester
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