Republican Senate candidate claims that pregnancies from rape are just God's will.
(CNN) – Richard Mourdock, running for U.S. Senate in Indiana, said at a debate Tuesday that pregnancies resulting from rape are intended by God.
The Republican candidate was explaining his opposition to abortion in cases of rape or incest when he made the remark."I struggled with it myself for a long time, and I realized that life is a gift from God, and I think even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something God intended to happen," Mourdock said, explaining that he would allow for exceptions to an abortion ban when a mother's life is in danger.
In early May, Mourdock defeated longtime GOP Sen. Richard Lugar in a bitterly contested GOP primary vote, and is facing Democratic Rep. Joe Donnelly in November's election.
In a statement following the debate, Mourdock wrote that "God creates life, and that was my point."
"God does not want rape, and by no means was I suggesting that He does. Rape is a horrible thing, and for anyone to twist my words otherwise is absurd and sick," he continued.
Donnelly also responded, writing, "I think rape is a heinous and violent crime in every instance. The God I believe in and the God I know most Hoosiers believe in, does not intend for rape to happen–ever. What Mr. Mourdock said is shocking, and it is stunning that he would be so disrespectful to survivors of rape."
Mourdock has enjoyed support from GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney, who traveled to Indiana in August to campaign for the tea party-backed candidate alongside former Vice President Dan Quayle and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Romney has also appeared in a television ad for Mourdock.
Former President Bill Clinton stumped in Indiana last week for Donnelly. A Howey/DePauw University poll taken September 19-23 showed Donnelly at 40% and Mourdock at 38% among likely Indiana voters.
The Republican Senate candidate's remarks on rape and abortion are the latest flash point on the highly sensitive issue. In August, U.S. Rep. Todd Akin of Missouri – also running for Senate – ignited a firestorm when he said "legitimate rape" rarely resulted in pregnancy.
Akin, who faced backlash from Democrats as well as from most of his own party, defiantly remained in the race, despite calls from GOP leaders, including Romney, to step aside.
And Rep. Joe Walsh, another tea party-backed Republican running for Senate in Illinois, questioned last week the necessity of allowing abortions if a mother's life is at risk, saying such an exemption to an abortion ban was simply a tool by pro-choice activists.
Speaking after a debate with his opponent, Walsh seemed to suggest medical advances made dangerous pregnancies rare.
"This is an issue that opponents of life throw out there to make us look unreasonable," Walsh said. "There's no such exception as life of the mother, and as far as health of the mother, same thing, with advances in science and technology. Health of the mother has been, has become a tool for abortions any time under any reason."
Where in the hell do these people come from?!? People seriously need to wake the fuck up and take their asses to the polls and vote against these maniacs!!! Why would any woman vote Republican this year?!? Why?!?
Don't ever underestimate the power and reach of the religious right. Mourdock has held views like this for a long time yet still makes political inroads. Surely no sane person would empower such a man? Unfortunately he is not alone and I've heard of people say similar about the disabled for their plight, Black people for AIDS - all God's will. Religious type will campaign and vote for the most illogical and dangerous things in the name of the Creator
ReplyDeletestand and fight? run for the hills?
Chrome that's why I have no problem saying that the more I know people, the more I like roaches.
DeleteReggie, I just got finished reading my devotions and I'm doing my damndest to remain in the spirit, but after reading this, it remains so hard. *sigh*
DeleteI could say a lot of of things, but in keeping with my current state of being, I'll simply say this...Rape is NOT God's will so a pregnancy resulting from it, is NOT God's will. God never intended for a man to violate, demean, and/or reduce a woman to the lowest point of humanity.
People say and do a lot of crazy in the name of God and that's the scary part because those who say these things truly have NO concept of the Word.
When the morons who continue to peddle this bullshyte face their judgment day, we'll see what God's will is then
BluJewel these people would test Job-like patience. Given the age of some of our Supreme Court Justices, our next president will probably be in a position to appoint at least two new members of The Supreme Court. Can you imagine the type of jurist that President Romney might choose?!?
DeleteIf only Religion was out of this equation. A woman that conceived during rape, should be able to decide, what will happen to the unwanted child. If the rapist is known, the judicial system should decide, what will happen to him. The real victim is always the innocent child.
ReplyDeleteReligion might be important if we were electing pope; but fortunately, that just ain't the gig.
DeleteYou're right though, the real victim is the child, after they are born. The mother should get to decide whether or not she chooses to carry that child full term.
Rapists should be castrated. Whether that stops them from raping or not, doesn't matter to me.
As I've been saying, we are quickly approaching a new age of darkness, the likes of which has never been seen before. For all of our technology and it's advancements, it seems that in equal measure with it is spiritual darkness, nihilism and hatred. We're headed for the times of the Roman Empire where people are thrown to the lions for pleasure's sake.
ReplyDeleteOf course, unless good people come out in droves against this madness. If we head for the hills, we'll be surrounded and trapped in the hills, so we had better fight. Martin L King said "The arc of the Moral Universe is Long, but it bends towards justice." So that's encouragement for us.
While that might be Anna Renee, I'm scared shitless myself. I don't understand these people. I don't understand them at all.
DeleteYeah, I do not understand why a woman would vote Republican, seeing how radical the platform is right now. They don't want women to have any rights, and the rights we do have, they want to regulate or just get rid of altogether.
ReplyDeleteThere are far more women in this country than men. If women went out to the polls, our president would have nothing to worry about.
DeleteReggie,
ReplyDeleteI have asked the same thing over at my site and on Facebook. I do not understand it. I don't see how anyone except Old White men, the KKK, the inbred, gap toothed, barefoot, trailer park living fox news watching white people would even consider voting for them fools. But this is America. If Mickey Mouse was running and if he had a catchy slogan, he would be running neck and neck with the President. Sad...but very true.
You forgot one dynamic Dirty Red, the unwashed masses. I'm really concerned Dirty Red, because things could get a helluvalot worse than they are right now.
DeleteSome of my fellow Americans just don't think that fat meat is greasy.
This blog is perfect!!!! I keep asking myself that same question. Not only because of the women's issues but if you don't have money why would you vote Republican? Their policies hurt more people than they help. And don't get me started on the "SO CALLED CHRISTIANS" who do nothing but endorse hatred and absolutely no compassion for their fellow man while quoting bible verses. It just makes me so angry all the crap everyday.
ReplyDeleteWell I don't know about perfect Roz, but as you can see I was quite angry when I typed it. Lately though I find that often when I write a post I am angry. I must be getting old?!?
DeleteI wouldn't find some of the "Christians" so frustrating if at least some of what many of them said made sense. I wonder also if they're thinking WWJD or WW Rush Do? That's not the same thing. Sometimes I think they've never actually read the Bible before, but just read the Cliff notes.
It does appear pretty much an Christian ideal/way of seeing life events. It's a tough one..an not an uncommon school of thought
ReplyDeleteHaving said that then, could a Democrat no hold those views also?
To be honest Dawna, I don't agree with every single plank in the Democratic platform, but maybe thats why I refuse to call myself a Democrat.
DeleteYou do raise an interesting point.
...because they want that Black guy out of the their White House and they don't care about anything else....
ReplyDeleteEXACTLY.
DeleteClearly Val there are millions of Americans who have a problem with our POTUS being a man of color.
DeleteYeah BayouCreole it is what it is.
DeleteThis is the country of the free, and free speech is part of our country.. No were in our constitution does it state we have to have intelligent things come out of our mouths..
ReplyDeleteThis is true 1manview, this is true.
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DeleteNever mind what he thinks God wants....he's running for senate???? thats his reality????shouldnt he be more proactive in reassuring the public and implmenting strategies to deal with rehabilitating rape victims instead???
ReplyDeleteReligion and Politics chalk and cheese....complete plonker!
It's simply amazing to me how detached from reality that some of these politicians appear to be.
DeleteI agree with the barefoot countessa. People of this ilk make me physically sick to my stomach.
ReplyDeleteYeah they make me sick to my stomach too Daij.
DeleteI've already claimed Obama for 4 more years so it is....
ReplyDeleteClaim him then!!!
DeleteI am so amazed that there are so many men that are so invested in the body's of women regardless of the circumstance and/or situation. I dont understand why this is such a topic where there are so many other things/situations that have a larger impact on life. WHO ARE "THEY" TO TELL ME WHAT I CAN OR CANNOT DO WITH MY BODY?
ReplyDeleteThis entire situation completely pisses me off.
That's what I'm saying Freckles. Why?!?
DeleteWhy are some of these gray haired old men so concerned about insurance paying for birth control, when most insurances pay for Viagra?!? That doesn't seem to be a problem for them. Why are they so concerned with a woman's right to choose when it's ALWAYS a man that gets the woman pregnant in the first place?!?
There is a big part of me that absolutely hates to say this but..........
When a man and a woman are having a baby it's kinda like a ham and eggs or a steak and eggs breakfast. The chicken is involved, the pig and the cow are fully commited. The cow and the pig can't just lay an egg and walk away.
These men are scared of women, or at least hate them. Possibly both. And the women who vote for them have been brainwashed to hate themselves. That's the only explanation.
ReplyDeleteI think it's all about control. I don't understand the type of woman who would accept this and accept relinquishing control of her own circumstances. These men don't feel obligated to allowing women a voice. I don't understand why ANY woman would vote Republican this year.....and yet they are out there in their millions. I don't get it.
Delete