What I Learned

From The Republican Platform

To the Editor:

It is no secret that I disagree with many Republican ideologies and behaviors in general, but even more intense conflicts emerge going forward into this election. I graduated from college in 1971 — during the Vietnam War — and, I have had spirited debates with some longtime friends from those days from opposite sides of issues over the years. These discussions are most memorable because our diverse opinions were palliated by mutual respect, and love as well as a rich history together. Airing our differences was informative and, in some cases, enlightening.

Having said that, the absurd and inane comments recently spewed by a Missouri candidate for the Senate, Todd Akin, have exceeded my wildest notions about ignorance and impropriety. To summarize: Mr Akin said of pregnancies which resulted from rape. “If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.” Really? On what planet is that true, because no one here on earth that I’ve ever heard of believes that to be so.

I’ve heard that certain extremists and ultraconservatives, such as Akin, exist in an “alternative universe,” but I’ve never seen or heard such incontrovertible evidence to validate that accusation until now.

 It seems that Republicans approved “platform language” on Tuesday calls for a “constitutional amendment outlawing abortion with no explicit exceptions for cases of rape or incest” (emphasis is mine). This appears to be the same position that Akin holds, minus the ridiculous and bizarre references he made to a woman’s biological capacities. Unfortunately, I was unable to determine what the party’s position on abortion when the life of the mother is at risk, but the language suggests there is no stated position for that circumstance.

I recently read that although Congressman Ryan had co-sponsored a bill with Todd Akin essentially redefining “forcible rape” in such a way as to “limit federal funding for abortions of rape victims,” he supports Governor Romney’s position for “exceptions in the case of rape, incest, and when the life of the mother is at stake.” However, Romney’s position would not be the first time that a candidate’s stance on an issue is at odds with the party’s platform.

It’s a mystery to me how the extreme right (religious right? neoconservatives? ultraconservatives? Tea Party? ...I’m not trying to be flip; I honestly don’t know the most appropriate term or the difference among them), has been able to get away with referring to those of us who are “pro-choice” as being pro-abortion. It’s certainly not the point of view of any liberal that I am familiar with. Why has the media not taken this reference — and those who use it publicly — to task for its inaccuracy? And I believe it is this group who delights in calling the mainstream media the “liberal media.” I have taken to referring to it as the “lame-stream media” (few exceptions) for their preference for seeking ratings and sales rather than reporting facts and analyses.

Michael Luzzi

Boggs Hill Road, Newtown                                  September 12, 2012