Sen. Claire McCaskill’s gift of Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) is a gift that simply keeps on giving. Previously Akin alienated the GOP leadership and most of the known world with comments that, in cases of legitimate rape, women often do not get pregnant because “the female body has ways to shut that whole thing down.” He also claimed that doctor routinely performed abortions on women who are not pregnant. Now, at a Tea Party meeting in Jefferson City, Missouri, Akin has said that that there is no science behind evolution. Akin sits on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.
Akin’s remarks not only leave doubt about his knowledge — or ability to understand – science but also what he considers “the thing” that he is supposed to do in Washington:
I don’t see it as even a matter of science because I don’t know that you can prove one or the other. That’s one of those things. We can talk about theology and all of those other things but I’m basically concerned about, you’ve got a choice between Claire McCaskill and myself. My job is to make the thing there. If we want to do theoretical stuff, we can do that, but I think I better stay on topic.
Of course, such comments could be used by some to disprove any evidence that we have evolved intellectually. Frankly, whenever I hear Akin speak recently I too begin to doubt evolution in the human species.
Notably, Akin sits on the committee with Rep. Paul Broun, the chairman of the House Science Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight. Broun made headlines this month with the following statement: at the 2012 Sportsman’s Banquet at Liberty Baptist Church in Hartwell, Georgia on September 27th, he said this:
God’s word is true. I’ve come to understand that. All that stuff I was taught about evolution and embryology and the big bang theory, all that is lies straight from the pit of Hell. It’s lies to try to keep me and all the folks who were taught that from understanding that they need a savior. You see, there are a lot of scientific data that I’ve found out as a scientist that actually show that this is really a young Earth. I don’t believe that the earth’s but about 9,000 years old. I believe it was created in six days as we know them. That’s what the Bible says.
As many of you know, I have shown equal disregard for both of the main parties that hold a monopoly on power in the United States. Indeed, the low quality politicians that we see in both parties is the very danger of all monopolies — once protected from competition, the quality of a product declines. The political monopoly in this country is the ultimate example of that phenomenon. What we need is a Sherman Act for politics, starting with the eradication of the electoral college and the establishment of a new rule on general elections.
As for Republicans, I have many friends from that party who are intellectual and honest. These characters are destroying the credibility of their party which often appears anti-intellectual and anti-science.
“Shortly after the VP debate, I burned my voter registration card and it is too late to get another one – I’m out. For the first time since the age of 18, I will not be voting.” (Eric Schwarz)
Such drama!
Now poor ol’ Eric can’t even vote for any issues that may affect his future.
We call that cutting off your nose to spite your face.
I knew a woman who was a huge Bruce Springsteen fan but burned all her concert teeshitrs and CD’s when Springsteen supported Obama in 2008. She actually wanted me to feel sorry for her having been pushed to take such action. What a hoot!
Election time really brings out the crazies.
Huntsman – Republican party is the anti-science party
nick S ,I am not a fan of Mccaskill ,either, but the race says more about the political leanings in Missouri these days that it does about her. Obama is not winning there either. The state is pretty red.
In all fairness there are many factors.
SwM, just mentioned one which encompasses mine, where I thought to say that if you tell a man what he wants to hear he will trust you. “Here’s my money, go to it.”
Then there is of course the fact that evolution does NOT, repaet NOT means the same as advancement.
But “bad” evolutional development are supposed to be selected out of the species.
In spite of it all, some species disappear for different reasons. Maybe we will to because of an experiement in government which is subverted by thieves.
Elaine, There are cliques of groupthink. There is not a collective groupthink here since obviously I’m here as are a few other independents. If I go into the clique groupthink then it will start getting personal which is never productive.
Copy that, Elaine.
And I think it is fear from the moderate conservatives I’ve spoken to.
nick,
P.S. I have voted for Republicans in the past. The Republican Party of today is not the Republican Party that I remember from my earlier years. It seems there are few moderates left in the GOP–or maybe the moderates are afraid to speak out.
SWM, I believe Macaskill will win. However, the fact that this is still a race says more about her than Akin. I worked w/ Macaskill, she is pure politics and the folks in Missouri know that. You can’t win a statewide election in Missouri w/o getting a portion of independents. The fact that she’s still fighting for them w/ this Akin idiot should be edifying to Dems.
nick,
I wrote:
“You seem to perceive a certain mindset in the people who disagree with you politically through the narrow lens of your own mindset.”
I’ll repeat that again. You appear to perceive people who disagree with you politically through a narrow lens.
Do you have proof to support your allegations about the “groupthink” on this blog?
idealist, When I was in Dingle, County, Kerry, Ireland ,a fairly remote place, a woman that worked in a store was reading an Irish paper with a picture of Aiken on the front page. She said American republicans and their followers are crazy.
‘Pro-Life’ Personhood: Paul Ryan Could Be The Next Vice President ‘Ultrasound’
Elaine, I consistently vote Dem, Republican, and Third Party. Does that mean I have a “narrow lens”? Of course not, it means I have an open mind. Oh, I just saw another Obama Big Bird ad this morning here in Wisconsin. You continue to be much more honorable than the Obama campaign.
You’ll appreciate this. I drove to Minnesota last Friday to visit my daughter. When I got to LaCrosse, Wi. there was a traffic jam. I figured it was an accident since it was mid afternoon and LaCrosse really doesn’t even have a rush hour. Then I saw a motorcade and realized it was Uncle Joe! My derision for him is well documented. It’s just another example of my belief that God is a ball buster.
Commenting without reading comments
As usual an idea strikes me, and I pass it on.
Professor Turley,
Are you not missing a big point, in fact one you mention in passing but do not develop, sir?
How is it that idiots like those exemplified DO get elected? Or how is it that good candidates do not get elected and re-elected?
The Electoral Commission does not effect Congressional races, or does it? In my ignorance(?) I assumed that the popular vote decided. If the EC is involved then much of my argument falls.
However even WITH EC the good candidates should win.
Or we do not have survival of the fittest and thus not evolution. And I don’t believe that.
Why not? Surely a majority of the electorate is competent to separate garbage from food. (Calling into question my own example? Yes, go back to your fries.)
Have we been in fact manipulated with such developed tools that even Todd Akin can get elected with those words hanging around his neck?
Woe betide us, in which case.
Save us Prof. Turley, give us back our American myths, such that MikeS took away from us. Make Akin go away.
Ryan co-sponsored a “personhood” amendment, an extreme anti-abortion measure. Ryan joined 62 other Republicans in co-sponsoring the Sanctity of Human Life Act, which declares that a fertilized egg “shall have all the legal and constitutional attributes and privileges of personhood.” This would outlaw abortion, some forms of contraception and invitro fertilization.
nick, Aiken’s and Ryan’s beliefs on birth control and abortion are nearly identical. Aiken is not as unique in the republican party as he is being portrayed.
” I often agree w/ the shots taken @ the right, but see no one consistently pointing out the hypocrisy, greed or crazy views of the left. ”
Then you simply aren’t paying attention, nick.
nick spinelli 1, October 15, 2012 at 11:55 am
Eric, Rafflaw is trying to indoctrinate you to the groupthink here. Democrats are smart, caring and hard working. Republicans are stupid, heartless and lazy. Believe me Eric, pointing out the flaws in BOTH parties just isn’t acceptable here. Now, “Get your mind right…son.”
*****
nick,
I think you know it’s not true that the “groupthink” here is that we believe all Democrats are smart, caring, and hardworking–and that all Republicans are stupid, heartless, and lazy. Do you have proof to support that accusation? Have you never read any comments made by the supposed “groupthinkers” on this blog that were critical of President Obama, any of his policies, any other Democrats?
Rafflaw made some comments about Ryan and Biden and asked Eric some questions. You claim that Rafflaw was trying to “indoctrinate” him. You seem to perceive a certain mindset in the people who disagree with you politically through the narrow lens of your own mindset.
And we agree on Akin.
Hey, Eric,
Congratulations! Way to go! Way to give up!
Gene, Then why do I continually have to point out the horsesh!t on the left. I often agree w/ the shots taken @ the right, but see no one consistently pointing out the hypocrisy, greed or crazy views of the left. I have many times given kudos to people here who point out the hypocrisy of the current administration vis a vis Guantanamo and First amendment issues. There is consistency here on that, I agree. There are too few Democrats w/ the integrity to do that. Finally, I think Barbara Lee is more than just a little crazy, don’t you.