New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith and disgraced Senate candidate Todd Akin are two peas in a pod.
Akin made the ignorant statement that, “If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.” Even Republican leaders, including Mitt Romney, have condemned Akin, but I do not expect to hear anything from Smith. Why?
Because Smith, like Akin, believes that pregnant victims of rape should be forced to bear their rapist’s child. Smith, like Akin, would deny all rape victims the “morning-after pill” that could prevent a pregnancy. And Smith, like Akin, has worked together to pass legislation that promotes these radical views.
Chris Smith is the ringleader of a group of right-wing extremists who have hijacked the Republican Party. Specifically, Smith attempted to pass a bill that introduced a new category of rape that Smith termed “forcible rape.” Many rape victims would be denied aid for counseling and medical treatment. Smith has also introduced a bill that would outlaw the birth-control pill and other common forms of contraception.
Sadly, the only difference between Todd Akin and Chris Smith’s views is that Smith wasn’t stupid enough to say what he really believes on national TV.
If sensible people in the 4th District of New Jersey knew the real Chris Smith, they would never vote for him.
Joann LaRocca
Lakewood
