Somehow, rape has become the defining issue of the presidential campaign. The republicans, of course, are being painted as the “pro-rape” party. Maybe it had to happen, and this is simply the culmination of political feminism, but given that violent crime – including rape – is way down from twenty years ago, it’s kind of odd to see rape become such a big issue in the campaign.
Every feminist talking point has received extensive coverage this election season. First, free birth control for all. Then, jobs and lots more free things for women (life of Julia). Now, as we get closer to the finish line, it’s rape.
From the debate, you’d think the US is awash in rapes. We’d be a slightly higher-tech version of the Democratic Republic of Congo, but instead of Congolese rebels it is white republicans on the rampage, raping village after village of rainbow feminists, leaving them all pregnant and denying them abortions.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a shrill domestic campaign barring war propaganda.
The only time I can remember rape being a major feature of a political campaign was back in 1988, when Bush’s campaign released the Willie Horton ad. Dukakis had allowed Willie Horton, a convicted murderer who had killed a 17-year-old kid working at a gas station, out of prison on a weekend furlough. Rather than return to prison, Horton went on the lam and ended up raping a woman (the real kind of rape) in Maryland, right in front of her bound and gagged fiancé. Although the ad was a fair criticism of Dukakis’ policies (what kind of an irresponsible idiot lets a murderer out on furlough?), and never went so far as to suggest he supported rape, it was widely condemned for being racist and sensationalist.
Today, on the other hand, anyone the feminists disapprove of has to defend themselves from charges that they are in fact pro rape. Amazing how flexible these people can be.
