# Stupid Republican idea of the day **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [March 26, 2009, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897 "2009-03-26T18:48:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 367
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2012, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/7321 "2012-10-24T15:27:38Z")
Funny how an omnipotent god couldn’t simply have the rapist and the victim meet normally like everybody else and fall in love and get married and have the kid consensually. He could still rape other women, leaving his free will intact. The Jehovah people worship today really lacks problem-solving skills. ---
**Author:** ![Typo\_Negative](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/typo_negative/32/484_2.png) [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2012, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/7322 "2012-10-24T15:28:35Z")
Can you still prosecute someone for being an instrument of God’s great gift? ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2012, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/7323 "2012-10-24T15:42:10Z")
This all goes to show that pregnant, raped women should be thanking men. Because without men, how would they receive these great gifts? ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2012, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/7324 "2012-10-24T16:35:59Z")
Does this mean that my friend who claims to be “God’s gift to women” is really a rape baby? ---
**Author:** ![BigAppleBucky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigapplebucky/32/178_2.png) [@BigAppleBucky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigAppleBucky)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2012, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/7325 "2012-10-24T16:55:01Z")
> [@Typo\_Negative](#): > > Can you still prosecute someone for being an instrument of God’s great gift? LOL ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2012, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/7326 "2012-10-24T23:11:00Z")
An [open letter](http://specialolympicsblog.wordpress.com/2012/10/23/an-open-letter-to-ann-coulter/)to Ann Coulter concerning her “retard” tweet during last night’s debate: [An Open Letter to Ann Coulter | The World of Special Olympics](http://specialolympicsblog.wordpress.com/2012/10/23/an-open-letter-to-ann-coulter/) ---
**Author:** ![BigAppleBucky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigapplebucky/32/178_2.png) [@BigAppleBucky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigAppleBucky)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2012, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/7327 "2012-10-25T02:50:37Z")
Three Republicans use cookie cutter ads in Wisconsin. They’re 100’s of miles apart, yet there ads have identical backgrounds showing a “downtown theator”, a cow, inside of an office and outside an office building. [http://onewisconsinnow.pnstate.org/site/MessageViewer?dlv\_id=75529&em\_id=60268.0](http://onewisconsinnow.pnstate.org/site/MessageViewer?dlv_id=75529&em_id=60268.0) > [@](#): > > Madison – State Assembly Representatives Howard Marklein and Warren Petryk and Assembly candidate Pat Snyder hail from Spring Green, Eleva and Wausau respectively. But, amazingly, for the trio’s new television commercials, they all found themselves walking down the same street, in the same factory and outside the same building as cameras rolled. In addition, it appears Petryk and Marklein shared a stunt cow, farmer and tractor in their ads. > > One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross commented, “It says something about Marklein, Petryk and Snyder that these three don’t even stand on their own town’s Main Street or in a local factory to film their campaign ads, and it’s not hard-working and independent.” ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2012, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/7328 "2012-10-25T03:08:27Z")
Sarah Palin criticises Obama’s [“shucking and jiving” on Libya](http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1012/82832.html?hp=r4_b3): > [@](#): > > Sarah Palin used what some consider a racially derogatory term in a posting on Facebook on Wednesday that said President Barack Obama’s “shuck and jive shtick” lies must end regarding last month’s attack at a U.S. post in Benghazi, Libya. > > “Why the lies? Why the cover up? Why the dissembling about the cause of the murder of our ambassador on the anniversary of the worst terrorist attacks on American soil? We deserve answers to this. President Obama’s shuck and jive shtick with these Benghazi lies must end,” the former GOP Alaska governor and 2008 vice presidential candidate [wrote](http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10151118681228435). ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2012, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/7329 "2012-10-25T03:28:34Z")
As I posted in the other thread about the phrase, IMO it’s not a racist phrase. Being butthurt about her use of it is ridiculous. ETA: is “bob and weave” racist? How about “duck and cover”? ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2012, 7:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/7330 "2012-10-25T07:15:47Z")
So in 2004, the Republicans were explaining away torture. In 2008, they’re explaining away racism. And in this election, they’re explaining away rape. Anyone want to make a guess on what the theme will be for the GOP in 2016? I’m calling dibs on cannibalism. ---
**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2012, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/7331 "2012-10-25T07:48:09Z")
For 2016, I’m thinking they can defend imprisonment for non-violent petty crime, and/or slavery. Well, same thing, sort of. As for rape babies being God’s will, I think Mourdock is making a “God of the gaps” kind of argument. The rape is done by a conscious human actor, so that’s understandable as a crime. But pregnancy is “mysterious” because sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t. So rather than saying, “It’s random,” he says, “It’s God’s will.” In this line of thinking, directly killing an unborn baby would be a sin. But engaging in acts that increase the probability of miscarriage is giving God a chance to change his mind. So a D&C would be murder, but something that only promotes the likelihood of abortion is probably OK. I find it weird, but then, I believe in randomness, disaster, and free will, in a way apparently alien to Calvinists. ---
**Author:** ![Locrian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/locrian/32/14146_2.png) [@Locrian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Locrian)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2012, 7:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/7332 "2012-10-25T07:50:30Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > So in 2004, the Republicans were explaining away torture. In 2008, they’re explaining away racism. And in this election, they’re explaining away rape. > > Anyone want to make a guess on what the theme will be for the GOP in 2016? I’m calling dibs on cannibalism. I call pedophilia. 😃 Oh, and witchcraft. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2012, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/7333 "2012-10-25T12:39:28Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > So in 2004, the Republicans were explaining away torture. In 2008, they’re explaining away racism. And in this election, they’re explaining away rape. > > Anyone want to make a guess on what the theme will be for the GOP in 2016? I’m calling dibs on cannibalism. Is it possible that this is part of a long-term strategy to get the support of previously uncourted voting blocs? Sure, we may laugh about Mourdock’s comments now, but in eighteen years today’s rape babies will be eligible to vote, and Mourdock wants them to vote Republican. ---
**Author:** ![Uncle\_Jocko](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/uncle_jocko/32/2932_2.png) [@Uncle\_Jocko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncle_Jocko)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2012, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/7334 "2012-10-25T14:54:09Z")
> [@BigAppleBucky](#): > > Three Republicans use cookie cutter ads in Wisconsin. They’re 100’s of miles apart, yet there ads have identical backgrounds showing a “downtown theator”, a cow, inside of an office and outside an office building. > [http://onewisconsinnow.pnstate.org/site/MessageViewer?dlv\_id=75529&em\_id=60268.0](http://onewisconsinnow.pnstate.org/site/MessageViewer?dlv_id=75529&em_id=60268.0) We are getting somewhat similar things in Iowa, although not to the extent of using the same locations for the ads. Last night there were two ads (back to back, no less!) for Republicans running for the statehouse that used almost exactly the same template, the same graphics, and the same scary buzzwords about their opponents (“She supports Obamacare! And $716 billion in Medicare cuts our seniors need!” As if Iowa’s legislature really has a big impact on either of those, even if it were true). Anyway, the fact these spots aired back to back only emphasized the fact they were templates with the GOP candidates dropped in. Even better, though, the main color scheme for these GOP ads? Blue. Deep, rich blue. I’ve actually noticed this with several recent ads around here. I realize neither party owns a color, but since 2000 the Republicans are generally identified with red and Democrats with blue. I find it interesting that a lot of Republicans around here are using blue, rather than red. Misdirection? Or am I overthinking? ---
**Author:** ![bup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/6bbea6/32.png) [@bup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bup)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2012, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/7335 "2012-10-25T18:14:24Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > So in 2004, the Republicans were explaining away torture. In 2008, they’re explaining away racism. And in this election, they’re explaining away rape. > > Anyone want to make a guess on what the theme will be for the GOP in 2016? I’m calling dibs on cannibalism. I’ll go with subverting the electoral process. ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2012, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/7336 "2012-10-25T19:17:46Z")
> [@bup](#): > > I’ll go with subverting the electoral process. 2010 called, they want their nefarious plans back. ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2012, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/7337 "2012-10-25T19:26:27Z")
[GOP Rep Says Strike On Iran’s Nuclear Facilities Would Not Be An Act Of War](http://thinkprogress.org/security/2012/10/24/1081181/rogers-iran-attack-act-of-war/) Yeah, because the Iranians will just say, “Oh, okay, that was just a ‘targeted strike,’ not a full-on invasion, so carry on.” Asshole. ---
**Author:** ![Jenaroph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e8c25b/32.png) [@Jenaroph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jenaroph)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2012, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/7338 "2012-10-25T19:26:36Z")
> [@foolsguinea](#): > > In this line of thinking, directly killing an unborn baby would be a sin. But engaging in acts that increase the probability of miscarriage is giving God a chance to change his mind. So a D&C would be murder, but something that only promotes the likelihood of abortion is probably OK. Har. D’ya suppose “Oops, Doc, I fell vagina-first onto this coat hanger” would fly? Seems to be the way this country’s going. Funny how the pregnancy is god’s will, but the rape that cause the pregnancy? Not god’s will, and how entirely offensive that you would suggest such a thing. Really? It’s not like you would have had the one without the other, in this case. ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2012, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/7339 "2012-10-25T19:33:33Z")
> [@legalsnugs](#): > > Mostly trying to figure out how the result is God’s will but the cause is not. > [@foolsguinea](#): > > . . . I think Mourdock is making a “God of the gaps” kind of argument. The rape is done by a conscious human actor, so that’s understandable as a crime. But pregnancy is “mysterious” because sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t. So rather than saying, “It’s random,” he says, “It’s God’s will.”. . . I think that’s it. He really does think that unless the magic switch is flipped there will be no baby. Humans alone can’t reproduce. If you read the old testament a lot, you’ll read many stories about women praying for children and God granting them when nothing their husbands were doing was working. In the case of Sarah, it worked even though she was too old to have children. That’s got to stick in the back of the mind. It’s never explicitly stated in the bible, but a person could conclude that men can provide the seed but only God can make it grow. (An alternate conclusion is that most pregnancies happen the regular way, but that God can intercede.) ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2012, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/7340 "2012-10-25T20:05:09Z")
> [@Yllaria](#): > > (An alternate conclusion is that most pregnancies happen the regular way, but that God can intercede.) And sometimes God uses competent medical personnel to achieve his ends! That would be great - just approach some protestors at a women’s health center and tell them that the doctors are performing God’s will inside. “Nothing for you to do here. God’s will being performed here. I said GOD’S WILL people! Do you want to stand out here protesting against GOD’S WILL? I though not. Move along.” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897.md?page=366) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897.md?page=368)