Feb 232010
Here’s a recent quote from a Virginia state legislator named Bob Marshall:
The number of children who are born subsequent to a first abortion with handicaps has increased dramatically. Why? Because when you abort the first born of any, nature takes its vengeance on the subsequent children. In the Old Testament, the first born of every being, animal and man, was dedicated to the Lord. There’s a special punishment Christians would suggest.
It goes without saying that this guy’s a Republican. And in a few sentences, he illustrated why the disability community has so few allies in the G.O.P.
Thanks to Andrew Sullivan for the tip.
I read this “news” article earlier today and was awaiting your comment. What a doofus.
he’s sorry, my ass: http://www.salon.com/mwt/broadsheet/feature/2010/02/23/bob_marshall/index.html
although, this re-triggers an interesting question, in my opinion: at what point can we legitimately call for a politician’s resignation? it seems that, with each scandal topping the last, we’re constantly calling for politicans to resign, and some complaints clearly have greater merit than others.
that being said, I have no doubt that someone’s personal beliefs on children with disabilities surely affects the way s/he legislates on disability issues, and s/he should be pulled from politics. this, clearly, goes for intolerance of any marginalized group that isn’t represented in the majority. but I’m not sure other issues–infidelity in marriage comes to mind first–necessitate resignation. which really has nothing to do with your post (so, sorry for switching topics).
I’m surprised that marshall’s head doesn’t explode as a result of all of the stupid inside.
Show me a single logical link between the life and teachings of Jesus and anything that doofus said. Anyone can claim to be a Christian. If they don’t act like Christ, they are lying.