The Fanatical GOP

robertreich.org — We’re witnessing the capture by fanatics of what was once a great and important American political party. The Republican Party platform committee now includes a provision calling for a constitutional amendment banning all abortions, without an exception for rape or incest. This is basically Missouri senatorial candidate Todd Akin’s position. (At least the GOP platform doesn’t assert that women’s bodies automatically reject “legitimate” rapists’ sperm.) Paul Ryan, Romney’s selection for vice president, has co-sponsored 38 anti-abortion measures while in the House of Representatives, including several containing no exception for pregnancies caused by rape or incest. But the GOP’s fanaticism goes far beyond the its growing absolutism about abortion. Ryan’s proposed budget, approved by almost all House Republicans, is also an exercise in fanaticism.

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