Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) has once again managed to embarrass his party and district of representation with outrageous, fictitious comments, this time implying that African Americans were better off under slavery than they are today in a society permitting abortion.
Franks is a representative of Arizona’s second congressional district, containing the northwest corner of Arizona and most of the western suburbs of Phoenix, as well as a small portion of the city itself. For those of you in that district, take note that your area contributes in enabling this man to represent your area. Whether you voted or not, you are represented by his actions and statements. So if for no other reason, vote to keep candidates who are prone to vocalizing nonsense from representing you.
According to Franks in an interview with video blogger Mike Stark of StarkReports.com on Friday, “”far more of the African American community is being devastated by the (legal abortion) policies of today than were being devastated by the policies of slavery.””
Even attempting to compare the painful lives of slaves to those of Americans with liberties and choices is utterly implausible. Along the same line, perhaps Franks thinks that beyond the racial, religious and civil progress we as a country have taken forward, America has actually regressed. Perhaps we should go back to a time when alleyways, clothes hangers and staircases were the only choices women had to abort a pregnancy — the good ol’ days.
Comments lacking logic should hardly evoke surprise when they come from Franks — the same congressman who considered suing President Barack Obama for proof of his citizenship before and after the 2008 election. When asked to clear up his statement by David Weigel of the Washington Independent, Franks confirmed that he now agrees that the president is American, “”even if he acts un-American.””
Franks also called the president — who ordered the closing of the Guantanamo Bay detention camp,, signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, won the Nobel Peace Prize and continues to pursue universal health care — an “”enemy of humanity”” for his position on abortion.
Even if Franks’ abilities in rational and tactful expression fall short, his fervor and consistent disapproval of abortion is undeniable. But he pursues ineffective solutions. Virtually no one is pro-abortion; no decent person, Democrat or Republican, longs for the death of a potential person. The right to abortion is about having a choice.
So, rather than attacking the issue and robbing women of their rights to their bodies, tackle the problem before it commences. Promote sexual education, condom use, contraceptives and safe sex. Provide people, young and old, with knowledge regarding the repercussions of their actions and, in doing so, enable them to make educated decisions. Consider it, to use terms Republicans can relate to, preemptive action — only with something legitimate and tangible to prevent.
— Rachel Leavitt is a creative writing sophomore.
She can be reached at letters@wildcat.arizona.edu.
