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Putting things into a context people can understand is a communication tool people often use.
But some comparisons are a serious stretch.
And others?
Other comparisons to tragedies or historical injustices rarely work. But that doesn't stop people from going there.
Michigan State Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey—in an interview with Hillsdale College's radio station—said:
"[Abortion is comparable to] the scourge we endured when we still had slavery in this country."
From first impressions of Shirkey, it doesn't appear pregnancy or slavery of his ancestors are issues he faced.
You can hear his remarks here:
Sen. Shirkey joins Radio Free Hillsdale with Scot Bertram youtu.be
Shirkey added:
"I believe the rampant acceptance of unfiltered and unregulated abortion, or frankly allowing abortions to occur at all, is the scourge of our country now today."
It's fortunate child poverty and hunger are completely gone in the USA and pro-birthers have adopted every child in foster care. Now the USA can afford to force all women and girls to give birth—regardless of their circumstances or their doctor's advice.
Otherwise, those problems might be scourges too.
Shirkey knew people would call bullsh** on his bullsh** however.
He said:
"In my mind, it's comparable—and people are going to be very upset when I say this—but it is comparable to the scourge we endured when we still had slavery in this country. It is no less a scourge today than slavery was then."
As Shirkey predicted, his words of wisdom went over as well as a hippo trying to pole vault.
Senate Majority Leader Shirkey should be ashamed. It's disgusting to compare the horrors of slavery to the right to… https://t.co/jea5qVFePh— Michigan Planned Parenthood Advocates (@Michigan Planned Parenthood Advocates) 1573316763.0
@WOODTV The fact is, it is none of his business what procedure is chosen by a patient and their Doctor.— The anti Thump (@The anti Thump) 1573585103.0
@WOODTV Hey @MIGOP go get your guy. Oh. Wait. Never mind - that’s the party you’ve become these days. 🤷🏻♂️— Rook0914 (@Rook0914) 1573585254.0
Dems slam Shirkey’s comparison of abortion to slavery as ‘out of touch’ https://t.co/Ei3mBXzZuR— Michigan Advance (@Michigan Advance) 1573595595.0
Sen. Geiss (D), who is black, says GOP Senate Leader Shirkey's comparison of abortion & slavery was 'incredibly ins… https://t.co/fyVm9To64l— David Eggert (@David Eggert) 1573582555.0
Senate leader Shirkey criticized for comparing abortion, slavery; he calls abortion a ‘scourge’; Sen. Geiss says re… https://t.co/v7l7wUN9iS— David Eggert (@David Eggert) 1573653817.0
@DavidEggert00 @MariManoogian Aren’t there some women with opinions on this too???— Joanne Smythe (@Joanne Smythe) 1573583493.0
@regency_gal @DavidEggert00 @MariManoogian Last I checked, I was still a woman.— State Senator Erika Geiss (SD06) (@State Senator Erika Geiss (SD06)) 1573615127.0
@WajahatAli @LOLGOP Like this? MI’s senate majority leader: “Shirkey offers no apology for comparing abortion to sl… https://t.co/T54KFEjnAx— Steph Glidden🥖🌹 (@Steph Glidden🥖🌹) 1573267083.0
Can’t say we’re surprised Shirkey said something racist and sexist and doesn’t feel bad about it 🤷♀️ https://t.co/uGJYMqX2rx— Progress Michigan (@Progress Michigan) 1573486021.0
While some used Shirkey's words to bolster support for women's reproductive rights, comparing the spate of radical pro-birth laws being touted by the GOP as an attack on body autonomy.
@DavidEggert00 I know, it isn't as violent and as extreme and long enduring as slavery, but I think that we actuall… https://t.co/0k7iyOLUSg— hard to make jokes (@hard to make jokes) 1573654435.0
Shirkey remained mum on his comments, but a spokesperson stated he has no intentions of apologizing.
Why?
According to his spokesperson, Shirkey didn't say what he said and he's been misunderstood.
Where have we heard that excuse before?
Margaret Atwood's book The Testaments: The Sequel to The Handmaid's Tale is available here.