The Republican Party's Appeal to Women Campaign Could Use Some Work in New Hampshire

The RNC is in the process of spending $10M in an attempt to portray their party as more welcoming to minorities and women.   

what eye thynk:  The Republican Party may have a bit more work to do on their We-Heart-Women campaign, particularly in New Hampshire. 

Earlier this month, the New Hampshire legislature was debating a stand-your-ground gun bill.  One legislator gave a floor speech explaining why he favored retreating instead of using deadly force.  The issue continued to be debated in a series of e-mails shared through that state's official legislative electronic mailing list.

State Representative Peter Hansen (R) contributed to the e-mail debate in this way:

"What could possibly be missing from those factual tales of successful retreat in VT, Germany, and the bowels of Amsterdam?  Why children and vagina's (sic) of course.  While the tales relate the actions of a solitary male the outcome cannot relate to similar situations where children and women and mothers are the potential victims." 

When his use of the term "vagina" in this context was questioned by Representative Rick Watrous (D), Mr. Hansen's initial response was: 

"Having a fairly well educated mind I do not need self appointed wardens to A: try to put words in my mouth for political gain and B: Turn a well founded strategy in communication into an insulting accusation, and finally if you find the noun vagina insulting or in some way offensive then perhaps a better exercise might be for you to re-examine your psyche."

Later, when his e-mail became public, he attempted to explain it this way:

"Can there be any doubt my comment is being misinterpreted and taken completely out of context?"

Mr. Hansen, I don't think anyone can be accused of taking your words "out of context" since we have the text of your entire e-mail; but if it makes you feel better to blame everyone but yourself  for your crude and degrading slang, or as you put it, your "well founded strategy in communication", then you go right ahead.  

No one who actually possesses a vagina expects anything more from your Party. And that would include your state's governor, the speaker of your state House, your entire state's delegation to the U.S. Congress--both House and Senate--and the chief justice of your state's Supreme Court, all of whom happen to be women.  I have to believe they would prefer to be recognized for their accomplishments rather than their anatomy; but, hey, Mr. Hansen, go ahead and call 'em whatever you want. 

I know you won't mind if we return the favor and call you Dick.