An Open Letter to Former Gov. Mike Huckabee

To Mr. Mike Huckabee,

I understand you recently addressed the Republican National Committee in regards to women’s rights and gave a staunch and powerful speech in support of “smart, educated, intelligent” women who are “capable of doing anything anyone else can do.” That is a wonderful thing. I am so glad you respect independent women, believe in our right to control our own reproductive activities, that you recognize …

Oh, hold up. You don’t actually believe any of that, do you?

A man who is not threatened by “smart, educated, intelligent” and “capable” women doesn’t tell the world that women are, and I quote, “victims of their gender.” He certainly doesn’t put words in other people’s mouths, claiming someone said “women cannot control their libido.” Allow me to remind you, no Democrat that I know of ever said anything about women’s “uncontrollable libido.” It was, in fact, an insinuation made by Rush Limbaugh, staunch Republican devotee and conservative NPR talk show host. One of your own made that accusation, not a Democrat as you claim.

It may surprise you to learn, Mr. Huckabee, that birth control pills are used for more than pregnancy prevention. They are in fact prescribed to manage devestatingly painful female health issues, like endometriosis. This is a fact you might know had you ever bothered to consult a physician about the issue. This is a fact known by many women across the U.S., one of many reasons why we find it unconscionable that you and your fellow ultra-conservatives refuse to allow us access to them as part of the Affordable Health Care Act.

Regardless of the health concerns, though, please tell me, Mr. Huckabee, what gives you the right to assault women’s sexuality and sexual choices?

If any gender has an uncontrollable libido, it is the male gender (as has been historicially well documented through centuries of male power-holders having multiple sexual partners without consequence). In fact, it is only the presence of child-bearing reproductive equipment that causes any sexual consequence whatsoever. Since men don’t have any of that equipment, they are free to walk away from these situations at any time. Only the law can hold them accountable for things such as child support, which doesn’t always happen.

So is your position then that men are allowed to be creatures of sexual appetite but women are meant to be chaste, biddable, and sit there and take it? That women have no say whether or not they want to have children? That women have no rights to avoid pregnancy because they know they are unsuited to parenthood, or cannot afford another mouth to feed, or want a career for themselves?

Is it your contention that because I carry within me a child-bearing reproductive system that I am a victim of my gender? (Your words, Mr. Huckabee.)

No man supportive of women’s rights—and of my right to have a career, to be independent, and lead my own life—has ever said anything remotely like the words you used to justify your supposed support of women’s rights. Only men seeking to leave women cosseted and powerless use words like this to justify their stance on these issues.

You, Sir, do not respect or support women. And I, Sir, am no victim.

Sincerely,

A Smart, Educated, Intelligent, Capable Woman

P.S. I identify as Independent, but I do not vote on party lines. I do not vote for a party, I vote for the individual candidates, regardless of their party affiliation. You just lost any chance at getting my vote.