peg,
I haven't misquoted anyone, willing or not. I have painstakingly pulled entire quotes as much as necessary and responded to them.

If you want to know what went through my head when I composed the line that you seem so offended by, I'll tell you.

First, it seemed very "mudcat" that is, it is irreverent language. That IS the coin of the realm here.

Second I purposely chose language that is as ambiguous as the debate. Snuffing is an interesting term because it clearly pictures two different and severly contrasting things. When one "snuffs" a candle it is an almost pacific action -- not blowing a candle out, rather, snuffing it. In fact you snuff a candle for that very reason -- so as to leave no trace (as blowing will shower a table top with wax residue.

But that was why "Snuffing" was a word loaded with irony when gangsters adopted it for "offing" someone. Therefore, to my way of thinking "snuffing" is a terrific word in this instance -- it contains elements of both sides of this debate.

When I chose li'l shits I also did so for the double meaning. On the one hand, it is not uncommon for us to refer to very loved children humorously in these term, as in "you shoulda seen what the li'l shit did..." conferring a humorous view of a mischievous child that is still very loved. I refer to my very loved pets as li'l shits when they get into mischief -- not out of anger, rather conferring humor on their innocent mischief.

On the other hand, it simultaneously makes referrence to the most vulgar of views that compares abortion to little more consideration than getting shed of any other non-living biological waste product.