First of all, when has rape ever been part of an SW film? We are talking about the conception of a main character here. Do you realize the ramifications of this?
Secondly:
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A loving, soft-spoken woman, Shmi Skywalker was determined to provide a better future for her only son, Anakin, than their lives as slaves could possibly offer. She knew her son was special -- despite their hardship, Anakin was selfless, kind and gifted. His birth was extraordinary -- there was no father. Some have speculated that it was the will of the Force that created Anakin in Shmi's womb. This would suggest that Anakin is the one spoken of in an ancient Jedi prophecy -- the Chosen One who will bring balance to the Force. - OS Databank: Shmi Skywalker
Not only does that kind of speculation completely outside the scope of the films, but it is not supported in any way, shape, or form. To be honest, it's the kind of reasoning that was prevelant on TFn, and a major reason why I left those boards.
"can't we suspend belief enough that Skywalker was merely born without a father? "
Despite the fact that he eventually fulfilled all the other aspects of the prophecy? Despite this fact, this one aspect is supposed to be left out? That makes no sense either.
"Their arrogance had blinded them to the truth of the true power of the Sith and they had stood idly by, even aiding Palp in creating his Empire."
Was Padme arrogant in TPM, when she helped make him a Senator? Was Jar Jar arrogant when he asked for Palps to be granted emergency powers?
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"Darth Sidious takes over the Republic, turns it into an empire and controls everything," Lucas says. "Ultimately, everybody in The Phantom Menace is a pawn. Nothing is real."