In case you haven't figured it out, all bills in Republican-controlled legislators must do one of three things: (a) shift the tax burden from the rich to the poor, (b) ease restrictions on traditional energy, or (c) tighten access to reproductive services. In category (c), Idaho legislators are now in the process of approving a bill that will prevent doctors from prescribing abortifacients via telemedicine, because what could possibly be a more pressing issue?
While the bill was being debated (it just passed a committee vote, 13-4), this happened:
An Idaho lawmaker received a brief lesson on female anatomy after asking if a woman can swallow a small camera for doctors to conduct a remote gynecological exam.
The question Monday [was] from Republican Rep. Vito Barbieri....
Dr. Julie Madsen was testifying in opposition to the bill when Barbieri asked the question. Madsen replied that would be impossible because swallowed pills do not end up in the vagina.
I just wanted to point out that this isn't a regrettable blind spot on the record of an otherwise exemplary public official. Barbieri is -- and I'm sure this won't shock you -- an across-the-board wingnut wackaloon. He's the kind of guy who goes on Facebook to post speeches by Muslim-bashing Dutch politician Geert Wilders:
(Wilders has been called "Europe's bravest man" by, um ... Pam Geller. He and his party were also admired by right-wing Norwegian mass murder Anders Breivik.)
Also, on a page at Chumly.com, Barbieri posted this:
Muslims unable to assimilate with Americn Principles? Duh!!
"I want my children to understand this regarding - MUSLIMS"
QUESTION....Can a good Muslim be a good American?
This question was forwarded to a friend who worked in Saudi Arabia for 20 years. The following is his reply:
Theologically - NO... Because his allegiance is to Allah, The moon god of Arabia.
Religiously - NO. Because no other religion is accepted by His Allah except Islam. (Quran,2:256)(Koran)
Scripturally - NO. Because his allegiance is to the five Pillars of Islam and the Quran.
Geographically - NO. Because his allegiance is to Mecca, to which he turns in prayer five times a day....
I'll spare you the rest.
Barbieri also hangs with the Oath Keepers:
(He spoke in 2013 at an Oath Keepers gathering that was described in an AP article titled "Patriots' Group Rallies in Northern Idaho Over Economy’s 'Inevitable Collapse.'")
Oh, and meanwhile, he's also a member of ALEC:
So, yeah -- Barbieri's a full-service wingnut. Curious how many state and local politicians in those country are as far out on fringe as Barbieri, and how the rest of us don't even consider that remarkable.
Crossposted at No More Mr. Nice Blog
