Having been born and raised in Wisconsin I continue to pay attention to what happens back in my home state.

Last week the Republican-controlled legislature voted into law a requirement that a woman must have a vaginal probe performed before seeking an abortion. This procedure must be completed even if the girl or woman’s physician does not agree. If I were a betting man I would put money down that those same elected officials vigorously opposed Obamacare yelling out, “Government should not come between you and your doctor!” Is this political hypocrisy in action or what?

Then to top it off when women went to the state capitol to protest, placing duct tape over their mouths and just sitting silently in the gallery, they were arrested by capitol police. This appears to be the result of another bill enacted by Republicans restricting political signs in the gallery. Apparently silence is not golden and such silent protest is prohibited.

Once again I can cry “hypocrisy!” The First Amendment to the Constitution allows for freedom of speech, of assembly, of expression. I will now place a second bet. Over the past year I wager Wisconsin Republican legislators stood up at least 50 times and stated in no uncertain terms, “We must defend and protect the Constitution.” Quite frankly, I doubt I will have anyone take me up on this bet.

In the world of politics, talking out of both sides of one’s mouth is accepted practice. Yes, I said “accepted.” While I am offering up a single state example, it is representative of political double speak, a national pandemic for which there appears to be no cure.