Why is Daryl Metcalfe so touchy?
A Republican state representative from Butler County, Metcalfe drew national attention when he angrily told Democratic Rep. Matt Bradford to stop touching him in a hearing Tuesday.
“Representative Bradford, look, I’m a heterosexual, I have a wife, I love my wife, I don’t like men, as you might, but stop touching me all the time,” Metcalfe said. “It’s like, keep your hands to yourself. Like, if you want to touch somebody, you have people on your side of the aisle that might like it, I don’t.”
A stunned Bradford said that he placed his hand on Metcalfe’s forearm to stop him from interrupting him.
“My intent was just to beg for your permission for about 30 seconds,” Bradford said.
Metcalfe responded, “Then beg, don’t touch.”
Metcalfe received heavy criticism for his remarks.
For what it’s worth, Bradford has a wife and four children. Worse, Metcalfe revealed his clear disgust with anyone who is gay.
Gov. Tom Wolf suggested that Republican leadership consider removing him from his post as chairman of the State Government Committee.
“Rep. Metcalfe’s comments yesterday were offensive and discriminatory,” Wolf said on Twitter. “Unfortunately, this is part of a disturbing pattern of behavior.”
In 2013, Metcalfe used a procedural tactic to block state Rep. Brian Sims, a Philadelphia Democrat who is openly gay, from speaking on the state House floor about same-sex marriage.
Metcalfe has said the children of undocumented immigrants should be forced to leave the country, even if those kids were born in the United States.
The 14th Amendment states that anyone born in the United States is an American citizen. Metcalfe has argued that doesn’t apply to the children of parents who entered the country illegally.
In 2009, Metcalfe insulted a group of veterans concerned about climate change. He absurdly claimed in an email that any veteran promoting remedies to address climate change is “a traitor.”
Maybe Metcalfe would be less hostile if he took more time for some fun.
He could check out Reading Public Museum’s terrific exhibit, “Hands-On Harley Davidson.” The Hands-On House, the children’s museum in Lancaster County, offers a welcome diversion.
Metcalfe could also visit the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, if he can stomach being in a city known for brotherly love.
Maybe Metcalfe simply needs to talk to someone.
At times, everyone needs a helping hand.
Contact Assistant Managing Editor Ron Southwick: 610-371-5010 or rsouthwick@readingeagle.com.
