The collective delusion known as QAnon describes a web of conspiracy theories hinging on the premise that President Donald Trump was sent to Washington to expose and dismantle a network of satanic, cannibal pedophiles secretly controlling the United States government.
While the bizarre idea sounds absurd to most people, QAnon has become a widespread belief in fringe right-wing circles. It's also enjoyed increased legitimacy in the highest tiers of government, with President Donald Trump's refusal to condemn the conspiracy theory, and with the recent election of Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene to Congress.
Greene has expressed support for QAnon in the past, saying in a 2017 Facebook video:
"There's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take this global cabal of Satan-worshiping pedophiles out, and I think we have the president to do it."
In addition to her belief in QAnon, Greene is infamous for using her love of assault rifles to appeal to conservatives. In one campaign ad, she cocked an AR-15 before telling "antifa terrorists" to "stay the hell out of northwest Georgia." She faced backlash for posting a Facebook meme that showed her pointing another assault weapon at Congresswomen Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).
On Friday, freshmen members of Congress had their first day of orientation—and Greene is already railing on Twitter about basic safety precautions against the pandemic that's killed nearly 250 thousand Americans.
Greene called the wearing of masks "oppressive."
Our first session of New Member Orientation covered COVID in Congress.
Masks, masks, masks....
I proudly told my freshman class that masks are oppressive.
In GA, we work out, shop, go to restaurants, go to work, and school without masks.
My body, my choice.#FreeYourFace
— Marjorie Taylor Greene 🇺🇸 (@mtgreenee) November 13, 2020
Greene concluded the diatribe with the words "My body, my choice"—a slogan frequently used to express support for legal and safe access to abortion.
Unlike the deadly pandemic, abortion is not contagious.
Greene's comments were roundly criticized on Twitter.
"My body, my choice."
This isn't a clever play on words, Marjorie. This is a naked display of your hypocrisy. If you want to conflate the wearing of masks to a woman's right to choose, fine. But then you cannot turn around and oppose abortion rights. Pretty simple. https://t.co/7a8jJKXqM7
— Emma Vigeland (@EmmaVigeland) November 13, 2020
Georgia's covid numbers are skyrocketing and wearing masks saves lives. People are dying, so good job denying reality and looking like a complete asshole.
Also your body your choice. So you believe in a women's right to choose. Bravo. https://t.co/XcwQ9OGqzu
— steven pasquale (@StevePasquale) November 13, 2020
Georgia is 6th in covid cases and 9th in covid deaths among the 50 states, thanks entirely to people like this aspiring murderess. https://t.co/e4TPD6giW3
— Mark Harris (@MarkHarrisNYC) November 13, 2020
She brings new meaning to "elections have consequences". A QAnon Moron was elected to office. Wow #Georgia
14th.
Rep Greene.
Selfishness masquerading as freedom is not Liberty.
Stop it.#GeorgiaVoters due your due diligence next time.
Representative Greene what say you?
Why? https://t.co/F9qMXcDuM2
— E Pluribus Unum 🇺🇸 (VP) (@POVisMyOwn) November 13, 2020
It's time to stop calling them anti-mask and start calling them pro-covid. Call them what they are https://t.co/he2eLfgSrI
— Matt Negrin, HOST OF HARDBALL AT 7PM ON MSNBC (@MattNegrin) November 13, 2020
Congresswoman QAnon is pro-choice, but only when it comes to endangering the pubic. https://t.co/K0JAMy7P0Y
— Anthony L. Fisher (@anthonyLfisher) November 13, 2020
Her argument was easily debunked.
Street lights and stop signs are optional.
My car, my choice. https://t.co/knPmEM2UvU
— Max Boot (@MaxBoot) November 13, 2020
“My car my choice! If you don't like my drunk driving stay off the road!" It's not all about you, dear. https://t.co/xqajDFUJsy
— An actual wad of meat. (@Meatwad650) November 13, 2020
I should be able to drive anywhere I want after drinking anything I want. And if I wanna light a cigarette in the middle of a restaurant...mY BodY My ChOiCe !! https://t.co/id2XTgrNxf
— Middle-aged White Liberal Rural Voter (@dividejen) November 13, 2020
Greene's subsequent tweets show that she has no understanding of why masks are important.
Masks keep projectile saliva droplets carrying the virus from spreading to others. When someone wears a mask, they're keeping themselves from unknowingly spreading the virus to those with whom they associate. When everyone in a group wears a mask, everyone is safer.
Greene thinks that the purpose of a mask is to keep the wearer from being infected.
I'm 100% pro life. Life starts at conception. My goal is to end abortion in America.
Killing a baby in the womb is the worst lie sold to women and it doesn't solve problems.
Nor is it women's “healthcare."
Mask wearing should be a choice bc if mask work, the wearer is safe. https://t.co/74iUDB4Otz
— Marjorie Taylor Greene 🇺🇸 (@mtgreenee) November 13, 2020
Greene and the rest of the 117th Congress will be inaugurated on January 3rd.
