I’ve Finally Met Stephen Barrett… And, I’m underwhelmed.
Opinion by Consumer Advocate Tim Bolen
I was in Allentown, PA yesterday at a hearing where delicensed MD Stephen Barrett was testifying. I was there to testify against him, as an“impeachment” witness, should it be necessary. Barrett was trying to convince a three judge hearing panel that there is a conspiracy against him to defame him, and prevent him from continuing his so-called “anti-quackery” work. Barrett’s testimony was as pathetic as his personal appearance.
I find it difficult to accept that in our modern society, an adult male, claiming to be an industry professional, would show up in a legal hearing seven weeks beyond a haircut, and ten days beyond the last time he washed his hair.
Have I got it wrong, or is it an automatic thing to bathe every day? Maybe it’s just me, but I feel better after a shower. More ready to take on the day – especially if I’m going to be in public. I even comb my hair…
But top self-proclaimed “quackbusters” don’t seem to share that habit. Every time I see National Council Against Health Fraud president Bobbie Baratz, I’m reminded of that rule; “if you’re going to shop for clothing at the Salvation Army store, try everything on…”
But, Stephen Barrett? The man who authors quackwatch.com, the “quackbusters bible?” He, who claims that the efforts of the health professionals responsible for more than half of the total US health dollar are “quackery,” showed up in a hearing, yesterday, with his DIRTY, GREASY, hair tufted over his ears like one of those characters from the Star Wars series. And, I’m sure, his shoes haven’t seen the polish cloth in the year 2004. Or, maybe even 2003.
I was in Barrett’s presence for four hours yesterday, and in all that time he couldn’t make eye contact with me. He knew who I was. He was told, ahead of time, I’d be there to confront him.
Do you suppose my freshly dry-cleaned suit intimidated him?
The Essence of Barrett…
Barrett, in his claims across the North American Court System, plies the idea that he is being “conspired” against. And, he says I, Tim Bolen, am leading the conspiracy. Barrett, the man who called two-time Nobel prize winner Linus Pauling a “quack,” finds it difficult to believe that a significant number of North Americans would, independently, find his views on modern health care “more than a little weird.”
Barrett, according to his testimony yesterday, believes that a significant number of persons on the North American continent are “out to get him…” He claims he’s so upset about this he spends ten percent of his time worrying and thinking about this problem. He claims he even had an automobile accident, he was so upset about this….
It is obvious from Barrett’s testimony that he doesn’t like my criticism of him and his so-called “anti-quackery” claims. Too bad…
This is America. Here, if you want to hit people, you’re going to get hit back…
In short – I’ve met, and measured, Stephen Barrett. About that confrontation I have to say, in street language, “he ain’t much…”
Stay tuned…
Tim Bolen – Consumer Advocate