Posted on 06/13/2020 8:24:06 PM PDT by Lowell1775
During a hearing in the Ohio statehouse on Tuesday, Republican state Senator Steve Huffman asked if "the colored population" is hit harder by the coronavirus because "they do not wash their hands as well as other groups." Huffman, who is a physician, raised the question during a health committee hearing on whether to declare racism a public health crisis.
"My point is, I understand African Americans have a higher incidence of chronic conditions and it makes them more susceptible to death from COVID," Huffman said. "But why it doesn't make them more susceptible to just get COVID? Could it just be that African Americans or the colored population do not wash their hands as well as other groups or wear a mask or do not socially distance themselves? That could be the explanation of the higher incidence?"
Angela Dawson, director of the Ohio Commission on Minority Health, who was testifying during the hearing, responded firmly, "That is not the opinion of leading medical experts in this country."
WATCH: Here was the moment when Ohio Sen. Steve Huffman asked if the "colored population" has a higher rate of COVID-19 because they don't wash their hands as much. pic.twitter.com/o8AiMg1q30 — Tyler Buchanan (@Tylerjoelb) June 11, 2020
The audience cringed when Huffman made his remark, state Senator Cecil Thomas told the Dayton Daily News. "He's an example of why we have to have this discussion about racism and how it impacts people," said Thomas, who serves on the Senate Health Committee. Coronavirus: The Race To Respond
Huffman later tried to explain his comment. In a statement provided to CBS News, he said, "Regrettably, I asked a question in an unintentionally awkward way that was perceived as hurtful and was exactly the opposite of what I meant. I was trying to focus on why COVID-19 affects people of color at a higher rate since we really do not know all the reasons."
COVID-19 has disproportionately affected African American people across the U.S., and experts have cited an array of possible reasons, including lack of equal access to medical care, higher rates of preexisting conditions like diabetes and heart disease, and jobs in essential services that may expose them to greater risk.
The Ohio Department of Public Health reported in May that African Americans, who make up 14% of the state's population, represent 26% of positive COVID-19 cases, 31% of COVID-19 hospitalizations, and 17% percent of deaths from the disease.
In an interview with the Dayton Daily News, Ohio Legislative Black Caucus President Stephanie Howse called out Huffman's comments about the black community. "He highlights what racism is from a systematic perspective. He's a full legislator but beyond that, professionally, he's a doctor," Howse said.
"When we talk about the health disparities that happen because black folks aren't believed when they're actually hurt, they aren't given the treatment that they need. Do you think that someone who acknowledges the 'coloreds' is going to give the love and care that people need when they come through those doors?" she continued.
I don’t think he’ll be on the GOP presidential ticket in 2024 :)
Which is stupider?
(1) Asking such a question in the first place; or
(2) Not knowing enough to keep your stupid mouth shut?
OHIO PING!
Please let me know if you want on or off the Ohio Ping list.
Ohio GOP lawmaker asks if “the colored population” gets coronavirus because they “do not wash their hands as well as other groups”
CBS News ^ | June 11, 2020 | Caitlin O’Kane
Posted on 6/13/2020, 11:24:06 PM by Lowell1775
Everyone should wash their hands as though they just shook hands with a Democrat.
I don’t wash my hands frequently due to Covid-19. It’s because there is a toilet paper shortage!!!
If he simply said “non-white”, he wouldn’t have gotten himself in as much trouble.
Duh.... But it was more about the refusal to isolate.
He said African American and then obviously meant to expand it to other people of “color”.
He asked a perfectly intelligent question, are these groups spreading covid because they aren’t following the rules?
But hey it’s a crazy question, I mean it’s not like segments of that population are looting,rioting, setting fires and blocking fire engines. They’re known for following all the rules and acting responsibly.
Well, that makes him sound like a Southern Democrat from the 1930s.
“I don’t think he’ll be on the GOP presidential ticket in 2024 :)”
No, but he will star in Democrat commercials.
Has the fecal matter impacted the ventilating equipment yet? It surely will. I think the senator has just stepped on his whatchamallit, in a manner of speaking.
Time for the Spanish Archer - El Bow!
Hygiene for that demographic is known to be lacking modern practice.
*Yea, I was being in a rare PC stance...They are known to wipe their butts with what?
But I thought that term "people of color" was the new thing.
He should have asked if it is because they are more likely to have a Vitamin D deficiency.
Karen ?
That’s something algore’s father would have said
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