Editorial: Ohio GOP lawmakers lacking in empathy, leadership

A scathing rebuke by the Columbus Dispatch Editorial Board on some of our more despicable legislators in Ohio.



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In a steady stream of cluelessness, Ohio’s Republican legislators continue to clearly demonstrate why their entire caucus is in need of serious diversity and sensitivity training.

The latest embarrassment comes courtesy of Sen. Steve Huffman of Tipp City, who suggested, by way of asking a question, that “the colored population do not wash their hands as well as other groups.”

(snip)

Sadly, he has lots of clueless company among GOP colleagues.

Rep. Nino Vitale of Urbana, referencing a similar House resolution to declare racism a public health crisis, posted a photo of the OLBC on his Facebook page and commented of his own Italian heritage: “I am darker than MOST of the people in this picture.”

House Speaker Larry Householder of Glenford doesn’t appear to have any more appreciation of racial sensitivity than Vitale, telling the Dayton Daily News, “I really can’t tell you how that comment is taken.”

Well, we can. The Dispatch agrees with Rep. Stephanie Howse, president of the OLBC and a Cleveland Democrat, that Vitale’s and Huffman’s comments are consistent with systemic racism and must not be tolerated.

Vitale earlier showed his sorry sense of entitlement when he used Facebook on May 4 to proclaim that he would not wear a face mask to avoid coronavirus infection, nor should others — despite the recommendation of Dr. Amy Acton, then state health director — because it would cover “the image and likeness of God.”

In a like vein, Rep. Candice Keller of Middletown refused on May 26 to have her temperature taken at the Vern Riffe State Office Tower as part of coronavirus precautions mandated for staff and visitors but optional for elected officials. She bragged later on her Facebook page that “NO ONE GETS TO CONTROL ME.”

We would be remiss to not also recall bigoted slurs hurled in April by Sen. Andrew Brenner of Powell and his wife, Sara Marie Brenner, regarding Acton’s comments about some countries’ plans to certify people with coronavirus antibodies as safe to return to work. Sara Marie Brenner said that “feels like Hitler’s Germany” and Sen. Brenner echoed, “We will never allow that to happen in Ohio.”

Fortunately, voters have already exercised appropriate control over Keller, declining to nominate her in the spring primary for an Ohio Senate seat, halting her legislative career when her House term expires at the end of this year.

If other legislators have similar trouble demonstrating appropriate empathy and understanding or modeling good health practices, we encourage Ohio voters to reward them appropriately with early retirements.

https://www.dispatch.com/opinion/20200613/editorial-ohio-gop-lawmakers-lacking-in-empathy-leadership