I was impressed to see an entertaining song on Youtube dedicated to Ohio’s Health Director, Dr. Amy Acton. Written and performed locally, the lyrics declare, “Amy what we gonna do? I think I’ll stay home for you!” Acton has been an instrumental figure in keeping Ohioans safe during the coronavirus crisis. While we continue to face an unprecedented health challenge, her actions and directives embody scientific principles and best practices. She promotes the value of human life, not any narrow political agenda.
Nonetheless, State Rep. Haraz Ghanbari voted with 57 other Republicans to limit Dr. Acton’s ability to protect public health. In voting for this restriction, Rep. Ghanbari has shown he’s on the side of extremists who protest outside Dr. Acton’s private home. These protestors don’t want a responsible start for our economy. They are willing to put the lives of all working people in danger.
All 37 Democrats in the Ohio House voted against this bill because they support a foundation of public policy in fact and science. Dr. Acton — and the majority of Ohioans – favor this approach. It’s irresponsible to pander to a small group of extremists as Ghanbari has done. Ohio should reopen when widespread testing is implemented, masks are required in public spaces, and workers have the protective equipment needed to safely perform their jobs.
Anesa Miller
Bowling Green
