CO: Must not mention black genetics

Sparks flew between two legislators when one accused the other of making racially insensitive comments about minorities and the infant mortality rate during a meeting Wednesday.

The heated exchange occurred during a meeting of the Economic Opportunity and Poverty Reduction Task Force when Republican state Sen. Vicki Marble addressed health issues among African Americans.


Marble

"When you look at life expectancy, there's certain problems in the black race," said Marble, who is white. "Sickle cell anemia is something that comes up. Diabetes is something that is prevalent in the genetic makeup. Although I gotta say, I've never had better BBQ and better chicken and ate better in my life then when you go down South, I mean, I love it. Everybody loves it," Marble said.

Marble went on to blame government regulation for the demise of manufacturing jobs in the U.S., which she said harmed minorities by killing jobs and led some to lives of crime, hopelessness and addiction.

"If we would get a few things back in their lives, like a job, religion and family, and understand your genetic predisposition to certain diseases, and give them the responsibility to take care of themselves," Marble said, minorities would benefit.

Democratic state Rep. Rhonda Fields, who is black, responded by saying that Marble's statements were offensive and stereotypical.

Marble said her comments were taken out of context., adding there is nothing wrong with what she said.  "My comments were not meant to be disparaging to any community," Marble said in a written statement. "I am saddened they were taken in that regard."

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Posted by John J. Ray (M.A.; Ph.D.).