Politicians have washed their hands and blamed others since Jesus s crucifixion
Sixth-century mosaic depicting Jesus before Roman governor Pontius Pilate washing his hands, at Sant Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, Italy. (Nick Thompson/Flickr), CC BY-NC-SA
Sunday, April 4, 2021 10:28 AM UTC
Handwashing has gotten substantial coverage this past year during the COVID-19 pandemic, and not just for hygiene. You may have encountered some of the many accusations in both the U.S. and Canada that a politician has “washed his hands” of pandemic responsibilities.
Sometimes the reference includes a nod to the historical figure associated with this phrase: Recently in the U.S., a conservative commentator faulted President Joe Biden, saying he is “like Pontius Pilate: just washes his hands and stays quiet.”
Politicians have ‘washed their hands’ and blamed others since Jesus was crucified | Opinion
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Today 1:01 PM
Sixth-century mosaic depicting Jesus before Roman governor Pontius Pilate washing his hands, at Sant Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, Italy. (Nick Thompson/Flickr), CC BY-NC-SA
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Handwashing has gotten substantial coverage this past year during the COVID-19 pandemic, and not just for hygiene. You may have encountered some of the many accusations in both the U.S. and Canada that a politician has “washed his hands” of pandemic responsibilities.
Sometimes the reference includes a nod to the historical figure associated with this phrase: Recently in the U.S., a conservative commentator faulted President Joe Biden, saying he is “like Pontius Pilate: just washes his hands and stays quiet.”