Thoughts And Opinions On : Coronavirus Part 8

 

Greg Abbott Failed Us

Greg Abbott's Legacy In A Nutshell (WARNING......The image you just saw is graphical in nature. However, I could look at this image all day!)

Continuing from the last article, several would have died unfortunately. However, many politicians who failed to take this outbreak seriously have started to played the finger-pointing game. A few things do need to be established first. Yes, the virus did originate in China. Yes, the Chinese tried to cover up the virus, much to the detriment of everybody who wasn't China. Yes, China horrible dropped the ball. They were too distracted trying to silence Hong Kong and maintain there abusive police state to have taken the virus seriously until it was too late. China's shortcomings should not be forgotten.

However, once the virus got here, it became the responsibility of our leaders and how they respond to the virus here. Blaming China isn't going to deflect the politicians here of there responsibility to the general well-being of the states that they are representing. In several of the states, several of the leaders, both lead by Democrats and Republicans, did take the virus seriously. Many governors who would have recognized Covid-19 as what it is and taken steps to try to minimize its impact. For states where the governors took a very proactive approach, they shouldn't be be held responsible for the deaths of there residents.

In other states thought where the virus wasn't taken seriously, this is a different story. For states where the governors took no steps or were dismissive of their responsibilities or that of the virus, they can be held responsible for the deaths of there residents. In that case, it wasn't the virus that killed the people, but the governors.

I think the reason why Trump still refers to Covid-19 as "Chinese Virus" (despite it having both a technical name as well as a well-established street name "Coronavirus") is because Trump is using the term to distract people and deflect accountability due to his poor handling of the outbreak. Trump can call it "Chinese Virus" all he wants, but it's not going to deflect from his failure in dealing with the outbreak. Also, sending Federal agents to Portland to whip up distractions so people forget about the poor handling of the outbreak isn't going to work either.

Efforts In Vain

I'm going to warn you in advance; this is a hit piece against Greg Abbott. How could it not be! Here in Texas, the vast majority of the blame for the state's poor handling of the virus can be pinned directly to him. When Greg Abbott reopened the state after the first wave, it was obvious that his actions had “bad idea” written all over it. Many stated (correctly) that opening the state and lifting health regulations would cause the virus to explode here in Texas. The reason why Texas hadn’t been as affected as the other states was because of the health regulations in place that were enforced tooth-and-nail. Many were vigilant and followed the regulations in full, maintaining caution at all times. Such efforts were in vain though.

Abbott’s Folly

For those who followed the regulations to a tee, utter disappointment would set in as there efforts was wasted by a governor who was more interested playing partisan politics than upholding public health.

I didn’t have a preconceived bias about Greg Abbott going into the outbreak. The stupidest remark he said pre-outbreak was when he tried to link the El Paso shooting to mental illness instead of addressing the obvious 800-pound elephant in the room that was racial violence and rhetoric. However, I would give him a benefit of a doubt going into the outbreak. In retrospect, this was a foolish thing to do.

Because of his inaction and general incompetence, Greg Abbott needs to be held responsible for what occurred here in this state. If he was pro-active in his handling of the outbreak, I wouldn't be saying this. If he was responsive to the handling of the outbreak, I would reason that it was the virus, and not the governor's actions, that killed people. However, this isn't the case here.

Indictment

Abbott didn't want the responsibility in handling the outbreak. He simply passed off that responsibility to the county leaders. He tried to wash his hands from the responsibility that was the outbreak, Pontius Pilate style. For the out-of-touch governor who only sees party politics, this action was actually a blessing in disguise at first. Most of the county leaders saw Covid-19 for what it is: a deadly virus is. Here in South Texas, the county leaders were very proactive in there response to the outbreak. The county leaders here in South Texas should be held in high regard, especially as they try to handle the outbreak without the help of an incompetent governor. They acted in the appropriate manner in dealing with the outbreak by being very pro-active in the enforcement of the health regulations that were put in place.

However, the county leaders here in South Texas were on there own. They got no help from the governor. Greg Abbott didn't respond to the outbreak until he was placed under intense pressure. In several states, many governors, both Republican and Democrat, took a very proactive measure when dealing with the outbreak. Many of these governors, Republican and Democrat alike, passed stay-at-home measures and they didn’t mince there words; they called them “stay-at-home” measures as there is no no shame in using that phrase. However, Greg Abbott was very reluctant in passing such an order. He only proceeded when intense pressure was placed on him by both Democrats and Republicans alike. Even then, he was reluctant in calling his decree a “stay-at-home” order even thought that’s what it was. He was trying to undo that decree almost as quickly as he signed it.

Everybody (who wasn't consumed by conspiracy theories or sensationalist click-bait) knew that lifting the health regulations would cause all hell to break loose. However, Greg Abbott was gunhole about lifting the regulations at any cost. He wanted that sweet sales-tax money at any cost. However, maybe the most optimistic (delusional) part of him was thinking that maybe things will just be all right. Crap hit the fan almost immediately. Cases skyrocketed. Here in South Texas, cases soared to unprecedented levels. As of late September, cases have leveled off and are slowly decreasing. However, the virus is still widespread. For a few weeks South Texas became New York. What's sad is that the only reason why Greg Abbott opened the state was to collect that sweet sales-tax money. He also didn't want to offend potential voters. This is why he lifted restrictions on churches meeting physically lifted despite the chances of cases there skyrocketing. Sure enough, this happened. This is one of the few recent cases where churches killed more people than they saved. When Christians place image above public safety and well-being so they can test God, they betraying the very teachings that they are called to upheld.

Because of the lifted restrictions, many gullible individuals really did think that the outbreak was over. Those that got there news from sources that actually reported soaring cases were lambasted as "brainless saps being brainwashed by the liberal media". Those who wanted to remain blind to reality would espouse the claim a media conspiracy to reconcile there ignorance to the grave situation. Many thought that the outbreak was an overblown hoax anyway. For them, it was now time to enjoy life. "Things are getting better" became the moniker of the day. For them, things were getting better despite the number of soaring cases. The typical response to hearing about this tidbit was: "I didn't hear about this from my news!". When one gets there news from sources that were dismissive of the outbreak, what would you expect? Would you really expect them to report about soaring cases. The phrase "Things are getting better" would turn into a very cruel joke.

In the eyes of many, when Greg Abbott said that things were normal again, then things became normal again for many, despite the contrary. Mask-shaming became a things for those who realized that the outbreak was still in full-force. Those who tried to heed the warning about the resurgence and soaring number of cases were labeled as fear-mongers. Those who wore mask because they valued there health were mocked by pathetic fools ignorant of the situation. There would be naive buffoons in the equation, but it wasn't the ones wearing the mask though.

For those who followed the regulations to a tee, utter disappointment would set in as there efforts was wasted as the governor was more interested playing partisan politics than upholding public health. There efforts was wasted for nothing. Greg Abbott broke their resolve. He would eventually recognize Covid-19 as the horrible and deadly virus as it is only after the fact. By that point, it was too little, too late.

For those who were vigilant about there health through the first wave, why should they care about exercising intense hygiene now? There effort would only be flushed down the toilet again. As such, most of what one encounters here in South Texas are people who are now indifferent about the outbreak. Many people here just don't care. While one runs across the occasional crackpots wearing the tin-foil hat espousing regurgitated conspiracy theories, they tend to be the exception, not the rule. However, you are much more likely to encounter someone who sees not wearing the mask as making some grand and bold statement. In reality though, this just demonstrated how ignorant and selfish that person is for showing complete disregard for the health and well-being of those around them.

Greg Abbott could have suspended the sales tax statewide if he wanted too. However, Greg Abbott and his lackey, Dan Patrick, still wanted that sweet sales tax money at any cost. They couldn't do without it. This is a big reason why despite the state emergency being declared, there haven't been any sales tax exemptions. They want the economy to be reopened at any cost to earn that money, regardless of whether people die from there actions. Aid could be rendered if they wanted to render it. However, why should they. In there eyes, it wasn't there responsibility. A responsibility that they didn't want as they're now busy trying to wash that blood off of there hands. It wasn't about human lives, but it was about the money. It's was always about the money. It was never about you. Because of his actions, it wasn't the virus that killed people, it was Greg Abbott.

We Expected Better From Our Governor!

Unless one got there news from the likes of Breitbart or Fox News, everybody expected Trump to fall flat in his response. What would one expect from a loud-mouth demagogue? However, we expected better from our governors. They were the professionals who were suppose to have known better than him. These are the ones who are suppose to know this state and the people they represent like the back of there hand. Regardless of party affiliation, the Governor represents the residents of that state. Greg Abbott failed us. This has nothing to do with partisan politics. If he was a Democrat and lifted health regulations during the outbreak, I would be saying the same thing. Regardless of political affiliations, Greg Abbott failed us. Those who consume tribal politics as if its an addictive drug will argue differently, but it doesn't change the fact. Greg Abbott failed us all.

From the perspective of the virus, the words Democrat and Republican basically just artificial labels anyway. Virus's don't know political affiliations. They don't recognize any barriers for that matter. Economic, social statues, race, gender,  religious, etc.; it doesn't make a difference. Both Republicans and Democrats have said smart things. They both have done stupid crap. Andrew Cumoe slashed New York's health budget many years before the health crisis. This was in spite of those who are an student of history knowing that such an outbreak was only a matter of when, and not if.

Trump Is No Victim

I haven’t focused much on Trump because I already knew ahead of time that he was going to be a ineffective leader. For those who embraced Trump as an emaculate being from the Heavens who could do no wrong, taking his health advice would come with deadly consequences. Those who got glowing reports about Trump handling of the crisis would have been blind to the reality of the situation. For them, ignorance would take over.

It's sad when one already has to set very low expectations even before things start. What's even sadder is when Trump fails even those low expectations. As easy as it is to bash Trump though, he can only be held responsible within the confines of his job. Most off the virus response effort has being handled by the governors, and not by him.

What's pathetic is that an shabby politician and Washington insider is doing well because of the President had done such a terrible job. Anyone who reads my articles know that I'm no fan of Biden. Unfortunate, Trump had done such appalling job handling the crisis (and everything else in between), that this pathetic excuse of a leader is making a lousy politician look favorable.*

When given two crappy choices, we all lose. In 2016, regardless of whether Hillary or Trump won, the American people lost. I know that those who embrace partisan politics as an petty obsession would argue differently, but that doesn't change the fact. The American people lost in 2016, regardless of the final outcome. The American people will lose in 2020.

When I covered the Texas race between Beto O'Rouke and Ted Cruz, I mentioned that the 2020 elections would be very similar to the one here in Texas (just minus a massive outbreak). Many who voted for Beto did so because they were voting against Ted Cruz, and not voting for Beto. It's going to be a very similar story here. Most who vote for Biden are doing so not because they support him, but because they're voting against Trump. With me, it's not going to be who I'm voting for, but who I'm voting against. Voting against Trump is a very easy thing to do. As an Independent, Trump did nothing for me, unless one considers spreading divisive rhetoric or legitimizing absurd conspiracy theories as an accomplishment. When one becomes President, they become President for everyone in the country, and not just party voters. However, Trump already declared that he was only President of his supporters and voters, and not all Americans. He wasn't interested in working with Democrats or Independents, unless they conformed to his beliefs. Trump only wanted to be President for his base and no one else. Why should I vote for him?

I can make a safe bet that he used Portland as an distraction so that people would forget how badly he handled the outbreak. As of late September, more than 200,000 people died from the virus. One would would need a very massive distraction to cover up that disaster.

Those who get there news from sources that constantly sing his praises were completely oblivious and blind to his failures. In their eyes, he's an victim of unfortunate circumstance who's been unfairly targeted by "them", as to hint that unfounded media conspiracy. Many gullible individuals will buy into such theories at face-value, while not realizing that conspiracy theories is fodder for the lowest common denominator.

Trump is not a victim.

Greg Abbott Isn't A Victim Either

To jump straight to conclusion: Greg Abbott failed us. In my personal opinion, he should be impeached. I doubt that this is going to happen as those who embrace tribal politics will argue against it. Many who argue against it pander to party rhetoric as if its the gospel truth. They will paint him as a victim being targeted by "them". Like Trump, Greg Abbott is not an unfortunate victim of circumstance. He could have done much more.

For many who feel jaded at the situation here in Texas; calling Greg Abbott a pathetic, vile, deplorable, pitiful coward is one of the least offensive statements that one could make. A statement that's not hard to argue with as he placed his politics first instead of the general well-being of those living in the state that he's representing. People would die because of it. Our elected officials needs to be held responsible for there deaths. 

If Greg Abbott runs for a third term in the 2022 Texas gubernatorial election, I will have the opportunity to vote against him. That vote will be seen as my way of holding him responsible for the deaths of those who died from the virus here in Texas. If he doesn't run, I will be robbed of that opportunity. If this is the case, I'm going to hold the Texas Republican Party responsible in place of Greg Abbott. Sucks for them. If Matthew McConaughey runs as an independent in 2022, I would easily vote for him (you did not misread that sentence). I like his movies.

For those who lost loved ones in the outbreak, they need to be remembered. When the two officers in McAllen were killed in July, Greg Abbott lowered the flags at half-staff as he should have. Now he needs to keep those flags at half-staffed for the 15,697 who died from the virus here in Texas. They died unnecessary too like those officers.

There is no love for Greg Abbott here. There is blood on his hands. The blood of those who died in his pursuit of that sweet sales-tax money. Greg Abbott failed you, regardless of your affiliation. Regardless of political affiliations, we deserved much better than what we got.

Articles Of Interest

Wikipedia : 2022 Texas gubernatorial election - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Texas_gubernatorial_election

The Atlantic : All the President’s Lies About the Coronavirus -  https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/04/trumps-lies-about-coronav

Dan Patrick on coronavirus: 'More important things than living'

The Atlantic : We Are Living in a Failed State - https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/06/underlying-conditions/610261/

Houston Chronicle : Coronavirus won’t trigger disaster exemptions for property taxes, Texas AG Ken Paxton says - https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/texas-attorney-general-property-tax-disaster-covid-15200884.php

The Hill : Texas House Dems ask governor to issue stay-at-home order - https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/490659-texas-house-dems-ask-governor-to-issue-stay-at-home-order

Office Of The Texas Governor | Greg Abbott - Governor Abbott Issues Executive Order Implementing Essential Services And Activities Protocols - https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-issues-executive-order-implementing-essential-services-and-activities-protocols

The Texas Tribune : Gov. Greg Abbott isn't calling it a stay-at-home order. But he's telling Texans to stay at home. - https://www.texastribune.org/2020/04/03/texas-under-stay-home-order-its-rules-match-those-other-states/

The Texas Tribune : Coronavirus in Texas: Hard-line conservatives want stay-at-home order relaxed; Paxton issues opinion on temporary tax exemption - https://www.texastribune.org/2020/04/14/coronavirus-texas-nearly-14000-texans-have-tested-positive/

The Dallas Morning News : Fore! Some Texas golfers may play through coronavirus crisis, says Attorney General Ken Paxton - https://www.dallasnews.com/news/public-health/2020/04/11/fore-some-texas-golfers-may-play-through-coronavirus-crisis-says-attorney-general-ken-paxton/

NBC News : Dan Patrick on coronavirus: 'More important things than living'

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/texas-lt-gov-dan-patrick-reopening-economy-more-important-thing...

The Texas Tribune: Dan Patrick says “there are more important things than living and that’s saving this country”

https://www.texastribune.org/2020/04/21/texas-dan-patrick-economy-coronavirus/

Daily Beast : Texas Governor Admits Dangers of Reopening State on Private Call With Lawmakers

 https://www.thedailybeast.com/texas-governor-greg-abbott-admits-dangers-of-reopening-state-on-private-call-with-lawmakers

KVIA.COM : Texas governor admits reopening state will lead to increased infections in leaked audio - https://kvia.com/your-voice-your-vote/texas-politics/2020/05/05/texas-governor-admits-reopening-state-will-lead-to-increased-infections-in-leaked-audio/

Quorum Report : In leaked audio, Gov. Abbott talks about the way the spread of COVID-19 will increase as Texas reopens - http://quorumreport.com/quorum_report_daily_buzz_2020/in_leaked_audio_gov_abbott_talks_about_the_way_the_buzziid29539.html