“Those of us who are
70 plus, we’ll take care of ourselves. But don’t sacrifice the
country … No one reached out to me and said, 'As a senior citizen,
are you willing to take a chance on your survival in exchange for
keeping the America that America loves for its children and
grandchildren?' And if that is the exchange, I'm all in.”
– Dan
Patrick, Texas’ Republican lieutenant governor, March 23, 2020
Patrick, who will turn 70
next week, made this comment to the nation on Fox News' “Tucker
Carlson Tonight.” On Monday, March 23, 2020, he boldly suggested
that he and other grandparents would be willing to risk their health
and even lives in order for the United States to “get back to work”
amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Patrick said he did not
fear COVID-19, but feared that stay-at-home orders and economic
upheaval would destroy the American way of life. Patrick made these
comments as millions of people across the country have been ordered
to stay at home except to conduct essential business. Health experts
have said limiting social interaction is the best way to slow the
spread of infection and reduce the chance of overwhelming medical
professionals and facilities.
Some cities and counties
in Texas have such orders, but there is no statewide shelter-in-place
policy. Texas has more than 350 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and nine
deaths related to the virus. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has resisted
calling a stay-at-home order for all of Texas but local officials in
Dallas and San Antonio have. Patrick said …
"Let's get back to
work. Let’s get back to living. Let’s be smart about it.”
Patrick's comments about “being smart” contradict
what health experts have made clear – unless Americans continue to
dramatically limit social interaction — staying home from work and
isolating themselves — the number of infections will overwhelm the
health care system, as it has in parts of Italy, leading to many more
deaths.
It is impossible to even
consider what the Texas lieutenant governor advocates – sacrificing
lives for the sake of the economy. Patrick believes even if older
people become infected with the illness and die, social distancing
should be lifted and people must “get back to work.”
Patrick
made an ambiguous attempt to soften his position by saying ...
“We all want to live.
We all want to live with our grandchildren as long as we can. But the
point is our biggest gift we give to our country and our children and
our grandchildren is the legacy of our country, and right now, that
is at risk.”
Patrick
says the “biggest gift” is the “legacy” of our country? How
irresponsible of a leader to discount the value of the lives
of those who face the reality of the coronavirus. The biggest gift
for all right now is the grant of necessary protection by government
officials to insure human existence – especially prevention for
those most vulnerable. And, by the way, those “children and
grandchildren” of whom he speaks are included in that range of
serious vulnerability.
Of course, Patrick’s
comments came as other Republicans, including President Donald Trump,
pushes for the end of social distancing to rescue the sinking
economy, even as the coronavirus continues to plague the country.
Patrick should be
condemned for his comments. Voters should remember his words during
the crisis. Should he be removed from office? I guess all of that is
part of the “legacy” to which he refers. I wonder if he is
willing to “exchange” his reputation and his job for his beliefs?
All this from a man who
tweeted on March 23 …
“Know the facts about
#COVID19. Don’t share rumors & unintentionally spread
misinformation. Federal, state & local governments are posting
current and accurate information. For help in distinguishing rumor
from fact, see @FEMA Coronavirus Rumor Control:
https://bit.ly/3ahGFD”
Excuse me for saying this,
but I am learning to appreciate the full range of emotion and meaning
in a recent phrase I have seen posted on social media ... “Fuck
this fucking fuck.” I sincerely believe it applies to our fine
lieutenant governor from Texas. In contrition, I'll quote another man
who actually makes his living by saying outrageous things: “Lord, I
apologize for that there, and … be with the pygmies in New Guinea,
amen.”
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