While Abbott has maintained he’s not the one enforcing the order, Texans are saying his enabling of local government has the same effect and is indicative of Abbott’s poor leadership.
All over social media, everyday Texans are sounding off their frustration with his continued surrender to Democrats and demanding he reform his ways or be replaced as governor.
Robert Allen, a citizen from Pearland, argued that while Abbott might want to pretend it’s local jurisdictions that are enforcing his mask order, he is the one responsible.
“What’s the difference? He’s indirectly passing the buck again. In other words, ‘if the local jurisdictions want to collude with business to require masks,’ instead of saying ‘NO jurisdiction can FINE anybody for not wearing masks,’” said Allen. “Confusing the issue is a favorite tactic of Abbott’s, but there is NO confusing that he is NOT listening to Texans when it comes to allowing a contract with a company for tracking citizens who supposedly have tested positive with coronavirus.”
Katy’s Richard Devaney said he will not comply if local governments enforce Abbott’s mask order, and he will welcome customers in his business with or without masks.
“I will not comply. I will not violate someone’s right to privacy and HIPPA laws just because of an irrational order from some bureaucrat who doesn’t care about personal freedoms!” said Devaney. “If you refuse to wear a mask, you will be welcomed in my business. If you wish to wear a mask, you will also be welcomed. But do not expect me to order my patrons to comply, because I am not law enforcement, nor will I act as such.
Dena Carper Dunton, a Realtor from Southlake, said she was disappointed in Abbott and views his order as evidence he is listening to the wrong people.
“So disappointed in all the decisions that he is making through all of this [COVID] mess. Up to this point, I’ve been an avid supporter of him. This is ridiculous. I don’t know who he is listening to, but they’re the wrong people,” said Carper-Dunton. “This is a clear overreach; he is acting like these Democrat governors, and it’s a real disappointment.”
Pearland’s John LeBrecht expressed his dissatisfaction with Abbott’s continued seizure of power and unilateral decision-making during the crisis.
“So, where does this end? When will it be declared by our dictators that it’s safe to be normal again?” asked LeBrecht. “Once you start down these roads, there is no turning back. Thanks for nothing again, Abbott.”
Robert Jones, a mechanic from Leakey, said Abbott risked losing his vote if he continued to enable local governments.
“I have thought you have been a really good governor for Texas, but if this doesn’t stop, you will lose my vote,” wrote Jones.
Rick White, a small-business owner from Rhome, said his mind was already made up and he would vote against Abbott in the next election.
“I hope someone runs against him for the GOP! I will vote against him!” said White. “Those businesses will not get my business if they require a mask!”
San Antonio’s Susie Etheridge made it clear that she doesn’t want to wait until the next election to dispense with Abbott, and called on the governor to resign.
“Abbott, I have lost all respect for you. … Resign so Dan Patrick can take over!” she said.
Other Texans, however, have their doubts that that would improve things.
“Patrick is just as spineless,” Nathan Schroedter replied.
