CNN senior global affairs analyst Bianna Golodryga recently shared with her Twitter followers that she “can’t comprehend” how Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is willing to give Texans a chance to behave responsibility without the government telling them what to do:
The amount of anxiety I’m hearing from folks in Texas is high.
One friend telling me: “I’m NOT going inside stores if masks aren’t enforced.”
I can’t comprehend how Abbott approached this with such enthusiasm. It could backfire economically too.
https://t.co/CDnMObv8j6— Bianna Golodryga (@biannagolodryga) March 3, 2021
But, while not everyone shared Golodryga’s — and her friend’s — anxiety, at least Slate national correspondent Will Saletan totally gets where she’s coming from:
As somebody who has flown to Texas during the mask mandate: Lifting it is a significant deterrent to me going back.
Requiring masks is one of the smallest things the community can ask of us. Masks make travel and commerce much easier. Economically, this will backfire.
— Will Saletan (@saletan) March 3, 2021
Spoken like a true expert.
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Hey buddy- you can still wear your mask if you like. That’s the great thing about freedom.
— John Barefield (@JohnFBarefield) March 3, 2021
His concern is not whether he has his freedom. His concern is not being able to restrict your freedom.
— Michael Stewart (@sdfreedom21) March 3, 2021
Ah. Well, that would certainly explain it.
What a shame Texas won’t be enjoying the pleasure of his company anytime soon.
— Duncan Lemp was murdered by cops (@Ademan555) March 3, 2021
I guess Texas will have to somehow carry on without you, mate. Somehow. https://t.co/ycWW7n1bit
— Carlton Hinds (@methuselaschild) March 3, 2021
You can wear a mask. If you don't feel comfortable wearing your own mask or going to Texas, then don't go.
— The Plumb Line (@ThePlumbLine50) March 3, 2021
Sweet it worked! https://t.co/XAP64eEh0B
— Federalist Musket?? (@Patriot_Musket) March 3, 2021
Somehow I think Texas will survive your absence
— mstonge (@Mstonge70) March 3, 2021
And as far as his prediction about Texas’ impending economic disaster goes, well, let’s just see how it all plays out, shall we?
I’ll bet you $1000 right now it doesn’t backfire economically
— Jake McNeil (@realjakemcneil) March 3, 2021
“Economically, this will backfire…”
How well have the lockdowns and mask mandates worked out “economically” to this point?
This is satire, right?
— Pre-Ordering Nike Devo’s (@beingtimfreeman) March 3, 2021
GP You've found the root of your misunderstanding.
Texas is still making an "ask" to wear masks. It's simply not requiring it.
And I'll bet Texas will see its tourism industry (and its economy as a whole) recover fully long before New York's and California's do. https://t.co/SHGGc1QH7P
— The Gormogons (@Gormogons) March 3, 2021
