Concho Valley News

Susan Williamson is adamant about her support for a fully reopened Texas.

“We need to open Texas back up,” Williamson, Menard County GOP Chair, told Concho Valley News.

Renewed criticism is being leveled at Gov. Greg Abbott from fellow Republicans in the face of his extension over Labor Day weekend of a disaster proclamation regarding Covid-19.

A just released Texas A&M study reveals the nationwide economy is expected to have lost $2.5 trillion in goods due to business interruptions from lockdowns.

The Centers for Disease Control recently revised Covid-19 death rates to note only 6 percent of the deceased died solely from the virus.

However, in Texas, chunks of the economy, such as bars, night clubs and salons, have remained shuttered for months. Restaurants have only been allowed to open at a diminished capacity.

“I’m 66 years old and I don’t expect the world to shut down to keep me safe,” Williamson said. “Vulnerable persons should have it figured out by now and take responsibility for their own self distancing. Let the rest of the world live their lives.”

In contrast to Abbott’s feet dragging, last week DeSantis came out boldly in favor of putting children back in the classroom and on sports fields this fall.

The timing of the declaration is odd.

Abbott has come under increasing pressure to open Texas back up across the board and to keep it open.

Statewide Republican leadership has also come out in favor of reopening.

Several influential Republican supporters in Texas wrote a letter requesting Abbott take more leadership in reopening the state fully.

Texas is a “lockdown state” and is one of only three states where the governor has complete authority over Covid-19 response.

“Personal responsibility is the key, and respecting our vulnerable population by distancing from them,” Williamson said. “If you are worried about yourself and want to wear a mask for peace of mind that you are more protected,  persons observing your mask should stay 6 ft away from you. Let the rest of the world move on.”