Share
Commentary

GOP Govs Say It's Finally Time to 'Move Forward' from COVID After Mandates Come to an End

Share

Two Republican governors have made it clear that they want their states to move past the era of coronavirus mandates.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey told Fox News this week that they do not feel the need for pandemic-related restrictions in their states any longer.

“One of the frustrations of the American people over this past year has been the constantly changing goal post. Certainly, this is a novel virus and guidance has evolved as we have learned more, but that is just it: we have learned more,” Ivey said.

“We have been at this for more than a year now, and we have simply got to move forward. Endless government mandates are not the answer,” she added.

Abbott noted the impact strict guidelines had on Texas businesses and communities, while also acknowledging that many people are still concerned about the pandemic.

“The fact is, Texas now has the tools and knowledge to combat COVID while also allowing Texans and businesses to make their own decisions,” he said.

“It is clear from the recoveries, the vaccinations, the reduced hospitalizations, and the safe practices that Texans are using, that we’re ready to return to normal life and unleash the full might of the state’s economy.”

Do you support a swift end to COVID mandates?

These conservative leaders have adopted a drastically different tone than President Joe Biden, who defined July 4 as his goal for when people can have a small family barbecue.

“Next week, I’ll be laying out the path ahead to continue our fight against COVID-19, to get us to July 4th,” Biden said Tuesday, U.S. News reported.

“This is our target date to get life in America closer to normal and begin to celebrate our independence from the virus together with our friends and our loved ones as we celebrate Independence Day.”

Many red states like Texas and Alabama have already lifted their mask mandates, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention only announcing Tuesday that fully vaccinated Americans can go outside without a facial covering.

Related:
Keith Olbermann Shreds Former Mini-Me Rachel Maddow as Spoiled Star Rakes in $500k Per Night

Biden has called the decision by states to not have a mask requirement “neanderthal thinking,” showing a clear dichotomy between national and some state-level strategies.

As the pandemic nears its end with more Americans getting vaccinated and cases on the decline in most states, there is going to be increasing tension when it comes to getting back to normal.

Some people will likely continue to wear masks and enforce strict guidelines on themselves long after their area is reopened, whereas others will go back to their pre-COVID ways.

The coronavirus pandemic further divided Americans and their leaders in terms of how they viewed government control and guidance, and these divisions will become clearer in the coming months.

Truth and Accuracy

Submit a Correction →



We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:
, , , , , , , ,
Share
Cameron Arcand is a former writer for The Western Journal.
Cameron Arcand is a political commentator based in Phoenix, Arizona. In 2017 as a school project, he founded YoungNotStupid.com, which has grown exponentially since its founding. He has interviewed several notable conservative figures, including Dave Rubin, Peggy Grande and Madison Cawthorn.

In September 2020, Cameron joined The Western Journal as a Commentary Writer, where he has written articles on topics ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic, the "Recall Gavin Newsom" effort and the 2020 election aftermath. The "Young Not Stupid" column launched at The Western Journal in January 2021, making Cameron one of the youngest columnists for a national news outlet in the United States. He has appeared on One America News and Fox 5 DC. He has been a Young America's Foundation member since 2019.
Location
Phoenix
Languages Spoken
English




Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.

Conversation