After one of the worst natural disasters in Texas history, the snowmageddon of 2021, with massive electricity & water outages, Texas Governor Greg Abbott tried to shift his own responsibility for the debacle. First trying to blame the Green New Deal, which hasn’t even been adopted. Then he tried to blame wind turbines, which is actually only 13% of Texas energy source. Finally, he has tried to blame the ERCOT board. But did you know that the Public Utility Commission, which regulates ERCOT, was appointed by Abbott, himself? He knew all about our power grid not being winterized. He just desperately needed a scapegoat.

Or a distraction. So then, he says he’s dropping the Covid-19 mask requirement and opening up all Texas businesses 100%. WTAF???

Let’s check out some Texas stats to see the idiocy of this decision (as of 3/10/21):

• Austin-Travis County is in Stage 4 of Covid restrictions

• Texas has the 3rd highest death toll (only behind California & New York)

• Texas deaths: 46,023

• United States deaths: 529,267+

• Texas Coronavirus cases: 2,714,110

• Texas has only vaccinated 6.8% of the population (one of the lowest in all states)

• 39% of Americans say they won’t take the Covid-19 vaccine

• As the virus continues to mutate like never before

Then Gov. Abbott has the audacity to blame the spread of Covid-19 on immigrants. Jaw-droppingly cruel.

Even more idiotic drama ensues. Austin officials say they would continue to require masks even after Gov. Greg Abbott ended his statewide mandate. So now, indicted Attorney General Ken Paxton has threatened to sue the city of Austin over the mask mandate. The gall! Suing us for trying to protect ourselves.

Since our elected officials refuse to protect us, citizens, we need to take it upon ourselves to protect and care for each other. So let's keep washing our hands, wearing masks, sanitizing surfaces, avoiding crowds, and maintaining social distance.

We celebrate those of you who choose to care for your fellow Texans. We’d like to help get the word out that you’re valuing your workers, your customers, and your communities by continuing with Covid-19 safety protocols. With Abbott’s hazardous policies, it’s all the more important to let your clients/customers, and community know what you’re doing to keep us all safe.

To be of service, Graphic Granola has updated our website and shifted our focus to help businesses continue to navigate this pandemic for as long as it takes. Please visit our Pandemic Pivot section to discover tips, ideas, pivots, and shifts you can implement with your own business. Also, if you’d like to focus on more positive stories and learn about productive pivots, you’re invited to join our Facebook group, Positive Pandemic Pivots.

Thank you for all you do. You are appreciated.