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Scattered thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread this afternoon. A few storms may be severe. High near 80F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%..
Tonight
Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Partly cloudy skies after midnight. Low 62F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
As of this column’s publication, the mandatory mask mandate in the State of Texas was lifted by Gov. Greg Abbott, who also added that businesses can now be at 100% capacity. The reaction to this news was not surprising. Those who wanted the statewide mandate to be lifted celebrated and praised the governor, while those who believe the mandate should remain for safety purposes condemned him.
Personally, I have no strong feelings on whether Gov. Abbott was right or wrong for lifting the mask mandate because there is one major factor that did happen after the announcement last week. City governments as well as schools and federally-owned locations are still requiring people to wear a mask, and the same goes for some businesses as well (if the owners of a business choose to require their customers to wear a mask or not). After all, this comes down to the freedom of choice when it comes to the masks. During the pandemic, while I didn’t like wearing a mask, I personally chose to wear one, not just for my own safety, but for others as well. I will continue to make the choice to wear a mask until the end of the pandemic.
A 'Voice of reason' in a subject area rampant with hysteria and foolishness, I thank you for you contribution.
As you noted, the state mandate was dropped, but that does not infringe on the rights of businesses and the general population. If you go to a grocery store, gas station or other business and there is a sign that reads "Mask Required", then you simply do so - it's their right. Similar in nature to 'No shoes, no shirt, no service', a notices we've lived under for generations.
I applaud the Governor for his opening up the state to allow people to make their own choice, as well as Mr. Schmidt's column presenting the information and opinion is a rational form.
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A 'Voice of reason' in a subject area rampant with hysteria and foolishness, I thank you for you contribution.
As you noted, the state mandate was dropped, but that does not infringe on the rights of businesses and the general population. If you go to a grocery store, gas station or other business and there is a sign that reads "Mask Required", then you simply do so - it's their right. Similar in nature to 'No shoes, no shirt, no service', a notices we've lived under for generations.
I applaud the Governor for his opening up the state to allow people to make their own choice, as well as Mr. Schmidt's column presenting the information and opinion is a rational form.
Thanks again for your column.
Welcome to the discussion.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.