November 23, 2020, 5:54 am
One of the most amazing things about the coronavirus pandemic in the United States is how GOP officials have managed to make safety a fully bipartisan issue. Everything from business closures to wearing a mask has been twisted into a scenario where liberties are permanently at stake rather than simply something that could save lives and make the country safer while we figure out a long-term solution.
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And with Thanksgiving coming up, and many conversations turning to whether it’s safe to travel or gather in small indoor groups, Senator Ted Cruz is apparently trying to act like this is the next “war on Christmas.” Only this time, instead of people having the audacity to say “Happy Holidays,” it’s people suggesting maybe having big Thanksgiving parties in the middle of a pandemic isn’t the smartest choice.
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Cruz tweeted out a photo over the weekend that was clearly intended to draw an emotional response from his Republican constituents, and further the belief that everyone is out to steal their freedom.
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The picture was of a turkey with a single star over it, presumably representing Texas, and the words “Come And Take It.”
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It’s worth being clear, first and foremost, that nobody is out here trying to take away Thanksgiving. Suggesting people refrain from large gatherings and traveling, or take extra precautions so as to decrease the potential spread of the virus, is not a threat to take something away. And suggesting otherwise, as a political leader, is irresponsible, incendiary, and purposely divisive.
But people are taking particular issue with Cruz’s bold choice to vehemently oppose giving up Thanksgiving plans only days after the National Guard sent troops to El Paso, Texas, to transport bodies, as the morgues are overflowing thanks to COVID-19.
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This, combined with photos that went viral last week showing thousands of cars lined up to gain access to food banks in Dallas, because Americans are still suffering the economic fallout of the pandemic.
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The impression many are taking away from Cruz’s tweet is that he’s more interested in sending empty signals that he’s a “tough guy” out here protecting the sanctity of Thanksgiving over doing anything to protect the people he supposedly represents at a time when so much is at stake, and so much has already been lost.
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Just imagine if politicians like Cruz put as much effort into actually making life better for the people they represent as they do trying to “own the libs.” Or maybe don’t, because it’s too depressing to realize how simple and impactful that could be.
*First Published: November 23, 2020, 5:54 am
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