Opinion: Texas has chance to show a nation freedom works

Don’t blow it, Texas.

The eyes of the nation are on the Lone Star State these next few months after its governor, Greg Abbott, lifted mandates on face coverings and restrictions on how many people can enter businesses and other facilities.

We’re about to find out if individual responsibility might gain credibility as an option in a land where government control grows bigger every day.

It’s important to note what Abbott actually did when he made his announcement to “open up Texas,” starting Wednesday.

Liberal media and some Democrats would have us believe the governor has encouraged residents and visitors to take off their masks and fill sports stadiums and spring-break party places to celebrate the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed well over a half-million lives.

That’s not at all what Abbott has done, and not what he has said.

What he said in making his announcement at a Mexican food restaurant in Lubbock on March 2 was this is not a time to abandon safe practices Texans have mastered over the past year.

“Instead, it is a reminder that each person has a role to play in their own personal safety and the safety of others,” he said. “With this executive order, we are ensuring that all businesses and families in Texas have the freedom to determine their own destiny.”

Abbott’s words don’t sound like an invitation to pack the bars and cough on each other. Perhaps he could spend more time reminding residents that freedom comes with responsibility, but do we really need politicians preaching to us about how to live our lives?

It is important to remember no one individual’s rights trump those of another, especially when it comes to public health. Private business owners, for example, still have the right to require facemasks and limit capacity for their patrons. Don’t like it? Don’t shop there. Freedom is all about choices.

Abbott’s critics today have little evidence with which to argue his decision. The number of COVID-19-related cases, hospitalizations and deaths in Texas has dropped dramatically in recent weeks.

Lubbock County, for example, averaged well over five virus-related deaths per day around Christmastime. In February, that number dropped to 2.5. Since Feb. 24, Lubbock County has averaged one death per day related to the virus.

Now, those who think we need government to protect us are watching closely to see if the numbers will go back up once Texans are allowed to “determine their own destiny.”

Libertarians and like-minded proponents of limited government welcome this opportunity to prove freedom works, even during a worldwide health crisis.

So come on, Texas. Don’t blow it.

— David Stevens

Publisher