Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Says He’s ‘All In’ On Risking Health To Lift Social Distancing Guidelines To Boost Economy

cbs dfw ^ | 3/24/20 | CBS

[central_va]

AUSTIN, Texas (CBSDFW.COM/CNN) — On Monday, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick insisted he’s “all in” on lifting social distancing guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic in order to get the economy back up-and-running — despite the fact that he and other senior citizens remain at high risk of contracting the deadly disease.

Patrick, who said he turns 70 next week, said people like him have to weigh the hazards to their personal health that the virus poses with the challenges to health of the American economy brought on by social distancing guidelines.

“No one reached out to me and said, ‘As a senior citizen, are you willing to take a chance on your survival in exchange for keeping the America that all America loves for your children and grandchildren?’ And if that is the exchange, I’m all in,” Patrick told Fox News.

He added, “My messages is that let’s get back to work, let’s get back to living. Let’s be smart about it and those of us who are 70+, we’ll take care of ourselves. But don’t sacrifice the country.”

[Balding_Eagle]

And you agree that if you get into an accident while going over the speed limit?

[Svartalfiar]

He added, “My messages is that let’s get back to work, let’s get back to living. Let’s be smart about it and those of us who are 70+, we’ll take care of ourselves. But don’t sacrifice the country.”

He reminds me of all those motorcycle riders who don't think they need helmets. We call them "two-wheeled organ donors." Or, better yet, he's the poster child for "Hold ma beer and watch this!" The sad thing is, what he suggests will pass the virus on to others.

Huh. He reminds me of the jumpmaster who jumped out of the plane after you, and kindly brought an extra parachute with him so you can put it on mid-fall.

[LateBoomer]

Could not agree more! I’m in the higher-risk group and will take my own responsibility for seeing that I’m kept healthy and safe. I already take measures to minimize risk/exposure every flu season, and this virus is just a more intense version of that.

People like me need to step up, stay isolated, do our utmost best to avoid contracting the virus.

We don’t need to isolate those who are at far less risk of serious reaction to the virus, and we certainly don’t need to burn our economy to the ground in the name of “protecting our most vulnerable”. Those who aren’t isolated can do their part by respecting the social distancing guidelines of the most vulnerable.

[eastexsteve]

Huh. He reminds me of the jumpmaster who jumped out of the plane after you, and kindly brought an extra parachute with him so you can put it on mid-fall.

Not me. I would be smart enough not to jump out of the plane to begin with.

[Svartalfiar]

Not me. I would be smart enough not to jump out of the plane to begin with.

Yea, except all these petty-tyrant Govs and Mayors already pushed you out. You don't have that choice anymore.