Rapper Bun B had some harsh words for Texas’ governor recently after the Lone Star State’s top government official lifted mask mandates and all coronavirus restrictions on businesses even as the pandemic continues to rage.
The Houston native took to his Instagram account on Tuesday, March 2, where he uploaded a news article’s screenshot announcing the controversial decision. The headline read, “Texas governor lifts mask mandate and allows businesses to open at 100% capacity, despite health officials’ warnings.”
The “Get Throwed” emcee called out Gov. Greg Abbott directly in his caption, calling his choice to open the state “bat sh-t cray and you know it.” He added, “As if you didn’t already have enough blood on your hands. SMFH.”
Several fans in the comments section echoed the rapper’s sentiments, including one user who wrote, “He wants people to forget about no power, water and death at his hands.” Another user commented, “He’s wildin… I’m still wearing mine. We need to try to vote him out… again.”
Other people expressed the idea that Abbott’s decision to eliminate the mask mandates was a part of his plan to get re-elected. The 2022 Texas gubernatorial election is set to occur on Nov. 8, 2022, when Abbott’s seat would be at risk. Texas does not have term limitations, and the incumbent Republican would be running for reelection to a third term in office. Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, many states, including Texas, have struggled to get their residents to adhere to safety guidelines recommended by public health officials.
“Political distraction from the storm/power crisis. These folks are willing to kill you, for political points,” a third user expressed. “Catering to his republican constituents to get those votes for reelection seeing he bungled a lot lately,” a fourth echoed.
Still, not everyone seemed upset over the change. Many Texans appear to be relieved that they will no longer be required to wear protective gear, including one user who wrote, “It’s simple really… If your mask is so effective, wear 2 or stay home…” They added, “I do me, you do you,” Another chimed in, saying, “About damn time. Shouldn’t have never been mandated. It’s a choice.”
Texas residents are still recovering after being hit with a severe winter storm last month that left millions without electricity, water, heat and some even without food after the state’s independent power grid malfunctioned. Many Texans bitterly decried what they saw as little to no assistance from Texas politicians. Sen. Ted Cruz infamously going to Mexico after losing power in his home remains an example of the worst political optics displayed during the crisis.