Fact check! Dan Patrick blames African Americans for COVID spread

By: Roy Douglas Malonson

Now, I have heard some racist junk in my time and, unfortunately, it just doesn’t get any better – or easier – to listen to politicians say the damndest things against our Black people.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is blaming unvaccinated Black people for the COVID-19 surge in Texas and across the nation. His sources for this claim? An incorrect Facebook post.

Patrick made the remarks recently on a Fox News segment when questioned about the latest COVID-19 surge.

“The COVID is spreading particularly, most of the numbers are with the unvaccinated and the Democrats like to blame Republicans on that. Well, the biggest group in most states are African Americans who have not been vaccinated.”

Say what? Patrick really went there on national television, blatantly stating that Black people are spreading the virus, when the Republican party members have been the most vocal in anti-mask, anti-vaccination rallies and political meetings.

Numerous statistics and analyses disprove Patrick’s statement. Let’s look at the facts.

Black people make up almost 13% of the United States population and are not the “biggest group” of unvaccinated people in Texas or the nation. An analysis by the KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) found that white people held the largest amount of unvaccinated people across the country.

Another analysis by the KFF found that Black people accounted for more than 50% of positive COVID-19 cases in only two out of 35 analyzed states.

In Texas, Black people only account for 15% of positive COVID-19 cases compared to 52% of Hispanic people and 32% of whites.

Self-reported data from KFF stated that 65% of African American people said they received at least one dose of the vaccine compared to 70% of whites and 61% of Hispanic people.

Another analysis found that across 40 states, 40% of Black people are vaccinated compared to 50% of whites.

While Black and Hispanic communities are less likely to have received a vaccine, Black people’s vaccination rates are steadily increasing as white people’s rates are declining.

While the effectiveness of current vaccines is declining against new COVID-19 variants, the vaccines are still very effective in greatly reducing hospitalization and severe symptoms. Some of our Texas GOP leaders can attest to that as a few of them have contracted the virus while vaccinated.

Governor Greg Abbott tested negative for COVID-19 on Saturday, just four days after a positive diagnosis. He credits his vaccination for the “brief and mild” infection and encourages Texans to take the vaccine.

“I am told that my infection was brief and mild because of the vaccination I received,” Abbott said in a video he posted on Twitter last weekend. “So, I encourage others who have not yet received the vaccination to consider getting one.”

After testing positive, the Governor received Regeneron’s monoclonal antibody treatment. In the video, Gov. Abbott said he would continue to open more antibody therapy centers across the state.

And while Abbott supports the vaccines, he is seemingly denouncing masks as he refuses to order a mask mandate in Texas despite seeing the alarming increase in hospitalizations across the state. Abbott was also refusing to issue mask mandates in schools, even though he knew there are many school children who are too young to receive the vaccines, and are getting sick.  What is his rhyme or reason? We believe not even he knows.

The “anti-vax” mindset around the nation won’t back down, and even the creator of this ideology that the science is a lie, Donald Trump, can’t control his own creation.

In a speech in Alabama last weekend, Trump found himself booed by his own cult for admitting that he took the vaccine and encouraging others to do the same.

“I believe totally in your freedoms, I do. But you got to do what you have to do, but I recommend, take the vaccines. I did it. It’s good. Take the vaccines, but you got … [BOOING] … No, that’s okay. That’s all right. You got your freedoms,” he said to the crowd. “But I happened to take the vaccine. If it doesn’t work, you’ll be the first to know, OK. I’ll call up Alabama and say, ‘Hey, you know what?’ But it is working. But you do have your freedoms. You have to keep, you have to maintain that. You have to maintain that.”

Trump has spent his entire presidency labeling facts as “fake news,” claiming the election was stolen, and publicly speaking against science during the pandemic.

It seems many of his impressionable followers took those messages to heart and are willing to put the health of the nation at risk, just so they can fight against this imaginary threat to their freedoms.

Had our state leaders taken action at the beginning of this surge and enforced mask mandates, Texas would not be at this level of infection.

Instead, our leaders are so incompetent, they would rather find scapegoats, such as the Black community, and put us in danger of violent hate crimes to cover up their inability to lead.

What’s next? Wait, don’t answer that. We will just wait to see what foolishness comes out of our elected leaders’ mouths next.  In the meantime, FOLLOW THE SCIENCE, GET VACCINATED and WEAR YOUR MASKS!

 

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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