Texas, Disasters, and Leadership

Since so many already want to politicize a tragedy where so many people died in a near instant, let's talk about disasters in red states

Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash

Texans endure a lot by way of tragedy. Hurricanes, floods, and extended power outages during freezing temperatures are all exacerbated by school shootings and a tone deaf government that misses the mark every time. Without a proactive approach, disaster response is reactionary and too often riddled with excuses and manipulation of facts. The latest flooding in Central Texas is the second major flooding event in the area in just under a month.

The last one, in mid-June, was overshadowed by the media coverage of the upcoming No Kings protests the next day. As Governor Greg Abbott deployed National Guard around the state in a political stunt focused on making it seem as though the protests would be violent, many wondered if those guardsmen would be dispatched to San Antonio, where 13 people died in a flash flood. They were not.

Now, we’re faced with another major flooding event that killed dozens. This time, local and state leaders are trying to blame everything but themselves. On Friday, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick said during a press event that the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) “contacted the judges and mayors in that area and notified them all of potential flooding.”

“Yesterday morning, the message was sent,” Patrick continued. “It is up to the local counties and mayors under the law to evacuate if they feel a need. That information was passed along.”

Meanwhile, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said they had no idea the flood was coming, and the Kerrville City Manager said they received more rain than expected. On one hand, it seems Patrick is providing cover for Trump to suggest that the cuts to NOAA and the National Weather Service didn’t have an impact, while local leaders argue that the data they received was wrong.

What is clear here is that no matter what excuse they use, the president might bear some of the blame, but local and county leaders are going to take the fall. If this sounds familiar, that’s because this is what happened in Uvalde. Abbott skirted taking any responsibility for lying to the public and spreading misinformation by claiming he was misled and laying the blame on local cops. Abbott and Texas State Troopers suffered no consequence for their inaction.

Politicization

While all of this is happening, many on social media have taken to blaming Texas for what’s happening, seemingly overlooking the dozens that were killed, many of them children, so they can be the first to get a tone deaf hot take, not unlike the mockery that was made of North Caolininas after the devastating hurrican late last year, just before the presidential election.

The problem with this attitude has multiple facets, beginning with failing to address how voters have largely been silenced in Texas, thanks to gerrymandering designed to keep Republicans in power. Additionally, at a time when Democratic support is so low, is it smart for surrogates to further alienate Texas voters by continuing to be divisive? Is dismissing death and destruction worth it just for some clicks to drive traffic to your even more tone deaf podcast?

At a time when people are mourning the deaths of children?

Yes, Texas leadership is responsible for what happened and their pathetic response. But merely saying “Texans voted for this” when millions did not is a lesson on further harming your brand. If a big name like

Ron Filipkowski

says asinine garbage like this, which is then echoed by more people who lack critical thinking skills, don’t be surprised when it’s later used against the party showing a lack of empathy. No different than mocking people in North Carolina, suffering was used against Democrats in the 2024 elections.

Being edgy might feel cool in the moment. But in the end, it makes you an asshole no better than MAGA trolls.

No, Texans don’t deserve this, just like North Carolina and Appalachia didn’t deserve it either. I can’t speak for North Carolinians, but I know that in Texas, when disaster strikes, no one cares who you voted for. If you need help, we’re here for each other. Days like this make me glad I don’t live anywhere elitist former Republican cops (prosecutors) pretending to be liberals, like Filipowski, anymore than I want to live near MAGA.

People are hurting, and Filipowski’s garbage isn’t wanted or needed–not by MAGA, moderate Republicans, liberals, or leftists. The best way to lose friends is to laugh in their face in the midst of tragedy. It’s also the best way to alienate people from ever becoming your friend. That he still has his post up after countless replies admonishing him just speaks to his insensitivity. So, when you need votes, Democrats, keep people like Filipowski far away from Texas.

We don’t want him here.

*My deepest condolences to all the families affected by this tragedy.

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Arturo is an independent journalist whose work can be found at Unicorn Riot, The Antagonist Magazine, Latino Rebels, and more. Arturo is also on TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Mastodon, and Threads. To support his work, become a paid subscriber or donate via Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App.