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BrandoG's avatar

Unfortunately I think in the age of Trump everyone is adopting his rules—get provocative for attention (we wouldn’t have even heard about this if she’d just called him “Governor Clown”), never apologize (that’s Romney-level weakness!) and defend it with a ridiculous explanation that satisfies no one while also blaming the other side for similar offenses.

Meanwhile, who is hurt here? Probably not Abbott, he’s loving the sight of Republicans coming to his defense. But disabled people in wheelchairs likely aren’t loving this.

We can hit these people without collateral damage to unintended targets—I recommend just calling him “Governor Asshole” which goes just as viral and only bothers the Asshole Community.

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Steward Beckham's avatar

I really appreciated this. Unfortunately, we’re living in an uncivil era, and that’s one of the deeper tragedies of what Trumpism, and the forces that enabled it, have inflicted on our nation. It’s heartening to see writers like you urging a return to shared humanity, though I know it will be difficult for many who’ve internalized the personal slights, bigotry, and grievances this era has rewarded. Sadly, because this is America, marginalized groups who engage in this behavior often face far harsher consequences than the minimal—or nonexistent—punishments given to those from dominant communities. The true strength of the leaders who have fought for these communities lies in their ability to navigate that double standard, even when it’s personally demeaning and leaves them carrying emotional burdens that require a lifetime of therapy. But that’s the country—and the world—we live in.

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