MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Here’s the undisputed truth, COVID-19 is surging in Tennessee. But if ever there was a missed opportunity to more effectively address the virus, we saw it last night with remarks by Governor Bill Lee that can only be described as weak. The governor gave a six minute speech correctly saying that Tennessee is now ground zero for sickness from the pandemic. Some 100 residents are dying each day and hospitals are stretched to their limits.
But other than talk with sincerity, Lee did little else. Oh sure, he issued an executive order to limit indoor public gatherings to 10 people. And he asked all of us to confine our private holiday celebrations to people currently living in the household. But Lee remains adamant that he will not issue a statewide mask mandate. And that made his videotaped address last night a huge disappointment.
This is a governor who keeps harping about selfishness and indifference. And yet, he’s showing indifference by not standing up to mostly rural Republican leaders who are dead set against a mask mandate. This is nothing less than a slap in the face to healthcare workers who are dealing with the increase in hospitalizations. And other essential workers who cannot afford to stay home.
Nobody forced Lee to run for governor. But now that he has the job, he needs to do the job and show some real leadership. And that’s my point of view. I’m Otis Sanford, for Local 24 News.