SCREW YOUR HEALTH

BOB PINKERTON JR: "I took exception to your painting the Island as the sole problem regarding the spread of Covid-19, Jerry. As if in the Valley people went no where or did nothing EXCEPT come to the Island. When the Governor opened up the state May 1, you are implying that the spread of the virus was because of the Island. The people didn’t go to bars, didn’t have parties and didn’t do any other socializing except come to the Island? Even in your brain, don’t you think that’s a bit of a stretch? So many bars, clubs and restaurants in the upper Valley and to some degree in Brownsville doing business, but you blame the island? The only thing I did was rent the condos I manage for my owners. If the Island stayed shut down, people would gone somewhere else. So go spread your stuff somewhere else as the Island doesn’t deserve all of the blame. Yes, some operators are not abiding by the rules. I agree with you on that. But the Island does not deserve the entire blame."

(EDITOR'S NOTE: The Island is not responsible for the breadth of the pandemic, but SPI has contributed to this false narrative that all is normal. I have just posted an article on Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño and his medical expert failing the community with their false figures on deaths and cases. Their numbers have almost been a criminal underestimation. We live in an impoverished region with thousands packed in barrios. Coronavirus couldn't be more at home. Thousands more cross from Mexico where the pandemic is out-of-control. And like Treviño, we can never trust their government's numbers. As to Brashear, he ran for mayor. As to Rios, she was a state rep. As to you, you were a successful mayor. But what do you all have in common? You're politicians who went public with your ambitions. Becoming a target is the result of becoming a politician. Those, who don't agree with you, can amuse themselves using you as bullseyes to pass the time while they're trapped at home during these dangerous times. In your case, I have always admired your responses because you counter the criticism without trying to impugn the messenger because you don't agree with the message. Once you step into the center of the stage, however, you no longer control the limelight by arguing that you are no longer a politico. Like losing your virginity, there is no going back. As to Brashear's comment, he lit up the internet with an overwhelming negative reaction. His scorn for people's pain plays into my argument. I would suggest the SPI Chamber of Commerce promote this slogan: "It's all about our wealth! Who gives a fuck about your health?" And for those who can't handle criticism, you should vote for Trump and maybe he will amend the Constitution to exclude free speech.)