Control Eluded State Leaders in Ebola Crisis
When the Ebola virus first arrived in Texas, Gov. Rick Perry greeted the grave news with trademark swagger.
“There is no place in the world, I will suggest to you, that has better professionals, better ability to address this, than in Texas,” he said at a hastily called press conference, one day after Liberian national Thomas Eric Duncan tested positive for Ebola while in isolation at a Dallas hospital.
Three weeks later, that early ebullience stands in stark contrast to the blame shifting and hand wringing that has broken out since Duncan died and two caregivers who contracted the disease ...
Comments (85)
Steve Levine
I strongly disagree with your statement that officials "undersold the dangers of Ebola." Rather, it was the media feeding frenzy your mention that oversold it. The fact is Ebola iS difficult to contract. Compared to more familiar diseases -- from influenza to measles -- it is extraordinarily difficult to catch. Witness the fact that the four people with whom Thomaa Duncan lived were given the all-clear on Monday along with 40 other community contacts. In West Africa, and so far in Dallas, the people who have contracted Eboka are those who had extensive, direct contact with extremely sick patients shortly before or right after their deaths.
Melanie Love
The CDC guidelines are for those workers who already know the patient is positive for Ebola. As a nurse who often works triage in a busy
Emergency Room, I can assure you these protections will be mute when I’m getting the health history from a vomiting febrile patient who
happens to answer “YES” when I ask if he or she has traveled to West Africa in the last 3 weeks.
When this patient does answer “YES”-
They are potentially positive for Ebola and should be treated as such. By that time- I am already exposed. The crowded waiting room is exposed, the front door of the hospital is exposed, etc. Of course, I can call the appropriate team to show up in Hazmat suits to take this patient into isolation,but again… by that time it will be too late. I will have to be quarantined & so will everyone else not wearing PPE who has come in contact with the patient until the test results are available.
If the test is positive, our Emergency waiting room is shut down for cleaning. I am then isolated for 3 weeks because I was face to face with a patient who tested positive for Ebola without wearing PPE. All of those in the waiting room will need to be isolated for 3 weeks.
The CDC needs to adopt strict guidelines for anyone who believes they’ve been exposed to Ebola to
NOT just walk into any Emergency Room. This needs to be part of the national conversation.? Yesterday!
T D
Government is bad until we desperately want it. Then we need swaggering idiots to tell us that they're in charge here.
Al Haig, all is forgiven!
James Lester via Texas Tribune on Facebook
This dominionist will never be president.
Gregory S Windham via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Confederates. Dunces.
J Patrick Miculka via Texas Tribune on Facebook
There has been one Ebola death in the U.S., and two people catching from this one person. Meanwhile, how many innocent people have died from police bullets? I haven't heard a single Republican demand an investigation or solution to that preventable madness.
Mike Openshaw via Texas Tribune on Facebook
THE CDC and the county folks made it QUITE clear they were in charge of the 'monitoring'. and it was the CDC that actually told her to get on the plane with a slight fever. Good try to spread the blame to someone NOT art of the Democrat administrations.
John Foddrill Sr via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Perry and other state officials know that the City of San Antonio has covered up the theft and misuse of tens of millions of 911 and other critical funding for years BUT plays along to protect his own cronies involved in the criminal cover-up.....City officials tout their readiness for any Ebola case in Bexar County......can we believe people who have lied to us when they hid the fact that 23.6% of 911 calls failed while maintenance money was stolen/ misused putting lives at risk ?.......more lies...more deaths ...?
Sue Tathwell Wille via Texas Tribune on Facebook
A word for Governor Goodhair: Before opening your mouth to excoriate the Obama administration without adequate knowledge of your subject matter, please be sure there's room for the foot that you are certain to insert in it!
Marcy Tanter via Texas Tribune on Facebook
It's hard to teach responsibility to children when elected officials are constantly blaming other people for their own failings.
Zackery Ferguson via Texas Tribune on Facebook
lol. If anyone from the Obama administration had even talked about taking over the situation when Duncan was first diagnosed, Perry would have thrown a little bitch fit.
Bill Blackmon via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Lying half-wit - quarantine him and stop flights out of Texas before the ignorance spreads.
Alexandro Giraud via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Republicans blocked billions of dollars earmarked to help the poor Texans and Health Care system not too long ago here in Texas!! Let's vote Democrat!
Warren Johnson via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Wow ! Now there is a man with a plan. All this time I thought he was against the government meddling with health issues. Each child, woman, and man is an island to fend for themselves -isn't that right?
Janeen Kerley via Texas Tribune on Facebook
But...but...I thought Texas didn't *need* the greedy and inept federal government to tell us what to do! I thought we were all set to secede and go it alone! *eyeroll*
Donna Dunn via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Why did the your State send a patient away???? Could it be that you refuse to expand Medicaid???? You are at fault. Wendy Davis for Texas Governor.
Chuck Waldrep via Texas Tribune on Facebook
From the bunch that always complains and litigates about federal interference.
Robert Brophy via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Obama is going to make a mockery out of Patrick and Abbott. It's going to be f'ing hilarious!
Tony DePaolo via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Hey Prick Perry. How's that TB epidemic going that you are supposed to be handling? Oh...don't know about it? Didn't think so.
Steve Moore via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Uh oh , Perry has on his smart glasses, quick Rick, what are the 3 branches of Government ?
Steve Moore via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Perry has killed thousands for refusing ACA Medicaid funds.
Costing Texas 17 million dollars every day .
Red state moron.
Allen Michie via Texas Tribune on Facebook
excellent reporting
Donna R. Crosby via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Texas screwed up. Own it Ricky. You take credit for the good you own credit for the bad. Obama should by that logic own this so called Texas miracle.
Randy Smith via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Bloody hypocrite..
Diana Hewitt via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Such a whiner..
Mark Clark via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Perry was absent and very silent during this time of trouble. I'm surprised the press gave him a free pass.
Candyce Byrne via Texas Tribune on Facebook
You wanted to weaken the federal government, Ricky. Guess what--you got it. Enjoy!
Lance King via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Ass-hat.
Tony Gutierrez via Texas Tribune on Facebook
f'n clown
Tamara King Harless via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I just love reading these comments. They give me a smile and a laugh. He is such an idiot. I will early vote today for Wendy and Leticia! Straight D TICKET!!
Ben Sanders via Texas Tribune on Facebook
We need leadership not finger pointing. Elect Ben Sanders for Texas Comptroller I am qualified and ready to lead!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VPowUVUo5o
Jennifer Demas via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Well you know, he only promotes states rights when it's convenient for him & doesn't cost money. If it costs money, they want the federal government to pick up the tab. & I find it interesting that he is blaming the government & not the for-profit hospital that clearly handled this inappropriately.
Craig Steiger via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Seems like it was a Texas HHS problem... And as usual you want to blame the guy and then say you want less Federal Government
Mike Hill via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Ebola outbreak in Texas, unauthorized immigrants coming in, this kind of activities Perry went to Europe
Steves Harris-Puckett via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Re: "Gov. Rick Perry and other Texas officials", "Stupid people say stupid things!" Arthur Finkelstein
Gary Woitena via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Well of course the state didn't do those things. If they did, it might help prevent the spread of Ebola and no one else would get it. That would make Obama look good and we can't have that now, can we?
Dianna Puente Colbert via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Isn't he going back to jail soon.
Jesse M Esquibel via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Rick Perry for President ! Only man left to go up against Obama administration. When you have a weak president that even third world countries laugh at it's just a shame. I can't wait to see the day this so called president is out of office.
Stephanie Hemingway via Texas Tribune on Facebook
STFU Perry.
Mel Casas via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Obama didn't go to Europe in the midst of the "crisis" now did he? No. But Perry did. Way to lead.
Jay Cavazos via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Blame Obama, how tired
Joshua Michael Corrente via Texas Tribune on Facebook
You could stop the headline after the word 'administration' and just make a column for the list of excuses- everything from Ebloa, to a poor wheat harvest to gas prices (remember that one) to the Limburg baby- It's the way of the "Attack Monkey'-
DeDe Shelton via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Always blaming Obama. A Perry script. Too much government interference or not enough help. Whatever.
Alan Frye via Texas Tribune on Facebook
MAKE HIM GO AWAY!!!
Kay Wilkinson via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I thought Rick Perry did. It believe in Government and did not want any "health care support" from the federal Government!!! Such a grand stander and attention seeker! Time for a big change! Vote Wendy Davis and let us get real Health Care Response for Health Care Concerns VS Health Scare Tactics!!!!????????????????????????????????????????????
Art Ramirez via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Soon to be inmate Perry
Mari Hyrtel via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Blah, blah, blah!!! >:-/
Jason C.N. Smith via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Problem is when Governor Perry points a finger on Ebola response at President Obama, he has four fingers pointing back at himself.
Was Rick Perry eating crepes in Europe instead of being here to address Ebola concerns?
Patricia Faye Adams Taylor via Texas Tribune on Facebook
You are no GOV. You are the problem. You want to blame and point the finger at the Obama administration for botching the Ebola situation. You really need to look at yourself because you are no kind of leader as a Gov. for the State of Texas.
Patrick Scroggin via Texas Tribune on Facebook
1 death and 2 hospitalized? And that's a crisis??? What about the number of people killed from drunk driving? Or shootings? Or the flu? Where is this paranoid man's priorities?
Delaina Rivaldi via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I believe that our Governor needs to cut whatever pills he is taking in half,totally out of control these days
Diane Treider via Texas Tribune on Facebook
You know you're in trouble when your own governor doesn't know state law and his own responsibility. But no one has asked the current candidates running to replace him what they would have done.
Joan Hardy via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Now the greedy inept governor is trying to blame everyone, his usual ploy - 'Not my fault'.
Gail Williams via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Stop, take the profile glasses off, now pray..repent
Marty Jamieson via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Vote, now!
Debbie Dillard Manns via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Can we PLEASE stop playing the blame game and start cooperating to solve problems?
Jack Daniels
Mr. Perry needs to work with the Federal Government and not always blame them. There are plenty of mistakes to go around on all sides. I suggest Mr. Perry is more interested in making headlines for his political career. He is very shrewd at seizing these opportunities.
Gunn Wrights via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Wasn't a direct flight from Africa. Never would have happened if our borders were secure. Obama failure. Party of wendy davis failure. Remember that when voting
Angel Morini via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Yes and while Rick was bragging about Texas the ball got dropped, guess where? In Texas.
Kathi Thomas via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Always easier to blame someone else.:(
Cathey Reighley Treider via Texas Tribune on Facebook
No worries! Just Perry the Pricks usual attempt to cover up his inability to do his own job!!! We're use to it!!!
Garry Breeswine via Texas Tribune on Facebook
They wanted to succeed from the Union so I say let's let them. They hate rules, regulations & protocol and Ebola is the result.
David DeLong via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Perry's the one who's botched every thing he touches and takes credit for stuff he has no control over. The only thing he has done is enrich his cronies, and he has even screwed that up.
Pat Wood via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Entirely predictable. But notice the change in tone from that initial news conference (immediately after the announcement about Ebola case in Dallas) wherein he stood up at the mike pounding his chest and declaring everything totally under control, saying (in so many words), if it had to happen, what better place than Texas where everything runs like a well oiled machine....When things head south for any reason whatsoever, whip out that Obama card and blame the feds. If anybody still buys this snake oil after all these years, they are just defining themselves as fools. Period.
Sam Davis via Texas Tribune on Facebook
The GOP forced funding cuts in the CDC and NIH over the past 4 years and then complain about the job these agencies are doing. The "pro-life" party really isn't.
Kevin Pevehouse via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Whether its Democrat Republican Tea Party Independent or Libertarian...$Y$TEMs corrupt absolutely. It will become more apparent as we move along this current time line. They cant hide it forever. Criminal Just-Us System is actually a very good definition for this Private Country Club of Devils and hobgoblins that many of you will deny exists to the bitter end. No mystery it looks like a $nake crawling up a Rod ($) Fun facts for you on Hump Day to consider.
Peter A. Ravella via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Well, that's surprising.
Glenda Hawthorne via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Go to prison already! Do not pass go. Do not collect $200!
Kenneth Carden via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I just love the hypocrisy between Ebola - partly Perry's fault - and Katrina - all Bush's fault. Sorry, but immigration and free travel are federal, not state prerogatives and "... the State may not pursue policies that undermine federal law." Arizona v. United States, 567 U.S. ___ (2012).
Erin Schwartz via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Rick Perry: please stop talking. Seriously. just…. stop.
Alicia Reddick Helton via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Any opportunity to bash the president is good for them, no regard to the suffering going on.
Paul Hughes via Texas Tribune on Facebook
C'mon, you REALLY think the Governor or other officials can do an end-run around Obama foreign policy (which this is) and not be stopped, upon dire threats and extortion? Been reading any news lately, like the past 5 years?
Laura Alpert via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Perry is a do nothing idiot...
Marvin S Smith via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Let's just elect his glasses since they are a separate candidate. He's not just a pretty boy any more.
Charles Washington via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Looks like Perry has his panties in a wad again . Take a chill pill .
Stacy Wilber via Texas Tribune on Facebook
How could the state have acted effectively in this matter with Rick Perry gallivanting all over Europe? Maybe he should've been here for such a big deal.
Stacy Wilber via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Go home, Perry. You're drunk.
Shannon Nelson via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Perry is such a fool ~
What about his call for secession ? States responsibilities concerning control in these matters ??
He needs to quit riding the fense , makes the entire state look stupid !!
Shari Trussell via Texas Tribune on Facebook
OMG....Perry needs to STFU and go back to your Europe.
Dagmar Krauss via Texas Tribune on Facebook
The good think is, in the polls running for President he is under 5%, but we have to see it positive, we will be quiet entertain by this clown
Guenter Krauss via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Hu hu fear of Ebola running wild, but we have perry to protect us, pathetic. Deal with real problems...
Donald Johnson via Texas Tribune on Facebook
For Perry to blame Obama for the Dallas failures takes chutzpah!
Pamela Johnson via Texas Tribune on Facebook
We don't need no medicaid, right Guvner? We gots us the best healthcare system in dis country!
Charles White via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Who knew President Obama was Texas' hospitals administrator?
Loracen Labby Penl via Texas Tribune on Facebook
hurry up and finish the investigation so this jackass can be indicted and imprisoned!