Speculation raged on social media overnight that Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) flew out on vacay to Cancun while his home state of Texas froze and residents scrambled to survive—but his office stayed completely silent on the rumors. However, Fox News and the Associated Press have confirmed Cruz’s completely tone-deaf trip, based on unidentified sources.
The senator’s fellow travelers seemed to out his visit on Wednesday evening by posting several snaps of him inside an airport and then, later, on a plane. An unnamed Republican appeared to put an end to the speculation Thursday morning, telling Fox News that the allegations are true and commenting: “The photos speak for themselves.”
Cruz reported flight came during an ongoing catastrophe in his home state—freezing weather has caused days of mass power failures, which, in turn, has caused widespread food shortages and water outages. At least 1o people have died and millions have been left cold and in the dark. In his final tweet shortly before the incriminating photos of him surfaced, Cruz wrote: “A blizzard strikes Texas & our state shuts down. Not good.”
Cruz’s office has still not responded to a request for comment—but his opponents have been happy to talk about it. Beto O’Rourke, the former Texas congressman who lost to Cruz in 2018, has been busy calling senior citizens to make sure they’re surviving the deep freeze. He told MSNBC that his rival “is vacationing in Cancun right now when people are literally freezing to death in the state that he was elected to represent and serve.”
That’s right, Beto has been showing off his real leadership:
Encouraged to see power coming back to much of Texas. However, many still without electricity and millions still struggling to get drinking water and food. @TexasTribune has put together a helpful guide on where to get help and how to help across Texas: https://t.co/eUWudHaZQI
We made over 151,000 calls to senior citizens in Texas tonight. One of our vols talked to a man stranded at home w/out power in Killeen, hadn’t eaten in 2 days, got him a ride to a warming center and a hot meal. Help us reach more people, join us tomorrow: https://t.co/WOLn2HCrm1
By the way, apologies, I missed this e-mail yesterday. Received this e-mail yesterday from O’Rourke on behalf of his organization, Powered By People:
I am getting in touch on the chance that you are able to help us reach out to Texans who might need assistance in the wake of this winter storm and the series of power blackouts that have left so many in a desperate situation.
We are activating all of our Powered by People volunteers to make phone calls into affected Texas communities to connect people with necessary services. We will give you a quick training, help you with an easy-to-follow script, and allow you to help right away.
Just received this e-mail from Beto on more opportunities to help:
I am getting in touch on the chance that you are able to help us reach out to Texans who might need assistance in the wake of this winter storm and the series of power blackouts that have left so many in a desperate situation.
We are activating all of our Powered by People volunteers to make phone calls into affected Texas communities to connect people with necessary services. We will give you a quick training, help you with an easy-to-follow script, and allow you to help right away.
Both Julián Castro and Joe Kennedy III’s PACs are helping with efforts. Received this e-mail today from Castro’s People First Future PAC:
This week millions of Texans lost their power, their running water, and their heat in the middle of a winter storm unlike any Texas has seen in years.
Our state leadership failed to prepare for this storm, failed to quickly respond to the crisis, and has failed to take blame for their catastrophic mismanagement. It may be days before electricity and running water is restored for every Texan — which is why People First is working to support organizations helping Texans through this crisis.
After a year of suffering through the pandemic and failed leadership from our state government, Texans are experiencing a once-in-a-generation storm. The power outages are disproportionately hurting the poorest and most vulnerable Texans, and it’s not clear how long this could last.
With your continued support throughout the last year, we’ve supported organizations working to end food insecurity and hunger in Texas and across the nation. And we’ve helped hundreds of Dreamers renew their DACA status. Now, we’re asking for your help once again to support Texans in their time of need.
Received this e-mail from Kennedy’s Ground Work project:
I’m heartbroken by what we’re seeing in Texas. I know you are too. As frustrating as the responses of Governor Abbott and the purveyors of the state’s power grid continue to be, what is amazing — as always — is the response of local Texans and organizers across the country mobilizing to support those most in need.
I started Groundwork Project for moments like these. To help those organizing on the frontlines when they need it most. With your help, we’ve built a powerful community that has supported me time and again. Right now let’s channel all of that energy and capacity to Texas.
We came across a tweet with an extensive list of resources and ways to help. Best of all, it’s being constantly updated as the situation on the ground evolves:
You will notice that a number of the donation asks are to mutual aid organizations via Paypal, Venmo, and Cashapp. For those who haven’t heard of mutual aid funds before, these groups are intrinsically grassroots – taking in funds and redistributing them directly to those most in need either in the form of dollars or purchased resources. They are of and by the people they aim to serve.
One important thing to note is that some of these smaller organizations and mutual aid groups are getting an absolute influx of support — which is amazing! But they are often completely volunteer-run, with little existing infrastructure or support. So some of them are shutting down or pausing donations, as they work to channel the resources they get out the door. That’s all to say, take the time to look up these groups and see what they do — and don’t — need. The best thing we can do is follow their lead.
I am grateful to be a part of this GWP community we’re building together, and appreciate anything you can do to step up for Texas.
You WILL be losing subscribers if you fail to improve your site so that it can be easily read and enjoyed! GET RID OF THE YELLOW!!!! PLEASE!!!!
The quotes yellow is gone-here’s how to clear from your computer: https://dailysoundandfury.com/to-get-rid-of-the-yellow-its-in-your-cookies/
Of course he is! He cares about people not power! New format sucks.