It is time to face the facts: Gov. Greg Abbott has not been a leader in the coronavirus crisis. He has relinquished his responsibilities to local governments and, in his own words, acknowledged he is looking to Washington for guidance. This is a very disappointing and un-Texan response.

Texans are independent, self-motivated individualists. But Abbott’s decisions have led to more economic damage than necessary, considering that about 300 out of 29 million Texans have died so far from COVID-19.

The governor has effectively shut down the 10th-largest economy in the world by not standing up to local leaders who are usurping his authority. And he’s joined in lock-step with the parade of emotional decision makers in Washington who have caused massive economic losses.

Texas is a sovereign state where the governor holds the ultimate say. Abbott has had the chance of a lifetime to step in as a leader in the middle of a massive crisis and approach this threat with logic and reason. Other governors in states such as Arkansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota have taken the approach of empowering their citizens with facts and allowing everyone to be personally responsible for what works for their individual health.

Sweden provides another example of taking a logical approach and questioning not only the effectiveness but also the legality of total lockdown. Economic shutdowns create irreversible shock waves felt for generations. The mental and physical health repercussions of record unemployment and government dependency must also be considered.

Texas leaders must ask hard questions and lead their citizens on a path based on facts and logic, not emotion. Instead, Abbott began by deferring to local governments. Texas needs a unifying plan of definitive, clear rules which can only come from a governor.

Local government should not be making these incredibly important decisions on how to stop the virus. They’ve shut down the economy and created a hodgepodge of rules that propagates more anxiety and confusion.

Fear of the virus is real and understandable, but being unemployed and financially destitute is also real and consequential. Most Texans live by each paycheck, and many are angry and panicked about their financial security. Destroying the economy has consequences that may include increases in poverty, mental health issues, suicide and crime. Texans deserve leaders who act independently of political pressure and weigh every risk equitably and accurately.

For example: according to the Texas Department of Transportation, more than 3,600 people die in vehicle accidents annually, and tens of thousands more are injured. Should the government outlaw cars? Shut down any automotive related employment?

The risk of dying in a car accident is much higher than dying from COVID-19. But Texas takes a balanced approach to weighing the risks and rewards associated with vehicle operation and equips citizens with every opportunity to drive safely, while letting individuals make decisions about transportation.

On March 19, the governor said that “there was nothing specific in the executive order about churches because there is freedom of religion here in the United States of America.” Yet when local leaders issued orders specifically closing down churches, Abbott said nothing.

Abbott has not clearly communicated a plan; he relies on Washington for direction and lets local leaders fill the void created by his lack of leadership.

Hardworking Texans are smart and independent. We know the solutions to our problems come from ourselves. We need a governor committed to such truths. Abbott is accountable for destroying the Texas economy and the generational consequences that will follow.