COLUMBIA, Mo. (KFTK) — Gov. Mike Parson taking criticism on social media for pictures of him without a mask or social distancing at the 17th Annual Missouri Cattlemen's Association Steak Fry.
The Missouri Democratic Party condemned Parson for not wearing a mask or social distancing at the event. Here is their statement:
“Governor Mike Parson's refusal to wear a mask or social distance at campaign events is reckless, dangerous, and puts Missourians at risk. The governor's failure to follow his own advice and wear a mask isn't just hypocritical — it's an abdication of leadership. When it comes to dealing with a deadly pandemic, ‘do as I say, not as I do’ just isn’t good enough. By failing to mask up, Governor Parson is undermining Missouris' economic recovery and ensuring that coronavirus will keep spreading in Missouri. Even Donald Trump wears a mask — but Mike Parson just can’t be bothered.”
His opponent in the November election, Nicole Galloway also went after him for not wearing a mask:
Governor @MikeParson: wear a mask.#MaskUpMO #MOGov https://t.co/GUQBkQQ3rr
— Nicole Galloway (@nicolergalloway) July 13, 2020
A spokesperson for the governor Parson responded to our partners at KMOX:
“Governor Parson always makes a conscious effort to social distance or wear a mask, and he recommends all Missourians to do the same.”
Parson's tweets got hundreds of responses, many from people angry that he put himself and others at risk.
How do you sleep at night knowing you put your friends in harm's way?
— Kevin Ellis 😷 (@Multizord) July 12, 2020
Please model responsible citizenship and leadership by wearing a mask, especially when social distancing isn't an option.
— Tina Ellsworth, PhD (she/her) (@DrTinaEllsworth) July 12, 2020
