A Texas Cow Demands Medical Freedom

published in The Dallas Morning News, June 27, 2026

As a proud cow and native Texan, I claim the medical freedom recently prioritized at the Republican Party of Texas’ 2026 convention.

I defiantly refuse to be inspected and quarantined by my owner.

If I want to leave my field, I will not seek state or federal approval even if I am in an area infected by screwworm.

I am appalled by Gov. Abbott spending taxpayer dollars on screwworm inspector training. I am shocked that the USDA will spend over $1 billion to contain the outbreak. What happened to the separation of government and health?

I know I could die without treatment. I know I can spread the disease nationwide, decimating America’s cattle industry. I know that manmade global warming has given the screwworm a more welcoming environment.

I don’t care.

Like many Texans during COVID, I make my own health decisions.

And — hands off my calves!