And I'm not overtly disagreeing with you; I'm simply disagreeing that the governor's decision when he said "you don't have to be careful AT ALL anymore" wasn't ill timed and irresponsible; just because it "probably wouldn't make a huge difference" doesn't change that fact. I liken it to him perhaps removing speed limits entirely; yes, most people will still drive reasonably safely, but not having limits to mitigate the risk of those (if few) wanting to drive 90mph through schools zones with abandon is just reckless.
As far as business go, many were hurt with the strict closures early on, but with looser mandated restrictions in place, many (that survived the shutdown) found ways to get on just fine, i.e.: limited dining in, takeout only or delivery, etc. Grocery stores faired just fine when they were again able to keep essentials in stock with socially distance check out lines. Simply saying "you don't have to be safe anymore" before the vaccine was adequately available was reckless; if absolutely nothing adverse ever comes from it, that doesn't change that fact.
We "re-opened" when most of our population COULDN'T vaccinate, but were already actively bouncing back from the total shutdown; why open that door when all it does is literally invite more risk? And then turn around in the same breath and blame a brand new presidential administration (which coincidentally doesn't align with his own political views) for an unfounded allowance of an influx "immigrants with COVID?" The whole situation reeks, and Abbott should be relieved we haven't been as stupid as he permits us to be. You don't hand-wave poor decision making when it's mitigated by better decision making of those the poor decision making might affect.