Picking a Fight Over Masks

During the pandemic scientists have advised and cajoled the masses to distance themselves, stay home as much as possible, and wear masks in public. These simple actions curb the spread of the pandemic. Reduction of infection allows medical staff to care for those who get sick and safely manage the pandemic.


Ignoring these simple preventions is an act of ignorance, forgetfulness or intention.


The only intention possible for such action is political statement. For some reason wearing a mask for some people is akin to being told what to do and refusing to do so in the name of personal freedom.


Of course, personal freedom enters the equation. ‘Do this to achieve that,’ goes the thinking. The opposite is true, too – ‘don’t do this and achieve this.’ The this and that of the two statements are health on the one hand, and illness on the other. Infection or non-infection.


Who gets the infection is either you or the other. Also, pretty simple equation. Not giving someone an infection is a good thing. One wouldn’t do so intentionally unless they were a terrorist against society at large or a specific, targeted individual. Both of those intentions are a felony, intentionally delivering harm to another or others. There are laws against such.


There is the moral law, too. We do not harm the self or others. Most of us believe this.


All of this comes down to this: Wear a mask for self and others.


Those who believe wearing a mask is giving in to the authority of others have lost sight of their own common good. Making this issue a political purity test is nonsensical. Even perverse.


I know they put a face of courage on their actions. ‘I am not afraid of the virus, the pandemic.’ They feel strong in saying that. I just hope that if they get infected and endanger their family and friends, they realize this outcome is on them. I get it that they don’t care about others beyond their circle. That is the America in which we live today. Selfish and righteous at the same moment.


One day when they are not strong but vulnerable, they will understand what that means in terms that directly affect them. The lesson will be learned, of that I am certain. Too bad so much suffering must be endured to learn it.


June 22, 2020