I know, what could possibly be left unsaid about wearing a mask? Well, he are four thoughts for you to ponder over, as we still hear the battle from all sides.
1. Like almost anything in America, we found a way to politicize a face covering. Just spelling that phrase annoys me. I’m pretty sure that anybody can find research to support their personal preference. To argue this point seems pointless. To predetermine someone’s value, worth or intelligence based on if they are wearing a mask is just wrong. Especially in my state where you most likely have been vaccinated if you want to be.
2. Consider where people live. I live in the great state of Georgia. In this state, the governor and legislative leaders have declared that we are “100% open.” As a result, unless the establishment you wish to enter requires you to mask up, be an adult and choose wisely. If you’ve been vaccinated, encourage others to do the same. But please, don’t be a militant jerk about it.
3. According to every data source, just this week, you should not wear a mask outside. But hear me – if you want to wear a mask outside or alone in your car, knock yourself out. But if so, please do not throw shade at someone that isn’t wearing a mask.
4. At the risk of sounding like an anti-masker, it really feels like much of our mask wearing has been driven by optics more than science. In the early days of the pandemic, we were fearful of surfaces. It took an entire year for people to calm down from that scare. Much of the same has been proven true about masks. But honestly, much of that science is new data collected over the past fourteen months. I have been onboard with masks, but can we not allow people to make their own health choices in May, 2021? I read earlier today that even Governor Newsome, in California is dropping masks in June. Wearing masks to make a point or for the optics to prove you are looking more vigilant than others seems a bit silly.
At the end of the pandemic day, we know so much more than we did in March 2020. We must address at least five more pressing issues. 1) Rapidly Increasing Inflation. 2) The Humanitarian Crises on Our Southern Border. 3) The Tension and Attacks in Israel. America must find its backbone again in support of Israel. 4) Reopening America’s Largest and Most Critical Cities and Economic Centers. 5) Rebuild and Restore America’s Educational Systems. Many of our best and brightest citizens chose to be educators . Let’s give them a chance to teach our children skills and lessons that will allow them the opportunity to better the world, not civic lessons established on personal preference.
Why yes, I did “mask that covert message” inside an article on wearing masks. Proving once again that masks mask the more significant issues.
Peace, Chuck
