Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Masks in Cars: What's Behind America's COVID-19 Insanity
Townhall.com ^ | May 7, 2021 | Neil Patel

Posted on 05/07/2021 7:18:31 AM PDT by Kaslin

If you wanted to teach a class on how to cause confusion and distrust, you would follow the U.S. government's coronavirus playbook. A lot has been written about the historically low levels of trust Americans have in their leaders and institutions. There's been less analysis on what happens when a government has no faith in its own citizens. We are seeing the results today. From the start of the pandemic, health authorities have chosen gamesmanship over honesty. This has resulted in muddled and inconsistent messaging from national leaders. The end result is a broken country of citizens at one another's throats. Mask fights, deboarding flights and, of course, the crazy people driving around alone in their cars with masks on all stem, at least in part, from a government that refused to treat Americans like adults who could handle the truth.

It's important to note that the government has done a lot of good things in response to COVID-19. In the area of vaccine development, we have done more, faster than any other large country. The combination of heavy government subsidies and an innovative free market system produced strong, reliable vaccines at a record pace. We crushed efforts by China, Russia and others to fight COVID-19 with medical innovations. This is why America is ahead of Europe and most of the world. We should celebrate the much-maligned pharmaceutical industry and the administrations of both President Donald Trump, whose Operation Warp Speed was a historic achievement, and President Joe Biden, who helped quicken the vaccine distribution. Outside of medical innovation, however, the government's response has been marked by a failed communications plan that shows extreme distrust of the American people.

The government famously began their COVID-19 communications with a lie about masks. Despite what some of the fever swampers may tell you, masks work. That's why doctors wear them around sick people. They aren't perfect, of course, but they do help. Numerous high-ranking officials took part in the lie that mask's aren't effective, including Dr. Anthony Fauci. They defend the lie now by noting, correctly, that we needed to conserve as many masks as we could for health care workers who truly needed them. Fair enough, but there was another option that our leaders didn't seem to consider: Tell the truth. They could have told the American people that it's going to require some sacrifice and that we need to come together as a society to fight this contagious disease. They could have told everyone that the first step of the fight is saving the professionally made masks and other protective equipment for the first responders. As part of this message, they could have reminded people that the young and healthy probably weren't in extreme danger (something we already knew, even then). There will always be people on the margins who won't cooperate, but I would bet most Americans would have rallied around such an honest message.

After lying about the masks, the government lied about lockdowns. Remember when this all started and we were told to lock down briefly in order to "flatten the curve"? In many states, that turned into extended lockdowns that destroyed American businesses and families. Why? Couldn't people have managed to safely go about some semblance of life while taking some prudent precautions? Our government never gave them the chance.

We have known for months that wearing masks outside when walking or running is just silly. The air dissipates quickly, and the research shows these fleeting encounters with others aren't responsible for much disease transmission. The risk is tiny, yet in many places, outdoor mask mandates were the norm. Now, for those who have been vaccinated, the risk is negligible. Yet it took a while after vaccinations were available for the CDC to change their outdoor mask guidance, and leaders are still not able to send a consistent message. Did you see the picture of Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband kissing each other outdoors with their masks on? What message are they trying to send with that insanity?

Intentions aside, people are getting two messages. The first is that the truly responsible people are still wearing their masks, so we all should. This has likely caused more conflict on America's streets than any other government communications foible. The second message is the vaccine doesn't seem to help much. If the vaccines work as well as our officials claim, why are they all still running around outside with their masks on? It's a reasonable question, yet it's one that all these smart people don't seem to have considered.

The biggest and most destructive part of the government's dishonesty is school closures. The kids should be back in school. The scientists have agreed for a long time now that the risks of in-class learning are manageable. On this one, the dishonesty is of a slightly more sinister variety. Just look at which politicians are making excuses for the school closures and where all the teachers unions political donations go.

All the dishonesty and gamesmanship from top national leaders comes with huge downsides. The next time the government has something important to say, about vaccines, for instance, people will be less likely to believe it.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Editorial
KEYWORDS: bidenadmin; coronavirus; covidlockdown; hysteria; idiotpresident; joebiden; maskmandate; masks; maskwearing
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-77 next last
To: Kaslin

Karens and Kyles, everywhere I look. I just laugh. Sad, though.


41 posted on 05/07/2021 8:00:49 AM PDT by BozoTexino (RIP GOP)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Owen

“Why is this a big deal?”

************************************************************

Knock yourself out. Wear it everywhere if you like.

Question: Do you wear it because it makes you feel protected?
Or, do you wear it to demonstrate what a responsible citizen you are?


42 posted on 05/07/2021 8:01:14 AM PDT by Sir Bangaz Cracka (Slamming dat white cracka'a head into dat sidewalk causin he be scared)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]

To: sushiman
That has something to do with Asian culture, for sure.

If you posted a message on Twitter or Reddit that said Boston Red Sox memorabilia protects you against COVID, I'll bet 99% of the people you see in Japan would be walking wearing David Ortiz or Johnny Damon jerseys.

43 posted on 05/07/2021 8:02:59 AM PDT by Alberta's Child ("And once in a night I dreamed you were there; I canceled my flight from going nowhere.")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 23 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin
It served it's intended purpose(throw Trump out/water down Brexit/weaken the west through fear/break many/enrich-empower a few...).

A Soros Swan Song?...in collusion with the deep state, dem party/apparatchiks, foreign adversaries?

You be the judge.

One thing for sure..it wasn't an act of nature, it was an unnatural act of evil.

44 posted on 05/07/2021 8:03:01 AM PDT by RckyRaCoCo (Please Pray For My Brother Ken.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin

it’s the folks masked up walking around my quiet neighborhood by themselves for me


45 posted on 05/07/2021 8:15:10 AM PDT by TarasBulbous
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Bernard
lol.

People who wear masks while driving have a reason to. It keeps them from doing this...

Man Drives a Car. Young Stock Footage Video (100% Royalty-free) 26003933 |  Shutterstock

46 posted on 05/07/2021 8:17:11 AM PDT by Responsibility2nd (Actual FR Quote: “I ain’t getting no Covid Vaccine. I’d rather get Covid and DIE before I get a jab.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 39 | View Replies]

To: ProtectOurFreedom
That's why doctors wear them around sick people.

I completely agree with your sentiment. Doctors will wear their N95 masks around known sick people,
but take them off when out of the ill people's presence.

All one has to view, as to the efficacy of the mask scheme, is the results of the super spreader event
that was the Sturgis Motorcycle Celebration last year. One hundred thousand middle aged bikers gathered, much to the consternation of the pearl clutching media,
in one location without masks. The result? Nada. Bupkis. Despite the media and government's fevered tracking of these
insurrectionists, no increase in Covid contraction occurred. Instead, despite the unfortunate heart attack or two

that almost always occurs, the group members stayed healthy for the next few (monitored) months.

47 posted on 05/07/2021 8:18:41 AM PDT by Thommas (The snout of the camel is in the tent.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin

They posted pictures of graduates 8th grade and high school in our area paper. Many of the students I knew and had not seen for over a year and a half. Some were unrecognizable. Their countenance down cast and most showed an extreme weight gain that was evident from their pictures showing upper torso and face. This was an unhealthy mental and physical mandate from government.


48 posted on 05/07/2021 8:19:14 AM PDT by Maudeen (https://thereishopeinJesus.com/)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: systemjim

systemjim wrote: “If masks work, why do we need to social distance? If social distancing works, why do we need to wear masks?”

The guidance was to wear a mask when in a situation where social distancing wasn’t feasible.
The problem is this: too many are trying to reduce risk to zero. IOW, if social distancing is good, social distancing with a mask is better. Plus Fauci said that it was common sense that wearing two masks was better than one.


49 posted on 05/07/2021 8:21:01 AM PDT by DugwayDuke (Most pick the expert who says the things they agree with.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 17 | View Replies]

To: bk1000

Well, bk1000, yours is the best argument. Period.


50 posted on 05/07/2021 8:21:03 AM PDT by Thommas (The snout of the camel is in the tent.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: rlmorel

‘And for them, it is “a cause”.’

and they want it to be mandated as our cause as well...


51 posted on 05/07/2021 8:46:05 AM PDT by IrishBrigade
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 33 | View Replies]

To: Thommas

There have been so many events like Sturgis and nothing — look at all the Trump MAGA rallies. Look at the results in Florida and Texas. Look at all the Spring Break gatherings. Look at the crowded beaches in Florida.

“Doctors will wear their N95 masks around known sick people” — yes, to prevent the doctor from getting spittle and aerosols in their mucous membranes.


52 posted on 05/07/2021 9:06:29 AM PDT by ProtectOurFreedom (“No man’s life, liberty or property are safe while the Legislature is in session" - Gideon J. Tucker)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 47 | View Replies]

To: Thommas

I just drove to the Ace Hardware store in our little downtown area (San Fran Bay Area). Probably 80% to 90% of people are STILL wearing masks outside by themselves. On bikes. Walking. Running. I still see people getting off the sidewalk and moving to the roadway to avoid passing somebody on the sidewalk — as if a 0.2 second encounter could be deadly. All the high school kids walking to school are all masked up.

I don’t think the lunacy is ever going to end.


53 posted on 05/07/2021 9:09:08 AM PDT by ProtectOurFreedom (“No man’s life, liberty or property are safe while the Legislature is in session" - Gideon J. Tucker)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 47 | View Replies]

To: IrishBrigade
Right.

Like poor Winston in Orwell's 1984, is isn't enough that you simply say "Okay, okay...2 + 2 IS equal to 5!" to stop the torture.

You not only have to BELIEVE it in the depths of your heart, and proselytize it, too.

54 posted on 05/07/2021 9:25:41 AM PDT by rlmorel (Leftists are The Droplet of Sewage in a gallon of ultra-pure clean water.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 51 | View Replies]

To: ProtectOurFreedom
Carrying a mask in your pocket (in case a frightened store employee requires that you wear it -- other shoppers are better ignored if they should make such a demand) as you would carrying a handkerchief in the event of a cough or a sneeze, offers the same level of effectiveness in "preventing" transmission of a respiratory as does wearing the damn thing on your face.

I have concluded that wearing a mask is nothing more than a bad habit. And even though masking is a dirty habit and is completely, totally, 100% ineffective against transmission of a virus and you would expect people to want to break that habit as quickly as possible, like any bad habit -- even a unhealthy bad habit -- a habit which has been ingrained deep in peoples' psyche over a long time, it's going to be difficult for people to overcome that habit without a concerted effort to do so. It will take time for people to overcome their increasingly irrational fear and develop the inner courage to break their disgusting masking habit.

Furthermore, forced masking of a healthy population is among the Democrat/communist/Left Party's most powerful weapons against our American Republic. Living constantly among great numbers of people wearing the de-humanizing, identity-hiding mask is a powerful visual reminder that America is sick -- that we're all just a cough or a sneeze away from certain death. Why? Well, because the politically-compromised medical "experts" say we are ... and they lie (because they know what they say isn't true it's a lie; a despicable lie) that the mask will save us.

Maintaining a widespread level of fear, distrust, depression and anger among the population is essential to the Democrat/communist/Left Party's plan to replace our Republic with a socialist system and they're not about to give up on their dreams at this point. Expect the vile nasty masking mandates to continue until Americans stir from their year-long coma of fear. It's coming, but agonizingly slowly.

55 posted on 05/07/2021 9:30:00 AM PDT by glennaro ("Until it's safe" means "never" (Dennis Prager))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 53 | View Replies]

To: ProtectOurFreedom

I spent most of the early Covid days looking for a mask that said “Virtue Signal” but had to settle for an old “RESIST” masks from the Trump days.


56 posted on 05/07/2021 9:30:24 AM PDT by AppyPappy (How many fingers am I holding up, Winston? )
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 53 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin

It’s a religion. You’ll even find True Believers in the Cult of the Mask right here on FR.


57 posted on 05/07/2021 9:31:29 AM PDT by zeugma (Stop deluding yourself that America is still a free country.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Hodar

I did when i was younger i was tired of making such a mess during my nocturnal emmisions


58 posted on 05/07/2021 9:45:34 AM PDT by al baby (Hi Mom Hi Dad)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: zeugma

It’s a religion. You’ll even find True Believers in the Cult of the Mask right here on FR.

It damn well is. Called COVIDism with the followers called COVIDians. Servants of big pharma through the CDC and willing to do anything asked of them.


59 posted on 05/07/2021 9:48:54 AM PDT by JayAr36 (My disgust with government is complete.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 57 | View Replies]

To: Hodar
A person who wears a mask while driving a car; likely wears a condom when he sleeps by himself.

Well, one never knows when a dream will have a happy ending.

60 posted on 05/07/2021 9:49:40 AM PDT by zeugma (Stop deluding yourself that America is still a free country.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-77 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson