Why are Americans still wearing masks? Why did they ever start? During the 1918 Spanish influenza, many Americans refused the mask. Even some health care workers refused. A historical account of that era recently printed in the New York Times called them “a symbol of government overreach, inspiring protests, petitions and defiant bare-face gatherings.” Penalties in San Francisco ranged from $5 to $10, or 10 days in jail. On November 9, 1,000 people were arrested, swelling city jails to standing room only — apparently no social distancing required. Even Mayor Davie of Oakland was jailed. Those who couldn’t pay the...