Masks and Political Quackery
It was disturbing to see images of citizens verbally or physically attacking other citizens for wearing masks during the coronavirus pandemic. And it was discouraging to listen to the diatribes directed toward elected officials, public health professionals, or store employees for requiring masks during that time. The claim that businesses or local governments requiring masks during a pandemic violates a citizen’s constitutional right is absurd. What is the source of such political quackery? States and local governments have the constitutional and legal responsibility to protect the public’s safety and health. A local government can close down a rat-invested restaurant to protect the public health. Local governments can also close down businesses if they are linked to a food-borne illness outbreak. They can also mandate wearing masks during a pandemic. No individual has the constitutional right to be a public health threat. Nor does a citizen have the constitutional right to a haircut at a hair salon that has been closed due to a public health threat.
Some citizens are clearly duped by dubious websites and online platforms as well as by specious social media posts that spew such political and legal balderdash. Sadly, information literacy in the United States is a significant concern and the lack thereof continues to be an increasing threat to our democracy.
Wearing a mask during a pandemic demonstrates responsible citizenship. It shows respect for your community. And, it’s common sense.
Article Updated December 28, 2020
