Return of the Mask Mandate

"History repeats itself, first time as tragedy, second time as farce"
- Karl Marx

Mask mandates are back, at least in some places, and it makes me wonder how far this can be pushed this time around. Most people know by now that masks don't reduce transmission of viruses. Many also know or suspect that masks are counterproductive because they hinder free flow of oxygen, and they trap microorganisms like fungus and bacteria in close proximity to our airways.

For now, I believe that these mandates will be limited to a few companies and institution. However, there's no telling how far this may be pushed, so there's a possibility that this nonsense will once again be mandated by those who like to think of themselves as our rulers. How then are we to respond?

My advice is as always, to be meek. This means that we resist as much as is reasonable without running the risk of direct confrontation with the authorities. We comply reluctantly, and only to the point that is necessary in order to avoid serious trouble. Then, as the zealots loose their initial vigour, we push back.

This should be easier this time around because most people are by now sceptical to health authorities. While most people fell for the con the first time around, they're not likely to be equally gullible this time. Fact checkers will be more moderate, and there won't be as many idiots parroting the official narrative.

All that can be achieved by pushing mask mandates at this point is a loss of credibility. Places of higher education will demonstrate that they lack employees versed in critical thinking. Hospitals will demonstrate that they are ignorant of basic knowledge related to viruses, bacteria and fungus. Corporations will demonstrate that they hold their employees in low esteem.

Mask mandates are passé, and anyone embracing them will be ridiculed and shunned. Since we already know how to handle this kind of nonsense, the uncertainty and fear will be gone. Mask mandates reintroduced will be like a walk in the park relative to how nasty things got last time around.

Mask of the beast