You can legitimately argue that masks aren’t good for the wearer and, in real-life use, do little or nothing to protect others from COVID-19 or for that matter, any virus. Although, since The Establishment increasingly censors that sort of information it becomes more difficult, you can still show science to back you up.

If you have an infection, viral or otherwise, the masks cause you to rebreath it — and it cuts down the amount of oxygen you inhale.

On the other hand, you can also intuitively argue that masks may have some value in protecting others from your coughs and sneezes, especially if you aren’t in the habit of covering your nose and mouth appropriately. Unfortunately so far, there are no scientific studies to back up the efficacy of even the vaunted P95 mask in real-life use against a virus.

And so far, as an individual citizen, despite those “Executive Orders” you don’t have to wear a mask. And if you run a business, there’s this – – - Tell Anti Maskers It S... Buy New $15.99 (as of 04:15 UTC - Details)

That makes individual mask use either a matter of personal preference or a test of obedience. Which is it for you?

And suppose THE VIRUS isn’t as dangerous as we’ve been led to believe by the Main Stream narratives?

Unfortunately in the case of one tough-cookie, the choice was to wear a mask to avoid being assaulted by misguided mask-wearers. On the other hand, it’s apparently more dangerous to tell someone to wear a mask than to go maskless!

In fact, though the Main-Stream Media — and The Establishment — try mightily to ignore and downplay it, massive demonstrations against mask wearing have broken out all over, especially in Europe. Particularly Germany (17,000), England, Spain, Belgium etc.

There’s another rarely recognized down-side to masks: they eliminate most of the 60%-plus of the non-verbal communication we humans count on so heavily. The Back-woods-philosopher — big, burly, and a little intimidating — regularly puts folks at ease with his “teddy-bear-smile” as he calls it — but obviously can’t do that with a mask in place. This is even more critical for those who count on lip-reading.

And many folks have more serious problems with mask wearing — other than the problem of giving me Night Of The Living Dead nightmares when I see legions of masked and deadened folks wandering the aisles of Wally*World.

Since they reduce oxygen intake, there are the obvious problems such as COPD. And there are often related psychological problems like panic attacks, etc.

None the less, even though masks may not be healthy, are they good for us?

See, there’s a bright-side to masks: Just as Artificial Intelligence has reduced the falsing rate to a level Authorities are beginning to accept, masks screw-up facial recognition.

With CCTV video cams everywhere, total tracking of individuals, as in the Chinese system, is becoming increasingly practical if totally unacceptable to most rational humans. If you think such tracking a good idea, you can stop reading right now and ban me.

As a long-term freedom vet in good standing, I am of course unalterably opposed to mandatory masks. However voluntary masks — as a sign of resistance and/or as a fashion statement — strongly appeal to me. For obvious anti AI facial recognition, regimentation and control reasons, it would be very good for us if mask-wearing became an ambiguous social tradition. The Case Against Masks... Heckenlively, Kent Buy New $12.99 (as of 04:52 UTC - Details)

Previous to COVID-19, The Establishment reflex has been to ban masks — even burqas in France — so they can recognize you.

If masks become a normal part of dress, banning becomes very difficult. And of course, all sorts of masks are acceptable. Maybe P95 look-alikes to blend in. I have an old Rebel Flag bandanna – – –

And no, that doesn’t make me a racist, just a rebel.

The thing is, wearing a mask — or cammy face-paint — before COVID-19 would draw more heat than a Donald Trump tweet. But with face masks the norm, we’re all better protected. Maybe not from THE VIRUS, but from something much more dangerous – – –

“As Americans we must always remember that we all have a common enemy, an enemy that is dangerous, powerful, and relentless. I refer, of course, to the federal government.” — Columnist Dave Barry

So, if the maskers manage to establish mask-wearing as normal — and maybe even stylish — aside from my Night of the Living Dead nightmares, it isn’t all bad.

But are you wearing your mask as a personal choice — or as proof of obedience?

HERE for updates, additions, comments, and corrections.

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