By John Q. Hosedrinker parents who argued that the mask mandate violated their freedom of speech. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at such an absurd claim. Wearing a mask is not a form of speech, nor does it infringe upon anyone’s right to express themselves. It is a necessary public health measure during a pandemic, plain and simple.
The appeals court made it crystal clear that skeptics have every right to voice their opposition through various means, but refusing to wear a mask is not one of them. The court drew a parallel between disobeying a masking requirement and refusing to pay taxes or wearing a motorcycle helmet as a symbolic protest. These actions do not fall under the umbrella of free speech.
I couldn’t agree more with the court’s decision. Growing up in a Christian school, I was taught the importance of personal responsibility and individualism. However, I was also reminded that my actions should never harm or endanger others. This principle seems to have been lost on those who claim that not wearing a mask is a form of expression.
The argument that not wearing a mask is a form of speech is deeply flawed. If we accept this logic, then where do we draw the line? Should people be allowed to walk around naked in public because it is a form of free expression? The mental gymnastics required to justify such a claim are absurd.
It’s disheartening to see how some individuals have reacted to mask mandates. In my state, the response to the mask mandate was particularly bad. People labeled the state government as “fascists” simply for requiring such a basic measure to keep everyone safe. It’s mind-boggling how something as simple as wearing a mask became so politicized.
As a pharmacy tech, I have seen firsthand the importance of proper precautions during the pandemic. We dispense medication to combat the Covid virus, which means that we often come into contact with patients who have tested positive. It is our duty to protect ourselves and our other patients by taking all necessary precautions.
I recently had an encounter with a man who tested positive for Covid and came into the pharmacy without wearing a mask. Despite being asked to put on a mask, he made a scene and reluctantly complied. It’s frustrating to see such a lack of respect for the health and safety of others. This is just one example of how some individuals refuse to take even the simplest measures to protect those around them.
The court’s ruling serves as a reminder that protecting public health is a patriotic duty. Wearing a mask is a small inconvenience that can save lives. It’s disheartening to see how many self-proclaimed “Patriots” refused to do the bare minimum to protect their fellow Americans.
This ruling also raises questions about vaccine mandates. In recent years, we have seen a rise in measles cases due to those who refuse to vaccinate their children. The right to not wear a mask or refuse to vaccinate should not supersede the health and safety of others. It’s a matter of where someone else’s health and safety begin, and where our rights end.
Overall, the court’s decision reaffirms that not wearing a mask during a health emergency is not a free speech right. It’s time for us to set aside the politicization of such a crucial public health measure and focus on the collective well-being of our society. Let’s learn from this experience, because it won’t be the last major communicable disease outbreak we face. It’s time to prioritize the health and safety of our communities over individualistic notions of “freedom.”