If you read my previous Blog friends then the formalities are out of the way. Let’s begin talking about the symptoms of decay we see all around us and what we can do about it. I get an Executive Summary of the New York Times every morning. (got to know what the other side is pondering and going to hammer us with next).

Today was a long piece that went in part:

“It’s true that these [mask] mandates often generate intense criticism. In France, more than 100,000 people marched to protest Macron’s policy. In the U.S., critics sued, unsuccessfully so far, to stop Indiana University’s mandate. Some Republican politicians have also tried to stop mandates, including Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida and Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio.”

The mandates are also not 100 percent effective.

Some people will receive exemptions, as was the case at Houston Methodist. A small number may forge vaccine records. And some vaccinated people will still contract mild versions of Covid, through so-called breakthrough infections.

But even with the opposition and the exceptions, mandates can play a major role in reducing the spread of Covid and saving lives. That’s especially true now that the Delta variant is fueling a rise in cases. “The takeaway message remains, if you’re vaccinated, you are protected,” Dr. Céline Gounder, an infectious disease specialist, told our colleague Apoorva Mandavilli. “You are not going to end up with severe disease, hospitalization, or death.”

I was doing just fine this morning until I read this. I get into the office most mornings pretty early to catch up on what’s going on. After reading the above, I just got angry and could not at first figure out why. Then it struck me. “They” are planning on putting everyone back in masks. I could go into my research and the conversations I’ve had with medical professionals that question mask usage. I just think to myself, it’s a personal choice. I keep coming back to that word “mandate.” The dictionaries first definition of mandate, and the one most applicable is:

The Definition of Mandate

“The Definition of mandate is an authoritative command especially: a formal order from a superior court or official to an inferior one “

Think about that for a moment. Commanded to wear a mask. Keep in mind that this is not last year either. Perhaps 70-75 percent of people of all ages have had Covid-19 or have already had an inoculation. Covid is no longer the major threat it once was. Yet, it’s a political issue based on geographical (Red State vs. Blue State politics) and does not follow the science, if anyone ever knew what the real science was in fact. Frankly, I believe that Americans must act responsibly, but in doing so, he/she is free to uh, well, be free of tyranny and Mandates that seek to control us. It’s akin to Martial Law without declaring it.

And, that’s the rub.

Politicians know they can’t get by suspending civil liberties, but they are not shy about leaning awfully far in by issuing mandates instead of being upfront about it. Why? They know they’d lose the debate if done in the open and light of day.  Politicians of both parties no longer fear the people. That needs to change. The worst thing we can all do is docilely comply. Make up your own mind and act in your own self-interest.

One other thing to keep in mind. Life is safe to a point. Ultimately though, a very, very safe life is both boring and one in which you give up too much control and the requisite responsibility that a free man must have to thrive and prosper.

Tell me what you think?

Allan J. Feifer

Patriot