Current Events > Going maskless in stores is the new smoking in restaurants

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https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/eric-zorn/ct-column-mask-smoking-40-years-zorn-20200508-bxwmlsvmfrboleipb3mfn4ziy4-story.html

The prohibition on smoking in restaurants is an infringement on personal freedom, the freedom to light up after or even during a nice meal to add to the enjoyment of the dining experience. That sounds absurd, right? The idea that fouling the communal air and putting others at risk with secondhand toxins from cigarettes is a right clangs on the ear. It didnt always. In fact, before and even shortly after Jan. 1, 2008, when the Smoke-Free Illinois Act banning smoking in public places and places of employment took effect, smokers and their allies were bellyaching loudly about how the health wimps were violating their traditional prerogatives, and if they didnt like it they should simply stay away from places where smokers gather. The ban was a law, yes. But it quickly became a social norm here and in the majority of states and big cities where similar bans are in effect. Bars and restaurants dont have to hire additional security to oust those who dare smoke, and police dont have to come in and threaten violators with arrest. Enforcement comes from social pressure the hairy eyeball, portentous fake cough and occasional scolding remark from other customers, and the gentle reminders from employees. Conformity became not about politics but about health and common decency.

I cant remember the last time I saw someone smoking in a restaurant, and the sight today would shock and offend me. We really need to get to that point soon with masks and face coverings. Entering a store or other potentially crowded indoor space with a bare face needs to become seen as socially transgressive, not just a violation of the law. Not wearing a mask in such situations needs to become widely seen for what it is a reckless, almost unthinkable act that expresses indifference to your own health and the health of others. And wearing a mask needs to become widely seen as membership in the class of warriors doing battle against the threat of the coronavirus.



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WHO and the CDC really screwed up by flat out lying about masks early on. I get they did it to save PPE for hospitals, but in doing the general public was so much worse off. It really didn't have to be this way, but we've done a lot wrong.

Saw a guy get kicked out of Walmart in my area when he took off his mask and refused to put it back on. It felt great to see them taking this seriously.

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How it should be

Both of em can kill the people involved or surrounding them.

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BlueTigerLion posted...

WHO and the CDC really screwed up by flat out lying about masks early on. I get they did it to save PPE for hospitals, but in doing the general public was so much worse off. It really didn't have to be this way, but we've done a lot wrong.

Saw a guy get kicked out of Walmart in my area when he took off his mask and refused to put it back on. It felt great to see them taking this seriously.

This is so true.

Dont use masks because they dont help you! Now send all of your masks to hospitals because they keep doctors safe!

So having a medical degree somehow makes the mask work?

On the other hand, I can see where theyre coming from after certain people bought every thing of hand sanitizer in existence. Most brewers who make it sends it directly to the front line, too, so there is none for the common citizen. We kind of need it to make sure we dont get sick and have to go to the hospital. So maybe they should start sharing it?

Going maskless in stores is like going condomless in a brothel

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