Actual science (not the ideologically infected variety) has shown that even N95 respirator masks are only marginally effective against viruses, and only if the wearer has been trained to use them and has gone through a complicated fitting test. Cloth masks, bandanas, surgical masks, Home Depot dust masks and the like are completely useless at both virus-repelling (protecting the wearer) and virus-containing (protecting others). But for those whose science gurus are Bill Nye the Children’s Show Presenter, Greta Thunburg the Intellectually Compromised Teenage High School Dropout, or the pasty drones at NPR, masks symbolize membership in a hysterical cult that would destroy civilization rather than risk one life. They are a signalling icon like a pink breast cancer ribbon, but worn on the face.
Jeremy Hummerstone
3 years ago
This sounds more like Austin than Texas. I am in a rural area where, generally, common sense rules.
I lived for 4 years in Lubbock (coming from NYC for grad school) and, as I read this article. I kept thinking “no way is this writer in West Texas, he HAS to be in Austin!!”. I wonder if I’m right?!?
Mark Corby
3 years ago
How tragic to hear that the Lone Star State has been infected with same neurosis and panic that has also afflicted the rest of the Western World. What on earth must the heroes of the Alamo be thinking now? Indeed what must the famous Texas Ranger think when he sees someone wearing a face mask? Bandit, or Cattle Russler?
I believe Texas is being steadily infiltrated by people fleeing the Democrat-run la la land otherwise known as California. The problem with this, of course, is that they start to turn Texas into another California. And so it goes on…
David Simpson
3 years ago
Quite agree – if you can, travel slowly, and stay a long time, preferably with the natives. Try learning the language.
andrew stanford
3 years ago
Just curious what the author thinks now of the latest news. Texas quote ” we’re heading to pure hell regarding virus ” https://news.sky.com/story/…
Marco Federighi
3 years ago
Good article – a tad condescending to people who after all are using masks not to protect themselves (which masks don’t do) but to protect others – which only works if most people do it, as in the case of vaccines. Entertaining though.
When I was told people needed training to wear masks I thought that was a joke. Then I saw videos of the public doing everything wrong that it was possible to do. All they have to do is put it on and not touch it but that seems impossible. Crazy. I don’t go out but if I did I do have a mask, it has been properly fitted, has replaceable P3 filters and vents out the front. So unlike everyone else it will protect me properly but not anyone else. Maybe not going out is not so bad an idea.
Sinclair Black
3 years ago
I am retired and do not need to go anywhere. That is so lucky on many levels. I ignore social media but get information from the horses mouth of epidemiologists and ICU professionals. This virus not only kills but smashes up almost every organ in the body like a high speed car wreck. There are plenty of frightened people out there and they have every reason to be. I am not going out anywhere to end up either dead or a semi crippled survivor. You might say its is only a 10% chance but those odds are crap for death or ruined health, with no upside. The MSM choose some pretty useless experts and I am quite confident we will get a vaccine that works in 12 to 18 months or so. I am happy to wait till then. Luckily only a few youngsters will be trashed by CV, though it is bad that this seems to happens a couple of months after infection. ‘Just when you thought it was safe to get back into the water’ as the saying goes. We are only in the very early days of this virus and can say ‘we ain’t seen nothing yet’.
gbauer
3 years ago
Loved your article. I’m a Canadian, but my best childhood friend now lives in Texas, so the state has a special place in my heart. I’m actually surprised to hear that people are being so cautious. I expected stronger stuff from Texans!
While I’m 63 years old, lean toward the left, work as a medical writer, and believe the earth is round, I do not fear the virus and look forward to the day I can start living again.
jennifer Jeffrey
3 years ago
Great read. Yes, sad that the Great State Of Texas is so divided. I’ve had this virus, along with many of my older friends. None of us died, or even went to the hospital & everyone has some underlying issue, or more than one. We are all fine. Looking forward to things getting back to a more normal rhythm across the country.
brett
3 years ago
A recent UN report has stated that it is likely 80 million kids will slip back into abject poverty due to the economic ramifications of the lock down, mostly in the 3rd world. That’s a huge amount of kids that will die. So thanks Daniel for being honest. We need to make this type of data more public to combat the virtue signalers. They’re killing way way more people than the virus ever will with their ludicrous quarantining of the world. What is happening to all those people who have lost their tourism jobs or any other job for that matter in 3rd world countries, they are going to perish if we don’t do something soon. There’s no safety nets for these people.
jpatrickhanley
3 years ago
Fitting that this self-indulgent screed should be posted just as Texas posts its highest-ever one-day new infection numbers. Look, you can squawk all you want about government interference in your personal life and those who eagerly give themselves over to authoritarianism, but Covid is a weirdly literal hill to die on. I guess when you’re a hammer, everything either looks like a nail or a sickle.
kellyvitiritti
3 years ago
This is a fantastic piece. Well written and concisely stating what I believe so many of us are feeling. As a resident of Illinois I have a feeling I will not be allowed to experience your (relative) “freedom” for quite some time. Thank you for writing!
linda
3 years ago
Thank you so much for this! I am in southern California. Your pre-May 1 experience is so parallel to what I am feeling here and you have given me hope that, if we ever do have restrictions lifted in a meaningful way, people will be able to move towards something of an ‘old normal’ life. I would love an update after a few weeks, both on how things are going and feeling and how the virus has behaved in Texas. Thanks again.
Actual science (not the ideologically infected variety) has shown that even N95 respirator masks are only marginally effective against viruses, and only if the wearer has been trained to use them and has gone through a complicated fitting test. Cloth masks, bandanas, surgical masks, Home Depot dust masks and the like are completely useless at both virus-repelling (protecting the wearer) and virus-containing (protecting others). But for those whose science gurus are Bill Nye the Children’s Show Presenter, Greta Thunburg the Intellectually Compromised Teenage High School Dropout, or the pasty drones at NPR, masks symbolize membership in a hysterical cult that would destroy civilization rather than risk one life. They are a signalling icon like a pink breast cancer ribbon, but worn on the face.
This sounds more like Austin than Texas. I am in a rural area where, generally, common sense rules.
I assumed it was Austin.
I lived for 4 years in Lubbock (coming from NYC for grad school) and, as I read this article. I kept thinking “no way is this writer in West Texas, he HAS to be in Austin!!”. I wonder if I’m right?!?
How tragic to hear that the Lone Star State has been infected with same neurosis and panic that has also afflicted the rest of the Western World.
What on earth must the heroes of the Alamo be thinking now? Indeed what must the famous Texas Ranger think when he sees someone wearing a face mask? Bandit, or Cattle Russler?
I believe Texas is being steadily infiltrated by people fleeing the Democrat-run la la land otherwise known as California. The problem with this, of course, is that they start to turn Texas into another California. And so it goes on…
Quite agree – if you can, travel slowly, and stay a long time, preferably with the natives. Try learning the language.
Just curious what the author thinks now of the latest news. Texas quote ” we’re heading to pure hell regarding virus ” https://news.sky.com/story/…
Good article – a tad condescending to people who after all are using masks not to protect themselves (which masks don’t do) but to protect others – which only works if most people do it, as in the case of vaccines. Entertaining though.
When I was told people needed training to wear masks I thought that was a joke. Then I saw videos of the public doing everything wrong that it was possible to do. All they have to do is put it on and not touch it but that seems impossible. Crazy.
I don’t go out but if I did I do have a mask, it has been properly fitted, has replaceable P3 filters and vents out the front. So unlike everyone else it will protect me properly but not anyone else. Maybe not going out is not so bad an idea.
I am retired and do not need to go anywhere. That is so lucky on many levels. I ignore social media but get information from the horses mouth of epidemiologists and ICU professionals. This virus not only kills but smashes up almost every organ in the body like a high speed car wreck. There are plenty of frightened people out there and they have every reason to be. I am not going out anywhere to end up either dead or a semi crippled survivor. You might say its is only a 10% chance but those odds are crap for death or ruined health, with no upside. The MSM choose some pretty useless experts and I am quite confident we will get a vaccine that works in 12 to 18 months or so. I am happy to wait till then. Luckily only a few youngsters will be trashed by CV, though it is bad that this seems to happens a couple of months after infection. ‘Just when you thought it was safe to get back into the water’ as the saying goes. We are only in the very early days of this virus and can say ‘we ain’t seen nothing yet’.
Loved your article. I’m a Canadian, but my best childhood friend now lives in Texas, so the state has a special place in my heart. I’m actually surprised to hear that people are being so cautious. I expected stronger stuff from Texans!
While I’m 63 years old, lean toward the left, work as a medical writer, and believe the earth is round, I do not fear the virus and look forward to the day I can start living again.
Great read. Yes, sad that the Great State Of Texas is so divided. I’ve had this virus, along with many of my older friends. None of us died, or even went to the hospital & everyone has some underlying issue, or more than one. We are all fine. Looking forward to things getting back to a more normal rhythm across the country.
A recent UN report has stated that it is likely 80 million kids will slip back into abject poverty due to the economic ramifications of the lock down, mostly in the 3rd world. That’s a huge amount of kids that will die. So thanks Daniel for being honest. We need to make this type of data more public to combat the virtue signalers. They’re killing way way more people than the virus ever will with their ludicrous quarantining of the world. What is happening to all those people who have lost their tourism jobs or any other job for that matter in 3rd world countries, they are going to perish if we don’t do something soon. There’s no safety nets for these people.
Fitting that this self-indulgent screed should be posted just as Texas posts its highest-ever one-day new infection numbers. Look, you can squawk all you want about government interference in your personal life and those who eagerly give themselves over to authoritarianism, but Covid is a weirdly literal hill to die on. I guess when you’re a hammer, everything either looks like a nail or a sickle.
This is a fantastic piece. Well written and concisely stating what I believe so many of us are feeling. As a resident of Illinois I have a feeling I will not be allowed to experience your (relative) “freedom” for quite some time. Thank you for writing!
Thank you so much for this! I am in southern California. Your pre-May 1 experience is so parallel to what I am feeling here and you have given me hope that, if we ever do have restrictions lifted in a meaningful way, people will be able to move towards something of an ‘old normal’ life. I would love an update after a few weeks, both on how things are going and feeling and how the virus has behaved in Texas. Thanks again.