![Opinion: Mask Mandates are a Bad Idea](http://townsquare.media/site/95/files/2020/07/Mask-3.jpg?w=630&h=420&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
Opinion: Mask Mandates are a Bad Idea
There’s a big difference between suggesting people wear facemasks versus ordering wearing of masks. This is a serious debate in Idaho at the moment. Even with many transplants coming here over the last couple of decades, the state is still filled with the descendants of some very independent settlers. Many of whom walked across a continent to find a place where they wouldn’t be molested by government and religious persecution.
“Don’t Tread on Me” still defines some of the national character, although. Admittedly it’s on the wane as witnessed by the fear over a pandemic that kills a very, very small percentage of people infected.
nobody wants COVID-19. Just as much as we don’t want to get hit by trucks
During an edition of Magic Valley This Morning I explained nobody wants COVID-19. Just as much as we don’t want to get hit by trucks and, yet. We still cross streets and roads. Life must go on and I know the medical professionals argue it can go much better if we’re masked in public spaces.
Two weeks from now, if infection rates drop, the doctors can cite masking as a success, even if the numbers were already headed for a leveling.
I try and wear a mask while I shop (I sometimes forget). Not because I’m under a mandate but because I want to put my neighbors at ease. There’s a big difference between coercion and Christian politeness.
There are simply going to be a lot of Idahoans who refuse to comply with any instructions where they didn’t get a say in implementation. Are we going to stuff them in crowded jails if they don’t follow the new rules? Of course not. Government will assess fines. It likes your money. But I remind you, the people who’ll be told to write citations may have other daily priorities. As witnessed by a statement from a Sheriff in a neighboring county, which you can see below.
More From 98.3 The Snake
![The Smithsonian Says This Idaho Town is One of the Best in America](http://townsquare.media/site/95/files/2021/06/attachment-Wallace-DL.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Things We Said During The Pandemic That Wouldn’t Make Sense Before](http://townsquare.media/site/757/files/2020/03/fusion-medical-animation-EAgGqOiDDMg-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![WATCH: Man Crash Lands; Foolish Twin Falls BASE Jumps Continue](http://townsquare.media/site/97/files/2022/12/attachment-Untitled-design-2022-12-28T094829.160-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Some In Twin Falls Need To Keep Snot And Saliva To Themselves](http://townsquare.media/site/97/files/2022/12/attachment-Untitled-design-2022-12-15T091809.884-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Magic Valley Residents Claim ‘Mean Doctor’ Is Offending Patients](http://townsquare.media/site/97/files/2022/09/attachment-Untitled-design-2022-09-27T091512.326-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![What Would You Do? Staying Home ‘Sick’ or Return to Work After COVID](http://townsquare.media/site/94/files/2022/03/attachment-Add-a-heading-2022-03-21T115037.461.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![8 Positives to Getting COVID in Idaho in 2022](http://townsquare.media/site/94/files/2022/03/attachment-Add-a-heading-2022-03-21T114137.505.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![5 Reasons Why Outsiders Should Move to Twin Falls](http://townsquare.media/site/95/files/2020/08/Twin.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Idaho Pets May be the First Casualties of a Collapsing Economy](http://townsquare.media/site/95/files/2022/06/attachment-Cat.jpg?w=980&q=75)