Why this Military Spouse Says Wearing a Mask is Patriotic

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Why this Military Spouse Says Wearing a Mask is Patriotic

I went to the grocery store today. And I was terrified. How far have I fallen in such a short time frame? I’ve traveled all over the world. A lot of it solo. I’ve swum in the ocean in Thailand, not knowing if I could swim across the pool at my local Y. I’ve received a standing ovation–  topless on an Italian beach and trust me, there’s nothing to cheer about. And don’t judge, but I’ve slept on a park bench in Pamplona in and out of an alcoholic semi-consciousness. But the local Dillons had me surveying the isles for potential viral snipers. Why? Because people think this is an infringement on their freedoms. But is wearing a mask a constitutional issue or a human being issue?

_{This post is sponsored and/or contains affiliate links, from which I earn a commission at no extra cost to the reader. I appreciate your support and know that all the views expressed are my own.}

1. What’s the Controversy?
2. Travel Opens Your Eyes
3. Mask History in America
4. Is Wearing a Mask a Constitutional Issue?
5. Freedom of Speech, Demonstrations & Protests
6. COVID-19 Mitigation
7. Example of the Pushback on IG
8. Military vs Civilian 

Masks– What’s the Controversy?

Is Wearing a Mask a Constitutional Issue?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that Americans wear face masks to reduce transmission of the COVID-19 virus. However, it didn’t surprise me that 45 made that announcement, quickly adding it was voluntary. And you don’t have to do it. He wasn’t going to wear one because he might have to meet with a king, queen or dictator.

Unsurprisingly, this outbreak has created an unprecedented opportunity for pundits to weigh in on the many demonstrations, misinformation, pushbacks for American freedoms. And lawsuits that surround the mitigation efforts by state and local governments, businesses, and employers are under attack.

What I don’t understand is why are the two things– being required to wear a mask and freedom of speech– seem to be mutually exclusive?

Even though Americans enjoy freedom and democracy, it doesn’t mean you don’t have to adhere to cultural norms. Those precepts that say this is what is acceptable. Americans seem to think that freedom is free and that expectations that may temporarily affect the way you go about your typical day are unconstitutional. Are there times when your comfort should defer to the whole and not the self?

Travel Opens Your Eyes and Your Mind

This is when I really appreciate other cultures, especially Asian ones. I know I’ve said that homogenous societies like South Korean can sometimes feel hostile because they lack diversity.

It’s a generalization, but it’s all about the group in Asian societies. While we, as Americans, tend to celebrate the individual. We are a meritocracy in which individuals can shine, which is downplayed in cultures like Korea. And most actions reflect the company, the family, or the country. It has been my observation that an Asian person will consider how their actions may affect the group as a whole rather than looking out only for themselves.

Mask History in America

This country has a long history of masks. And it’s not a pretty one either— it’s rooted in fear. And now, it seems governmental agencies are on both sides of the law.

Many state and municipal governments prohibited masks and face coverings to prohibit the KKK from donning their terror-inducing hoods to conceal their identities. And In recent years, the fears over terrorism and Muslims have created laws where hijabs are prohibited.

Many people of color, my son included, have expressed apprehension about wearing masks during the pandemic because they fear authorities may arrest them. There are reported incidents of African Americans being targeted by law enforcement for wearing face masks during this pandemic. Like the hoodie, a mask worn by an unarmed black man is something to be feared. But THIS isn’t?

Is Wearing a Mask a Constitutional Issue?

I am concerned about what the country is feeling like a whole lately. And although the group that holds the “liberation” rallies is very loud, it’s still a small population of the country. Most people know that the mitigations of self-distancing and wearing masks in public is required. However, I can’t help but wonder what our country will look like in a few months. I hope we continue safe practices until we’re on the other side of this pandemic, However, we won’t know for months to come.

Why is it so difficult for people to act with a little common sense? Or act in the best interests of themselves and their neighbors? Is it vanity-related or are you following the lead set by the President of the United States?

Bingo!!

Freedom of Speech, Demonstrations & Protests

It’s no surprise that the President’s mixed messaging and the state news channel’s campaign of misinformation is confusing for some people. This mixed messaging is making wearing a mask a constitutional issue instead of a human being issue. For example, the CDC is warning people to continue with the mitigation efforts, yet he is calling the demonstrators ‘great Americans who love their country’.

Does Coronavirus Mitigation Run Contrary to the Constitution?

Whose rights are being infringed?

Is wearing a mask a constitutional issue? Said the answer is no. No matter where you live in the country, you must choose to wear a mask. However, no court in the country would rule that your constitutional rights are being infringed upon if required.

Have you been watching Governor Cuomo’s daily briefings? He is a lawyer. I am not, but I have read the Constitution. So, I feel confident that what I understand is true, not just my belief or opinion.

The Governor acknowledges he does not have the power to force anyone to wear a mask. He doesn’t even have the enforcement power to make you stay in your house. He can, however, prohibit your ability to use facilities under his purviews like parks and office buildings. And he can keep businesses closed. He can require you to wear a mask to ride the bus or the subway. And he can give you a citation or a fine if you don’t comply or adhere to social distancing and mask-wearing policies.

What about my rights? You do not have a right to infect me.

Karen gets upset that a store won’t let her shop without a protective facemask. She then tried to pretend like she’s the victim, despite the store giving her options. This is pure arrogance. https://t.co/qgFLhKjgxd #COVIDIDIOTS #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/OXV4EQLOgD

— Khary Penebaker (@kharyp) May 17, 2020

Military vs. Civilian Mentalities

No, if, and’s, or but’s. You wear a mask in public on military installations. There are portable washing stations outside buildings like the hospital, shopping, and grocery stores. Adherence is not an option. However, soldiers and their families accept rules and regulations all the time. We adhere to them without question. It’s our responsibility to know all the regulations. And I say we because although I’m not in the military, many rules also affect me.

Take this blog, for instance. I have to adhere to a military policy called OPSEC. Operational Security is a process that identifies critical information. It’s used to determine whether sources (like my blog) can be observed or interpreted as useful by enemy intelligence. This is why I never blog about what I am doing. It’s always about what I’ve done.

Is that ideal? No. I miss the opportunity to be relevant sometimes because I don’t blog on the fly. But that’s how I contribute to keeping my soldier and the greater military community safe.

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