Face mask fetishists who get their kicks out of telling random people in the streets to “WEAR YOUR MASK” will be remembered as among the worst parts of 2020. We can also thank them for being the reason that so many of us hate wearing them to begin with.
MSNBC contributor and plagiarist Mike Barnicle is one of those people. During an interview segment Wednesday on Morning Joe, Barnicle listened to Republican House candidate Jim Oberweis deliver a pitch-perfect answer on “social distancing” and masks, only to then demand to know why Oberweis didn’t believe in their utility.
Mind you, Oberweis had actually not said anything critical of masks. What he said was that he believed them to “provide some protection” for people indoors. “If you’re indoors and in close contact for prolonged period of time with other people,” he said, “I think it’s certainly wise to wear a mask and helpful to everybody.”
Then, like a smart person with basic knowledge about the exceedingly low levels of transmission in the open air outdoors, Oberweis said he didn’t see any use for masks when exercising outside. “To me, it’s a joke when people are riding bicycles or jogging wearing a mask,” he said. “That to me makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.”
The sainted Dr. Anthony Fauci wouldn’t have been able to take exception with a thing that he said. But mask fetishist Barnicle did, thus his angry interrogation began.
“What is the deal with the masks?” asked Barnicle with an extra shot of indignation. “What do you have against masks?”
Oberweis said he had nothing against them.
“But you make fun of people who wear them,” snapped Barnicle. “And they wear them because they don’t want to infect anyone else. Why make fun of them?”
With the patience of a Buddhist monk high on edibles, Oberweis explained once again for the ignorant mask fetishist.
“On the contrary, I’m not making fun of anybody,” he said. “I’m just saying that I think it’s unnecessary when you’re out[doors]. I think it’s strange that people would wear one when they’re bicycling or jogging outdoors. It makes no sense. No need.”
People like Barnicle are deeply annoying. They lie in wait for the chance to reprimand complete strangers about the One True Mask, usually in circumstances where a mask isn’t needed or would do nothing to prevent an infection. They swear they’re the ones who know “the science,” but it’s not true. And in their reflexive hostility, it shows.
Here’s a tip for the mask-fetishists: if you’re close enough to scream at someone about a mask, you’re already violating the precious Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on social distancing.
