Of Mask, Beekeeping, And Bad Arguments

This is another example of the dumbass, distorted, and deceptive propaganda circulating about masks. I've been in beehives without a veil countless times in my life. The one who gets stung up without one is the person who goes in a beehive without a veil and who lets fear take over. I swear, bees can smell your fear.

If we want to be accurate, let's picture some damn fool wearing full bee protection wherever he goes; the store, a restaurant, to church, driving his car, walking out in nature, all because he is terrified that there might be a bee out there somewhere. And he requires everyone else around him to wear a full bee suit because they might have one around them too.

The best thing for those afraid of bees is to stay out of beehives. In other words, if you are so afraid, stay home!

So much for their so-called "experts".

Of Superstition, Magical Masks, and Someone to Blame

There's a letter circulating social media (see below) addressed simply to "Dear restaurant goer." An unidentified restaurant owner wrote it. I do not know if the owner is a man, but for the sake of convenience, I will be referring to the owner as "he." Besides, it has the tone more of a man than a woman, but I could be wrong.

In this letter, the owner states that he requires patrons to wear a mask for a mere 5 seconds as you go to your table or the bathroom. He believes these 5 seconds protect the livelihood of his business, prevent governmental goons from shutting him down if a case of COVID-19 is "traced" to his restaurant, and prevent the death of his employees and his family. You jeopardize and disrespect him if you don't wear your mask for 5 seconds.

Think about how absurd this is. According to a Cornell University study, the average diner takes 81.6 minutes to eat in a restaurant. That adds up to 1 hour and 21 minutes. That is a total of 4,860 seconds a person remains unmasked in his restaurant. For this owner, 5 seconds symbolize respect, protection, security, and safety.

Let's look at the math. This owner requires people to wear a mask .1% of the time while being okay with them being unmasked for 99.99%. And what are people doing during this 99.99% of the time? They are breathing, chewing, laughing, sneezing, coughing, and talking, perhaps with their mouth full, which people tend to do. Who knows how much particulate is expelled into the atmosphere during these 4,860 seconds.

This must be disturbing for hypochondriacs, but being a human being is a messy business. No matter how much you try, you and your fellow human beings are contaminating the environment with their germs, bacteria, sicknesses, and perhaps even their deadly viruses. They certainly are doing a lot more damage in 4,860 seconds than what a person could do in 5. But this owner needs someone to blame, so let's go with the disrespectful sign-ignoring unmasked jerk.

Talk about putting someone at risk. This owner requires his restaurant employees to "pick up your dishes. Your glassware. Your napkins." He makes the "clean that bathrooms after you use them." But everyone is safe because he requires a person to wear a mask for 5 seconds while at the same time allowing people to remain unmasked for 99.99% of the time doing an activity that causes far more damage than a 5-second walk.

Put on your magical mask for 5 seconds, and all will be well. If that's not superstition, I don't know what is. But at least we have someone to blame.

May I talk about these magical masks for a moment? The owner wrote, "A mask increases that safety. It doesn't guarantee it, but it makes your visit more safe for us" How much protection is being provided by masks that are worn for only .1% of the time? Most people are not wearing masks properly anyway, are they? Most people are wearing the same disgusting mask over and over again. Some wear them only over their mouth and not their nose, which kind of defeats the purpose.

Furthermore, the masks that most people wear allow droplets out the side or are cheap masks that do little to no good. Add to that; the people are now wearing bandanas or some sort of ineffective cloth covering. He is right in your belief that wearing a mask is not a "guarantee."

Magical masks indeed!

He is careful not to blame the real bullies in this equation. He fears COVID-19 will be "traced" back to his restaurant. Who's doing contact tracing? How can you possibly prove the virus originated at your restaurant all because a person failed to wear a mask for 5 seconds? He is scared, but he's fear is misplaced. The real bullies are the power-hungry political fear-mongers who have the power to destroy this man's business, not the unmasked patron.

Not only has the government struck fear into this man's heart, but it has also taken away many people's incentive to return to work. The owner almost gets it when he refers to the "sky-high unemployment benefits" with which he competes. Good old socialism, that age-old destroyer of incentive to work. But we mustn't blame socialism. We must condemn the disrespectful unmasked villain.

I honestly feel sorry for this restaurant owner. I do not doubt that he is telling the truth about how difficult it is to maneuver meeting the almost impossible requirements of an incompetent and oppressive governmental system. I believe him when he says that he puts his "entire being" into this restaurant. I understand that he is doing the best he can in a challenging situation.

Sadly it's worse than he knows. He doesn't seem to be aware that the Executive Order he is so desperately trying to obey contains a caveat that could get him into a lot of trouble. Our esteemed Governor placed within his Executive Order No. 7BB a lovely caveat that states:

"Nothing in this order shall require the use of a mask or cloth face covering by anyone for whom doing so would be contrary to his or her health or safety because of a medical condition, a child in a child care setting, anyone under the age of 2 years, or an older child if the parent, guardian or person responsible for the child is unable to place the mask safely on the child's face. If a person declines to wear a mask or face covering because of a medical condition as described above, such person shall not be required to produce medical documentation verifying the stated condition. This order shall supersede and preempt any current or future municipal order."

In other words, all a person has to do is calmly inform the host that they are declining to wear a mask because of a medical condition. Furthermore, they do not have to prove it. He just has to take their word for it. If this poor restaurant owner denies access, he will violate the Governor's Executive Order. Not only that, if he denies access, he may also be violating the Americans with Disability Act, which could open him to litigation. It'd be difficult to win, especially when "such person shall not be required to produce medical documentation verifying the stated condition."

Our society is scared, and perhaps angry, about all that is happening because of COVID-19. Dysfunctional societies need a scapegoat, be it white men, Jews, blacks, the police, democrats, FOX news, those who don't wear masks, Donald Trump, you name it. I blame power-hungry corrupt government officials who are in bed with crony capitalist corporations. They scare me more than anyone else because only they have the legal right to use political power against those who have done no harm. I also blame people who won't use logic, reason, or science. Oh, that people would genuinely use real science and not the politicized form we hear machine-gunned from the media day and night.

I believe we are at a crossroads in the United States. What will tip the scale, in my opinion, is where the mob goes. If they go on the side of blaming those who do not conform to the official narrative, we are doomed. If people such as this restaurant owner wake up, start using real science, and start standing up to the real bullies, there is hope. In the meantime, I implore you to carefully examine what people are saying and believing and try to use logic, reason, and sound science to open their eyes.

***
Dear restaurant goer:

You don’t want to wear a mask. Ok. I don’t blame you. I don’t either. That’s why we set it up so you only have to wear it for the five seconds between the host stand and your table, and during your trip(s) to the bathroom. Still have a problem?

Consider this.

It was indescribably difficult for our restaurant to survive the shutdown. It devastated our savings and permanently eroded consumer confidence in dining out. Now we finally have a chance to open, and all the relevant governing bodies instruct us to require a mask for admittance.

Still have a problem?

Please also be aware that it’s also our staff preference.

Why?

First, if there is a case of COVID traced back to our restaurant, we have to test all staff and close (again) for an indeterminate amount of days. This puts an at-risk operation at even graver risk. Every day and every dollar counts more than I can describe.

Second, the employees you see in the restaurant right now opted to come back of their own volition. With sky high unemployment benefits to compete with, we have worked hard to build a workplace they want to come back to—one that offers fair compensation, above-average safety protocols and most of all, management and ownership that has their best interest in mind.

When you see a restaurant employee at work, it is usually because of some degree of loyalty or respect for the ownership, as well as faith in the safety measures they have put in place. These things took a great deal of time, effort and personal care to build. I now know that demonstrating love for my team is the most important part of my job. More than ever, I recognize how hard I have to fight for them.

If you are infected (either symptomatically or asymptomatically), you put THEM at risk, first and foremost. After all, they’re the ones that pick up your dishes. Your glassware. Your napkins. They're the ones that clean the bathrooms after you use them. DO NOT disrespect them.

On top of the terrifying work environment they have returned to, the new challenge of arguing with guests about masks is hurtful and unnecessarily punitive. Walking past a half dozen signs saying masks are required and then acting surprised about it—even when we offer to give you one at our cost—is inexcusable. And berating a host does not make you a patriot or a constitutional scholar. It makes you a bully, and it affirms the growing realization that the customer isn’t always right.

You may question the lawfulness of Executive Orders. It’s your prerogative. But one thing you can’t question is that as a guest, our safety is in your hands. A mask increases that safety. It doesn’t guarantee it, but it makes your visit more safe for us. It’s that simple.

I have put my entire being into my restaurants. It is my life’s work. Do not—DO NOT—DARE to put it and our loyal team members at risk unnecessarily. When you do so, you disrespect my wife, my daughter and son, and the life we’ve built. Not to mention the livelihood (and possibly lives) of the nearly 15 people we employ.

Bottom line: we’re trying to survive. Your concern about wearing a mask for mere seconds pales in comparison to what's at stake.

A Prophetic Nightmare?

I'm having a recurring nightmare where everyone takes off their masks and their mouths are gone.

COVID-19 AND PRIVILEGE

I translated this commentary I found on the Facebook feed of a friend of mine in Mexico. It really hit me as I read it and saw the picture of the poor Mexican family crammed in a shack. As I traveled throughout Mexico, I saw countless shabby shanties in the country and neighborhoods filled with cinderblock "houses" strewn around the cities. More than you can imagine.

One thought that harasses me as contemplate this article is how racist the virus is, perhaps how racist we all are. I stay at home with my wife in a beautiful apartment in West Hartford, Connecticut debating with others on our computers while millions, perhaps billions of poor people crowd in tiny rooms, many in sweltering climates south of the border, living in fear of the virus, of hunger, of the marauding military, bullying people to stay home.

I honestly don't know what to think as I, and most of my friends, read this in the comfort of our quarantine.

I don’t have the link. If anyone has it, please let me know so I can point to it. Here's the article.

****

Stay at Home

That’s the premise, the slogan.

Stay at home, says the sports star hugging his wife while his children run around the 1200 square foot home. Stay at home, says the politician, while he chooses which of his properties he will spend the quarantine on.

People don't understand how serious the virus is, says someone else, as they unload the crate of fruit and vegetables he bought online and paid for with his card at his door. And what about those who stocked their groceries in the big stores to get through the quarantine.

But on the fringes are the invisible neighborhoods, the 12x12 "houses", made of sheet metal and cardboard, where the cold is COLD and the heat unbearable. What about those houses filled with families where what they earned yesterday is today's food, where, if you didn't earn yesterday, there is no food today, where the safety measures are mandated but are impossible to comply? They are afraid of the virus too but don’t have the ability to protect themselves!

They just try to live, to be safe, and survive day by day.

The virus doesn't make us equal. The virus highlights, even more, the intolerance, the apathy with which the privileged sector of this society looks at those who have less.

-Stay at home to take care of us all: those who can’t are accused and questioned.

Outside the virus, inside the hunger on the faces of their children filled with disappointment, uncertainty, hopelessness.

Do we really take care of each other?

And what about the refugees outside countries waiting for asylum?

No, we're not in the same boat. We are in the same sea...
some on a luxury yacht, some in a fancy boat, while others have only life jackets or can only try to swim to survive!

I wonder if, in the end, we will learn anything new and actually do something positive to change what is happening in the world beyond the virus.

Quédate En Casa
Es la premisa, el eslogan.
Quédate en casa, dice el futbolista, abrazado a su esposa mientras sus hijos corren por los 400 metros cuadrados de su hogar.
Quédate en casa, dice el político, mientras elige en cuál de sus propiedades pasará la cuarentena.
La gente no entiende, dice alguien más, mientras descargan en su puerta el cajón de fruta y verdura que compró online y pagó con su tarjeta.
Y qué decir de aquellos que surtieron sus despensas en las grandes tiendas para pasar la cuarentena.
Pero al margen, los barrios invisibles las "casas" 4x4, de chapa y cartón, donde el frío es FRÍO y el calor abraza y marea.
Esas casas llenas de familias, donde lo que ganaste ayer, es la comida de hoy.
Donde, si no ganaste ayer, no hay comida hoy.
Donde se conocen las medidas sanitarias, pero es imposible cumplirlas.
¡Tienen miedo, pero sin medios!
Sólo se intenta vivir, resistir, sobrevivir día a día.

El virus no nos hace iguales.
El virus pone en evidencia, aún más, la intolerancia, la apatía con que el sector privilegiado de esta sociedad mira a los que menos tienen.

-Quédate en tu casa, para cuidarnos entre todos: Se los acusa e interpela.

Afuera el virus, adentro el hambre...las caras de sus hijos, la decepción, la incertidumbre, la desesperanza.

¿Realmente nos cuidamos entre todos?

Y los refugiados fuera de países esperando asilo?

No, no estamos en el mismo barco,
Estamos en el mismo mar...
Unos en yate, otros en lancha, otros en salvavidas y otros nadando con ¡todas sus fuerzas! .

Me pregunto si al final tendremos un aprendizaje y haremos algo positivo para cambiar lo que se está haciendo mal en el mundo.

Sincere Questions of a Mask Skeptic

I have some sincere questions. I don’t think I am the only one with these questions. I am honestly seeking answers. If you cannot answer thoughtfully and respectfully, please move along. Feel free to answer any or all. My intent is not to argue and I promise to consider all thoughtful replies.

The reason you insist on everyone wearing a mask is that wearing a mask keeps us safe from COVID-19. It stops the spread, both of infecting others and being infected. This is the reasoning, is it not?

Doesn’t this mean that those who are wearing a mask are safe from both giving and receiving the virus?

And if you are safe, why are you worried and upset by those who do not wear a mask? Aren’t the mask wearers safe in spite of the unsafe practices of people who do not wear masks?

If you are not safe, in other words, if wearing a mask doesn’t really work, then why do you wear one?

Either it works or it doesn’t, no?

Are the masks people are wearing adequate to prevent the intrusion or expulsion of the virus? What about wearing a bandana or a form of woven cloth? Are most people wearing face protection that is woefully inadequate to both keep out and keep in COVID-19? If these homemade and inadequate masks do not work, why do you feel comfortable with people wearing these inadequate masks? Why don't you insist they put on a "real" mask? Are the masks you are wearing yourself sufficient to protect you and others from the virus? If not, why are you wearing it?

And if we are just dealing with probabilities of preventing the spread of COVID-19, “wearing a mask cuts down the chances of giving or receiving the virus”, then why are you only concerned with deaths caused by COVID-19? If life is so precious to you, why only limit your concern to the virus? Isn’t life filled with risk? This is why, I think, anti-mask wearers feel the pro-mask wearers are inconsistent or selective. Is death by COVID-19 somehow worse than death by an automobile accident, or having another type of flu, or lung cancer from smoking, or heart disease or the multitude of way people die statistically more than by COVID-19? Why be so concerned about stopping the spread of COVID-19 and ignore all the other ways people suffer and die? Why not be equally concerned with other ways people die and do all you can to prevent these deaths with the same passion and ardor?

If practicing social distancing, that is staying at least 6 feet apart, hinders or prevents the giving and receiving of the virus, then why do you insist everyone wears a mask and practice social distance?

If social distancing doesn’t prevent the spread of the virus, then why insist upon it? And if wearing a mask keeps you safe, then why bother practicing and insisting that everyone have a safe social distance?

If wearing a mask keeps the mask wearers safe, aren’t the only people who are at-risk the people who don’t wear a mask? Why can’t the non-mask wearers hijack the mantra of pro-choice advocates and claim, “My body, my choice?”

Do you honestly believe those who do not wear masks are mentally ill, stupid, selfish, or rebellious?

Why aren't basic hygiene practices adequate such as covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze?

Is there really no health risks to wearing a mask for extended periods of time or during strenuous exercise?

I'm notice many people have a mask hanging from their rear view mirror. I assume these are being used over and over again. Isn't it dangerous to continue to use a mask over and over again that has the presence of germs that you have pulled into it or breathe out to it? Don't health professionals change their masks each time they use one? Why are you not more adamant against multiple mask user violations?

I also want to know why people insist masks should be worn outside, in the fresh air and sunshine and open water such as a lake, river, or ocean? Is COVID-19 so powerful that it can live and spread under these conditions?

Why advocate to close down the beaches or insist people wear a mask on a beach?

Why do people wear masks in their car?

Why do people wear masks out on a walk with little to no one around? I see this a lot while driving.

Why do they close parking in places like Elizabeth Park in Hartford and make people park on the street? How does that help stop the spread? People just park on the street and walk into the park. What has that solved?

If you are just going to insult, name-call, be sarcastic, I will delete what you write. I am asking for thoughtful, intelligent, and mature pro-mask people to respond. I think more and more people are asking these types of questions. I know I am.

A Reminder to the Remnant

Working to change individual and corporate sin without first addressing the root problem of original sin is like trying to purify the ocean by pouring fresh water into it. This is why the work and mission of the Church are absolutely vital. It is only through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ that the human heart is transformed from being “desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9) to being “a pure heart” (Psalm 51:1). This is why the work of the Church 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭 for our nation to be changed. It is through worship and the preaching of the gospel (Romans 10:17) that hearts will be transformed.

The Kingdom of God is not an abstract concept. His Kingdom comes and His will is done as individuals and then nations submit themselves to the Kingship of Jesus our Lord. Calling individuals and nations to this is the essential work of the Church.

A Critical Thinker’s Guide to COVID-19 Fallacies

There is a LOT of lousy reasoning going on these days. I highly recommend taking the time to study, review, and sharpen your critical thinking skills; otherwise, you can easily fall prey to propaganda, bad arguments, and weak reasoning.

I offer this general Guide to help you hone your critical thinking skills. The following list isn't meant to be definitive. Knowing the names of the fallacies is not essential. What is vital is to sharpen your skills to recognize flawed arguments when you encounter them and not make them yourself.

A fallacy is an error in thinking and reasoning. It happens when we draw conclusions based upon false information, an unsound argument, or faulty premises. Never forget that everyone is trying to convince you of something, be it this post, the news, a conspiracy theory, a link, a YouTube video, a government official, the CDC, or those near and dear to you. There is something within us that wants to bring others around to our point of view. We are all, everyone, evangelists and proselytizers.

I'll try to focus on the primary fallacies I am encountering consistently during this time. There are more fallacies than are listed here, but they all share one common trait - lazy thinking. For fun, I'm going to make up my own names based upon current affairs.

So here goes:

#1. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒘𝒆𝒃𝒔" 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒚:

"You shouldn't watch or read XYZ because it has been debunked. I know it's been debunked because I have 15 links to websites and YouTube videos that prove it is propaganda. You do not need to check out the evidence for yourself because the length of my links proves its refutation."

Truth: You have a right to examine information for yourself and make your own determination whether XYZ is garbage or not.

#2. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈" 𝒐𝒓 "𝒃𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈" 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒚:

"Shame on you for watching or reading or believing XYZ!" "Only stupid people believe that." "How could you be so gullible?" "I don't want to associate with you because you posted/believed/promoted XYZ."

Truth: Don't let people shame or bully you into closing your mind. Just because you are curious about XYZ and watch or read it, doesn't make you a bad person or mean you are going to believe it.

#3. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒔𝒐 𝒊𝒕 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒆" 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒚:

This one is becoming more and more popular. There is something about this fallacy that has bite. It's a form of the shaming/bullying fallacy. No one wants to be thought of as stupid or gullible. The pressure to dismiss something or someone that has the label "conspiracy theory" is potent.

Truth: A theory is an attempt to explain all the facts. A theory is solid if it makes sense. If the facts do not support the idea, it is likely, the theory is not valid.

A conspiracy means "to breath together." It happens when two or more people make secret plans to do something harmful, unlawful, or illegal.

A conspiracy theory is an explanation of how a secret but influential organization is responsible for a circumstance or event.

A conspiracy theory can be conspiratorial and yet still be true. If it accounts for all or most of the facts, it might actually be true. Don’t let people convince you something is false because it has been categorized as a conspiracy theory.

#4. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒔𝒐 𝒊𝒕 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒆" 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒚:

This is equally dangerous. For some, the more off-center something is, the more likely it is true.

Truth: Those of us who do not believe the mainstream narrative must be aware of our tendency to gravitate toward a theory just because it is not the official narrative.

#5. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔" 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒚:

"You are not an expert so be quiet. Your job is to listen, obey, and be quiet.”

Truth: You have the right to question authorities even if they have a "Dr." before their name or a "Ph.D. after. You should not just doubt authority automatically. There is good reason to believe an authority on any given subject, but they still could be wrong. It’s okay to be skeptical of the experts especially if they have something to gain such as political power, prestige, or money. It is wise to be aware of authorities, especially governmental officials, who may have a conflict of interest such as ownership in a Pharmaceutical company that stands to profit on COVID-19.

#6. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚" 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒚:

I've heard people say they unfriend anyone who even mentions a conspiracy theory. It reminds me of when I was a child. When someone was saying something we didn't like we would cover our ears and yell "ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" so we couldn't hear them. Are people so afraid of a controversial point of view that even hearing it will somehow contaminate them? My experience is that secure people are not afraid or intimidated by opposing points of view.

Truth: Keep an open mind. If someone advances an idea that rubs you the wrong way, investigate it for yourself. Even argue against it. Perhaps you might change someone's mind or change your mind. Narrow and close-mindedness accomplishes nothing.

#7. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅 '𝑿𝒀𝒁'" 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒚:

This one scares me. I see a growing paranoia, even hostility against those who think differently. It is a form of "guilt by association" fallacy. I've been tacitly blamed for harassment of health care workers because I do not accept the official narrative. Some hint that because I ask questions or criticize, I am responsible for others getting sick. Some believe the blood of a COVID-19 victim is on your head if you disagree or question the status quo.

There are wackos out there. I doubt a Facebook post or several of them tips the scales of instability toward immoral behavior.

Truth: Each individual is responsible for his or her actions.

#8. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝑰 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒕-𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒕, 𝑰 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒕, 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒕" 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒚:

Be careful of fact-checking websites. Several I've been on lately do not impress me. Not only does the analysis appear biased, the articles often use links to other websites as "supporting evidence." I did find some helpful source documents, but that was about it.

Truth: Just because it is on a fact-checking site, does not make it true or definitively refute XYZ.

#9. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆-𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈" 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒚:

This one is an oldie but goodie. It is a variation of the "shaming/bullying" fallacy and the "it's a conspiracy theory, it's wrong" fallacy. It's one of the easiest to recognize, but I'm amazed by how influential it is. As soon as someone resorts to name-calling, you can be sure there is a fallacy.

Truth: I think of the quote from Socrates whenever someone starts calling me names, "When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the loser."

#10. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓'𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕," 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒚:

Can anyone say, straw man? This fallacy happens when someone rewords what you are saying into something you did not say. You say, "I question whether shutting businesses down is the best way to handle this epidemic," and they criticize you as saying, "You don't care about anyone but yourself and you don't care if people die." Don't let people get away with this.

Truth: Do unto others… don’t distort someone’s argument just to make someone else look foolish. But also be aware when this is being done to you.

Non-Essential Business or The Church Victorious?

I just learned that Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker proclaimed Illinois churches will be closed for a year, or longer. How impressive, church and governmental leaders have accomplished in a few weeks of COVID-19, what the Caesars, Communists, Fascists, Tyrants, and haters of Christianity have been trying to do for millennia - shut down the Church.

How quickly church leaders have acquiesced and even admitted, through passivity, the verdict of the State of just how irrelevant they really are. In direct violation of the Scripture’s command to not neglect meeting together (Hebrews 10:25), pastors have shown just how “non-essential” the American Church is by closing their doors for who knows how long. We can go to Walmart, Cosco, Homedepot, but heaven (or should I say "hell") forbid people to gather for worship.

“But we fear COVID-19”, you say. Can anyone point me to a Bible verse that proclaims that we are supposed to live in fear of anything? Where does it say that God will protect us except against COVID-19? Even more, where does it say that we should fear anything but God?

I would argue that it is times of crisis like this that the Church, Christians, and especially pastors are the most relevant to society. I poked fun at pastors by rewriting the mandate given in James 5:14

𝐼𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑎𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑖𝑐𝑘? 𝐿𝑒𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙, 𝑡𝑒𝑥𝑡, 𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐶ℎ𝑢𝑟𝑐ℎ, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚 𝑝𝑟𝑎𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑓𝑜𝑟 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑎𝑠 ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠 ℎ𝑖𝑚𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑠𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐿𝑜𝑟𝑑.

The actual verse says,

𝐼𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑎𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑖𝑐𝑘? 𝐿𝑒𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐶ℎ𝑢𝑟𝑐ℎ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚 𝑝𝑟𝑎𝑦 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 ℎ𝑖𝑚, 𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑖𝑙 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐿𝑜𝑟𝑑.

It is a command for elders to be present with a sick person to pray for them in person, even touching them to anoint them with oil. I wonder how many people lay ill or dying alone during this crisis that needs or needed this kind of pastor and this kind of prayer.

Are you a non-essential pastor? Are you an irrelevant Christian? Does it matter to you whether your Church is closed or not? You have to answer that question for yourself.

There is no service, no group, or no individual more essential than the Body of Christ. Tell me, what is of greater importance than:

Salvation
Prayer
Anointing with Oil
Baptism
Communion
Corporate Worship
The Preaching of the Word
The Teaching of God’s Word
Marrying People in the Lord
Burying People in the Lord?

We are coming to a time when Christians may have to decide what we really believe. Are we vital or “non-essential”? Each one must decide for him or her self.

I am not pastoring a church at this time in my life. I know that if I were or if God called me back into pastoral ministry, I would defy any governmental mandates commanding me not to do what God has called the Church to do. I wouldn’t command you to come. That’s between you and God, but I would be prepared to lead worship, preach the word, pray, and administer the sacraments.

If the government continues to mandate the closing of churches, would you stand and say like Peter in Acts 5:29, “𝑊𝑒 𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑜𝑏𝑒𝑦 𝐺𝑜𝑑 𝑟𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑚𝑒𝑛.”? There may come a time, no, there will come a time when Christians will, once again, be put to the test. If you cannot answer that question with a resounding “yes and amen”, then you have just become part of a non-essential business.

Cognitive Dissonance: From the NOD (Norman’s Orthodox Dictionary)

Cognitive Dissonance - the state of having inconsistent thoughts, beliefs, or attitudes.

Example:

COVID-19
Protecting the vulnerable is more important than protecting personal liberty.

ABORTION
Protecting personal liberty is more important than protecting the vulnerable.

I’m Going with My Gut

“𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 ‘𝑔𝑢𝑡 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔’ 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑛 𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑒 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑡 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛. 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠 𝑎 𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑎𝑝 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑛 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢’𝑣𝑒 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 ℎ𝑎𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑦𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑠 𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠.” 𝐷𝑟. 𝐵𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑆𝑎𝑙𝑐𝑖𝑑𝑜

Have you ever had the feeling that something is wrong? I have that feeling right now in my gut. I even feel it in my bones. Am I the only one?

I am told by everybody; the government, the experts, the media, friends and neighbors, and even those close to me, that I’m wrong, that I am overreacting, that I see conspiracies where there are none. But try as I may, I can’t shake this feeling that there’s a whole lot of bullshit going on.

I learned to trust my intuition long ago. I regret every time I ignored it. And I see how it was spot on in the past, even when everyone around me told me I was wrong. I don’t doubt there is a virus, but try as I may, I just can't swallow the official narrative.

Is it just me or does this feel a lot like 911? I remember watching the Twin Towers fall. I was just as horrified as the next guy. But when that other building collapsed that wasn’t struck by any commercial airliner, my bullshit detector went nuts.

From that day forward, a series of events took place that deeply disturbed me. Besides the countless inconsistencies in the official 911 narrative that event became a justification to go to war with Afganistan and Iraq. It prompted a xenophobic hatred of Muslims, the justification of the TSA, the genesis of the Patriot Act, justified torture, the enforcement of “free speech zones” and a host of other erosions of our liberty, all in the name of keeping us safe. If you haven't noticed, the United States is vastly different after 911 and, I fear, it will be even worse after this mess if we aren’t vigilant.

Yes, to me, what is happening right now feels disturbingly similar to 911, except it is happening on a worldwide scale. Just like 911, we are now at war, but the enemy isn’t a radical terrorist, it is an invisible virus. And this virus can unknowingly turn me into a potentially lethal weapon. Or it can turn you into that weapon. Or perhaps that person over there is an enemy carrier. It's creepy how people interact with one another nowadays. I watch people react to one another as if everyone, including themselves, is a potential sex offender.

One thing is clear, we are at war, so governments tell us! And if it is true that “war is the health of the state” as Randolf Bourne once wrote, then one terrifying side effect of the virus is that governments all over the world, including our own, are becoming very healthy.

I’m sorry, but if you do not fear powerful government, then I doubt we will agree on anything that is happening right now. My faith in Christ is giving me great comfort because I know that my citizenship is in the kingdom of heaven with Christ as my King. I wouldn't give a wooden nickel for what the US government has devolved into and I don't trust them as far as I can throw them.

Perhaps some will think my appeal to intuition is lame, but I’m sticking by it. Something is seriously amiss.

The Heart and Nature of Human Government apart from God, a quote from George Orwell's 1984 (3.3.14, O'Brien)

"The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power. Not wealth or luxury or long life or happiness: only power, pure power. What pure power means you will understand presently. We are different from all the oligarchies of the past, in that we know what we are doing. All the others, even those who resembled ourselves, were- cowards and hypocrites. The German Nazis and the Russian Communists came very close to us in their methods, but they never had the courage to recognize their own motives. They pretended, perhaps they even believed, that they had seized power unwillingly and for a limited time, and that just round the corner there lay a paradise where human beings would be free and equal. We are not like that. We know that no one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing it. Power is not a means, it is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship. The object of persecution is persecution. The object of torture is torture. The object of power is power. Now do you begin to understand me?”

We Are All Homeschoolers Now

April 24, 2020

I have been ranting against unprecedented government intrusion into our lives for some time now. I just realized this morning that there is an unexpected blessing that is happening because of this epidemic. We now have a nation, perhaps even a whole world, of homeschoolers!

We homeschooled our four children right from the start and saw them through to high school graduation. Those who know little about homeschooling think that the kids are only taught by mom and dad. This simply isn’t true. Most homeschoolers utilize a variety of means to educate their children. Homeschoolers use online courses, tutors, and even participate in cooperative learning events for teaching academic disciplines. Much like what is happening right now for students who used to go to school.

Wise homeschooling parents think beyond the “desk”. Besides reading, writing, and arithmetic, homeschoolers utilize every opportunity to not only educate but prepare children for life. Something as simple as going to the grocery store becomes a lesson in economics and nutrition. Car repair can be a class in auto mechanics. And what better chemistry lab is there than baking? I hope parents stuck at home with the family utilize the wisdom of the homeschool world.

How ironic homeschooling is now the mandated form of education over nationalized public education!

Modern Day Pastors

April 21, 2020

The Civil Magistrate and the Closing of Church

Does the Government have the authority to forcibly close Churches in a time of crisis, and should Christians comply?

It’s a good question. It seems easy to answer, but there is more to the subject than meets the eye. During this time, taking time apart to stop the spread of a potentially deadly disease is a wise thing to do. Many pastors are adapting quickly to continue providing spiritual leadership online. Good for them!

But back to the question, however. Does the Government have the right and authority to close the Church forcibly, and should Christians comply? Furthermore, how much control does the Government have over the Church in the USA? The answer may surprise you.

Many do not realize that most churches in America agreed to be controlled by the Government. This agreement started when someone, usually the pastor, voluntarily signed their Church up to become a State corporation. When churches incorporate, they agree to make the State their sovereign head and, in many states, give the State a wide-ranging regulatory authority over them.

What is a corporation? It is a fictitious legal “Person” created by the State. Most churches incorporate for the advantages and protections of the corporate legal structure, believing this is the only way to receive tax-deductible contributions. However, the Church is “non-taxable,” and all donations are automatically tax-deductible. The only reason an incorporated church needs to apply for 501(c)3 exemption is that it gives over its legal status of being part of the Church and becomes a State corporation, it becomes taxable because it is now a State created fictitious “person.” Now that it is taxable, it must apply for 501(c)3 tax-exemption. Some incorporate because they want liability protection. Given the fact that the corporate veil can be pierced reveals this is not a good reason to incorporate.

The incorporation of churches nullifies the line that once existed between Church and State once a church incorporates.

Why is it that American pastors rush to the State to become incorporated while, at the same time, the underground church is growing by leaps and bounds in oppressed countries? Many Christians don’t realize there are plenty of churches in tyrannical nations such as China. But Chinese officials are careful to monitor them to be sure they continue to comply. They have to be State licensed churches to stay open.

We’ve seen the State oppress the Church all throughout history. Brave men and women such as Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand of Romania refused to submit to communist oppression by being imprisoned and even tortured for Christ instead of becoming stooges for the State church. Instead of selling out to the State, Richard and Sabina suffered unimaginable atrocities for the cause of Christ and the Underground Church.

Compare that to the American Church, who, far too often, has adopted a business model of operation. Is it any wonder it seeks legitimacy through incorporation. Too many have become program-personality-entertainment-centered churches doing whatever it takes to survive. How different is that mentality from the New Testament Church that thrived in the hostile Roman Empire competing against countless religions, including the worship of the emperor as a symbol of the State?

So, if and when you hear Christians lamenting and bemoaning the supposed oppression of their church, remind them their church signed up for it when they signed their incorporation papers.

Jesus Christ said, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24) It’s time for the American Church to get out of bed with the Government through incorporation and become the Glorious Body of Christ once again. There may come a time when we will be required to defy the Government and gather for worship. (Acts 5:29) That time may even come during times of an epidemic where sick people need love, care, and hands-on prayer. (James 5:14+15)

Does the Government have the right and authority to close the Church forcibly, and should Christians comply? My answer is “Yes” and “No.”

Yes, the Government has the right and authority to close the 501(c)3 State Corporation church. Yes, members of incorporated churches should comply.

And

No, the Government does not have the authority to forcibly close the true Church. No, members of the true Church should not comply. For goodness sake, stay home for safety safe, but don't do it because the Government closed the Church through force or threat of force.

The Ultimate Precaution

There’s something affecting humanity that is far deadlier than COVID-19 and yet so few pay it any mind. I think people fear the coronavirus because they ultimately fear death. It’s interesting to me to see how few people fear sin. The Bible says, “The wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23) What if we feared sin as much as the coronavirus? Sin has caused more death and destruction and devastation than any virus the world has ever seen, yet so many of us are as comfortable with sin as we are with an old familiar pair of bluejeans.

Look at all the precautions people are taking to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Governments have closed much of the world. People wear masks and keep at least 6 feet apart. We are even willing to tank the economy and all the devastation that will cause in order to flatten the curve.

Imagine if we took sin as seriously as we are taking COVID-19? Imagine if we feared God more than we feared sickness and death? Jesus said, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)

Please don’t misread me. Take precautions against real threats. Yet, I’m amazed and saddened by a world that puts so much energy into battling a virus while giving so little attention to sin and God.

There’s no cure for COVID-19, but there is a cure for sin. The cure is faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning blood that was poured out when He died on the cross. Take precautions against coronavirus, but shouldn't we take the greater precaution of where we will spend eternity? In Christ, we do not need to fear death or disease or destruction. Take the ultimate precaution by trusting in Jesus Christ today.

A Call to Prayer

April 10, 2020

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

If God’s own People aren’t willing to do this, then what hope is there for our State, our Nation, or our World.

Wake Up Believers and Pray!

A Call to Prayer

God is calling His people to pray. Whether you are worried about COVID-19, the economy, the expansion of government, how you’re going to pay the rent, or for the safety of your friends and family, the best thing we can do is pray. Prayer is not just something we can do to pass the time. It is the work that Christians are called to do especially during times of crisis.

I invite you to join me in prayer for all that is happening in our world right now. You can pray at any time, but I am inviting you to pray particularly when you wake up in the middle of the night or during a time when you are quiet and free from distraction.

For those of you who like some help in how to pray, I came up with a way to have Christ-centered prayer. Each letter in the name of C.H.R.I.S.T. stands for an important aspect of prayer. Whether you use this Christ-centered guideline or something else, the most important thing is that you pray.

Here is a brief explanation of each letter with one supporting Bible verse. I plan on expanding and explaining each aspect of prayer on my blog on the www.the100thsheepministries.com website. Check there in the next coming days if you want a deeper explanation of each letter.

C - Confession
Start with confessing your own personal sins. (1 John 1:9)
Continue with confessing our corporate sins as a nation. There are plenty of sins we can confess such as the sin of pornography, sex trafficking, child abuse, racism, greed, etc. The list is long. (Nehemiah 1:4-11)

H - Hallejuja (Praise)
Take time to worship God and realize who He is and how great He is. (Psalm 103:1)

R - Requests
It’s important to ask God for what you want and what you need. (Philippians 4:6)

I - Intersession
Take time to intercede for our world, for our nation, for our government, doctors, for the sick, for friends and family, for God to have mercy on us, for God to move on those who don’t know Jesus Christ. This is the heart of the work of prayer.(1 Timothy 2:1-2)

S - Scripture
Take some time and meditate on a verse or passage of Scripture. (Joshua 1:8)

T - Thanksgiving
Finally, take time to give God thanks for the many blessings He has given you. It is vitally important that you have a grateful heart. 1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Please share this with fellow believers and ask them to share it as well. Together we can and will make a difference. Our prayers will turn things around.

The Illusion of Control

March 17, 2020

I've been thinking a lot about “control.” Too often I believe I have control but soon realize that this is just an illusion. In the end, what real control do we really have? Perhaps we have some micro-control, but even then, our bodies can get sick enough where we have little to no say in what happens.

I suppose the only control we have is in our "will", in how we respond to what is happening around us or to us. Even that is difficult because our emotions can batter our intent to stay steady. In the end, my hope is in the God revealed through Scripture and ultimately through Jesus Christ.

The Bible reveals that God is in control, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21) And peace comes as our minds stay fixed on Him, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” (Isaiah 26:3+4)

Quite frankly, I’m conflicted about coming back into the US during this time. Frightened herds begging for government control is, and always has been, a recipe for disaster. Governmental control once gained is not easily relinquished once the crisis is over. The virus is just starting to manifest in Mexico along with the accompanying panicky fear. Who knows what it will be like down here if either or both take hold?

In the end, I will do what I can to fight the spread of both crises by praying, staying vigilant, and being there for friends and family alike.

Out of Touch

How out of touch we Americans are during this "crisis".

We worry about getting too fat
from eating too much,

while much of the world worries about getting too skinny
from eating too little.

Magical Masks and Someone to Blame

There's a letter circulating social media (see below) addressed simply to "Dear restaurant goer." An unidentified restaurant owner wrote it. I do not know if the owner is a man, but for the sake of convenience, I will be referring to the owner as "he." Besides, it has the tone more of a man than a woman, but I could be wrong.

In this letter, the owner states that he requires patrons to wear a mask for a mere 5 seconds as you go to your table or the bathroom. He believes these 5 seconds protect the livelihood of his business, prevent governmental goons from shutting him down if a case of COVID-19 is "traced" to his restaurant, and prevent the death of his employees and his family. You jeopardize and disrespect him if you don't wear your mask for 5 seconds.

Think about how absurd this is. According to a Cornell University study, the average diner takes 81.6 minutes to eat in a restaurant. That adds up to 1 hour and 21 minutes. That is a total of 4,860 seconds a person remains unmasked in his restaurant. For this owner, 5 seconds symbolize respect, protection, security, and safety.

Let's look at the math. This owner requires people to wear a mask .1% of the time while being okay with them being unmasked for 99.99%. And what are people doing during this 99.99% of the time? They are breathing, chewing, laughing, sneezing, coughing, and talking, perhaps with their mouth full, which people tend to do. Who knows how much particulate is expelled into the atmosphere during these 4,860 seconds.

This must be disturbing for hypochondriacs, but being a human being is a messy business. No matter how much you try, you and your fellow human beings are contaminating the environment with their germs, bacteria, sicknesses, and perhaps even their deadly viruses. They certainly are doing a lot more damage in 4,860 seconds than what a person could do in 5. But this owner needs someone to blame, so let's go with the disrespectful sign-ignoring unmasked jerk.

Talk about putting someone at risk. This owner requires his restaurant employees to "pick up your dishes. Your glassware. Your napkins." He makes the "clean that bathrooms after you use them." But everyone is safe because he requires a person to wear a mask for 5 seconds while at the same time allowing people to remain unmasked for 99.99% of the time doing an activity that causes far more damage than a 5-second walk.

Put on your magical mask for 5 seconds, and all will be well. If that's not superstition, I don't know what is. But at least we have someone to blame.

May I talk about these magical masks for a moment? The owner wrote, "A mask increases that safety. It doesn't guarantee it, but it makes your visit more safe for us" How much protection is being provided by masks that are worn for only .1% of the time? Most people are not wearing masks properly anyway, are they? Most people are wearing the same disgusting mask over and over again. Some wear them only over their mouth and not their nose, which kind of defeats the purpose.

Furthermore, the masks that most people wear allow droplets out the side or are cheap masks that do little to no good. Add to that; the people are now wearing bandanas or some sort of ineffective cloth covering. He is right in your belief that wearing a mask is not a "guarantee."

Magical masks indeed!

He is careful not to blame the real bullies in this equation. He fears COVID-19 will be "traced" back to his restaurant. Who's doing contact tracing? How can you possibly prove the virus originated at your restaurant all because a person failed to wear a mask for 5 seconds? He is scared, but he's fear is misplaced. The real bullies are the power-hungry political fear-mongers who have the power to destroy this man's business, not the unmasked patron.

Not only has the government struck fear into this man's heart, but it has also taken away many people's incentive to return to work. The owner almost gets it when he refers to the "sky-high unemployment benefits" with which he competes. Good old socialism, that age-old destroyer of incentive to work. But we mustn't blame socialism. We must condemn the disrespectful unmasked villain.

I honestly feel sorry for this restaurant owner. I do not doubt that he is telling the truth about how difficult it is to maneuver meeting the almost impossible requirements of an incompetent and oppressive governmental system. I believe him when he says that he puts his "entire being" into this restaurant. I understand that he is doing the best he can in a challenging situation.

Sadly it's worse than he knows. He doesn't seem to be aware that the Executive Order he is so desperately trying to obey contains a caveat that could get him into a lot of trouble. Our esteemed Governor placed within his Executive Order No. 7BB a lovely caveat that states:

"Nothing in this order shall require the use of a mask or cloth face covering by anyone for whom doing so would be contrary to his or her health or safety because of a medical condition, a child in a child care setting, anyone under the age of 2 years, or an older child if the parent, guardian or person responsible for the child is unable to place the mask safely on the child's face. If a person declines to wear a mask or face covering because of a medical condition as described above, such person shall not be required to produce medical documentation verifying the stated condition. This order shall supersede and preempt any current or future municipal order."

In other words, all a person has to do is calmly inform the host that they are declining to wear a mask because of a medical condition. Furthermore, they do not have to prove it. He just has to take their word for it. If this poor restaurant owner denies access, he will violate the Governor's Executive Order. Not only that, if he denies access, he may also be violating the Americans with Disability Act, which could open him to litigation. It'd be difficult to win, especially when "such person shall not be required to produce medical documentation verifying the stated condition."

Our society is scared, and perhaps angry, about all that is happening because of COVID-19. Dysfunctional societies need a scapegoat, be it white men, Jews, blacks, the police, democrats, FOX news, those who don't wear masks, Donald Trump, you name it. I blame power-hungry corrupt government officials who are in bed with crony capitalist corporations. They scare me more than anyone else because only they have the legal right to use political power against those who have done no harm. I also blame people who won't use logic, reason, or science. Oh, that people would genuinely use real science and not the politicized form we hear machine-gunned from the media day and night.

I believe we are at a crossroads in the United States. What will tip the scale, in my opinion, is where the mob goes. If they go on the side of blaming those who do not conform to the official narrative, we are doomed. If people such as this restaurant owner wake up, start using real science, and start standing up to the real bullies, there is hope. In the meantime, I implore you to carefully examine what people are saying and believing and try to use logic, reason, and sound science to open their eyes.

***
Dear restaurant goer:

You don’t want to wear a mask. Ok. I don’t blame you. I don’t either. That’s why we set it up so you only have to wear it for the five seconds between the host stand and your table, and during your trip(s) to the bathroom. Still have a problem?

Consider this.

It was indescribably difficult for our restaurant to survive the shutdown. It devastated our savings and permanently eroded consumer confidence in dining out. Now we finally have a chance to open, and all the relevant governing bodies instruct us to require a mask for admittance.

Still have a problem?

Please also be aware that it’s also our staff preference.

Why?

First, if there is a case of COVID traced back to our restaurant, we have to test all staff and close (again) for an indeterminate amount of days. This puts an at-risk operation at even graver risk. Every day and every dollar counts more than I can describe.

Second, the employees you see in the restaurant right now opted to come back of their own volition. With sky high unemployment benefits to compete with, we have worked hard to build a workplace they want to come back to—one that offers fair compensation, above-average safety protocols and most of all, management and ownership that has their best interest in mind.

When you see a restaurant employee at work, it is usually because of some degree of loyalty or respect for the ownership, as well as faith in the safety measures they have put in place. These things took a great deal of time, effort and personal care to build. I now know that demonstrating love for my team is the most important part of my job. More than ever, I recognize how hard I have to fight for them.

If you are infected (either symptomatically or asymptomatically), you put THEM at risk, first and foremost. After all, they’re the ones that pick up your dishes. Your glassware. Your napkins. They're the ones that clean the bathrooms after you use them. DO NOT disrespect them.

On top of the terrifying work environment they have returned to, the new challenge of arguing with guests about masks is hurtful and unnecessarily punitive. Walking past a half dozen signs saying masks are required and then acting surprised about it—even when we offer to give you one at our cost—is inexcusable. And berating a host does not make you a patriot or a constitutional scholar. It makes you a bully, and it affirms the growing realization that the customer isn’t always right.

You may question the lawfulness of Executive Orders. It’s your prerogative. But one thing you can’t question is that as a guest, our safety is in your hands. A mask increases that safety. It doesn’t guarantee it, but it makes your visit more safe for us. It’s that simple.

I have put my entire being into my restaurants. It is my life’s work. Do not—DO NOT—DARE to put it and our loyal team members at risk unnecessarily. When you do so, you disrespect my wife, my daughter and son, and the life we’ve built. Not to mention the livelihood (and possibly lives) of the nearly 15 people we employ.

Bottom line: we’re trying to survive. Your concern about wearing a mask for mere seconds pales in comparison to what's at stake.