Mask Rage!
So I definitely have certifiable 'Mask Rage'.
As a matter of principle I've started asking people in public spaces (where the wearing of face coverings is mandated - such as on public transport and in shops) why they aren't wearing masks. I'm always polite. I'm always ready to accept there may be a good reason - I suffer from asthma so I know it's not a great experience. Alas invariably I am received with abuse, 'effing and blinding'.
Well the latest 'mouthful' from a 6'3" exemplar of polite conversation and wit forces me to put pen to paper.
What is wrong with people? (Although I normally put it a little more forcefully). Those of us who are wearing face coverings are not doing it for fun. We are not doing it as some sort of campaign to enforce greater conformity on our fellow citizens. We certainly aren't doing it for 'the look'. We're doing it because it's a small but important way we can try and ensure our family, friends and neighbours, even those we don't know, run just a slightly smaller risk of catching COVID-19.
But I am afraid these 'dickheads' (they always seem to have the former, although there is scant evidence of anything between the ears of the latter) don't seem to see it that way. Rules are for others, not for them. (And it is difficult when senior members of the current Tory Government seem to exemplify this attitude of 'do as I say not as I do' - and indeed when the Government itself seems intent on breaking International Law - not to have some sympathy.) But no. We may not like the rules but they are there for a reason. Alas I suspect these same people take pretty much the same attitude in the rest of their life. I even have a suspicion we'll find they are the same people who think a beach is just a convenient rubbish dump!
As a Liberal Democrat I do of course believe in the maximum amount of personal freedom. It is not, however, an unfettered freedom. We also need to do what is best for society. So I shall continue to ask politely, "Have you forgotten your mask?".
If you would like to join our mailing list please enter your details below