Poor Lemmings. We do believe they get a bad rap, a negative reputation. However, this behavior does lend itself as an irresistible metaphor for human behavior. Every few years these little rodents over-populate one area and some seek new turf. When they come to a waters edge, they will jump in, not to commit suicide, but since they can swim, they simply want to get to the other side and find new residence. For humans, a similar action of jumping off a cliff, represents someone who blindly follows the crowd, maybe even toward catastrophe. “Over the past century, the myth has been invoked to express modern anxieties about how individuality could be submerged and destroyed by mass phenomena, such as political movements or consumer culture.” (Encyclopedia Britannica).
We are constantly amazed as we travel around that most citizens are continuing to wear masks and practice social distancing, usually because there are few places one can go without passing through a door demanding the wearing of masks when inside. Sixteen states have no face mask mandates (ibtimes.com, March 5, 2021). “Over a third of states are ending COVD-19 mask mandates” (CBS NEWS, May 16, 2021). Even so, masks continue to be pushed upon the Nation. It is so much easier to comply, because food needs to be bought, and items need to be purchased. The mask wearer will simply think: “It is not worth the potential hassle by not being in compliance. I don’t want to get into a big discussion about not wearing a mask, or being made to feel guilty, so I’ll just put it on. My conscience will be clean.” “Anyone who can appease a man’s conscience, can take his freedom away from him.” (Xfiles, S3, EP24). A great fear has been promulgated that if you do not comply, you will be branded a part of the problem, and be considered someone to shun, reject from entering a place, expelled from the premise, or in some cases even someone needing to be arrested and hauled off in handcuffs. Most wearing masks, in humble compliance, know deep down inside that there is little if any risk of getting sick due to the virus. They do not want to admit it, because to do so would also allow the negative branding. So, they are silent in expressing their beliefs to others, as others are to them. So, with heads down, in submissive fashion, masks are donned, and they will reluctantly join the mass of Lemmings.
Here are two questions we will continue to ask. If masks really worked over a year ago, why are we still wearing masks today? “Fifteen days to flatten the curve” has become 15 months to flatten your freedom! If vaccines really work, why are we still wearing masks if you have been vaccinated? Here are two quotations that may help reorient your thinking. “Make yourselves sheep and the wolves will eat you.” (Benjamin Franklin). “Don’t follow the crowd, let the crowd follow you.” (Margaret Thatcher).
Life if filled with risk. You could get cancer or rheumatoid arthritis. You cannot totally prevent the possibility of that from happening. Diving into shallow water, or walking alone in a dark alley at night, both have higher risk levels, and both risks can be substantially reduced by simple avoidance. Each citizen individually determines the level of risk acceptable. There are now therapeutics and vaccines available if you choose to use them, and it is your right and freedom to do so. We also have a right and freedom to set masks aside or reject a vaccination and accept those potential risks. In our Nation we have freedom guaranteed to us under The Constitution, and it affords us this freedom to choose our own path. Those who are in power, or anyone who is afraid to “let freedom ring”, does not have the authority to force upon anyone the behavior of a Lemming, and to deny individual freedoms. Be like the one Lemming in the picture above, and say: “Wait a minute . . . something feels wrong!” Do not feel compelled to conform. It usually takes boldness and courage to do what is right, in the face of an opposing force. It is more difficult to swim up-stream against the current, but it is what is necessary to avoid flowing over the waterfall, with the masses, to destruction.
IT IS TIME TO MAKE PREPARATIONS FOR ALL TO GO MASK FREE IF POSSIBLE, AND FOR ALL BUSINESSES AND INSTITUTIONS TO FULLY OPEN UP BEGINING JULY 4, 2021.