INDEPENDENCE DAY EVE MUSINGS (published 7/3/2020)

Well, good evening, y’all! Today is Independence Day Eve. Well, we used to have freedom and independence, based on the Constitution, which is derived from a person’s God-given rights. I’m not feeling very independent this evening. Are you? Strike that! I am a free man in my soul by the freedom God gave me as a man created in his image. We all are, male and female. I stand, therefore, as a free man in a once-free nation.

Today, on Independence Day Eve, the Knox County Board of Health, effective 7/3/2020, requires face masks. I was one of the violators today while hauling off trash and getting gas. I was in the majority. In fact, I did not see even one person wearing a mask. I saw many at both locations, especially going in and out of the gas station convenience store. To be “fair and balanced,” Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, who did the grocery shopping, stated that the majority wore masks, including her.

I will take a sidetrack now. I hear the slippery slope argument from the minds of readers who do not agree with me. They have rebuttals, such as, “The government requires vehicle child restraints, seat belts, hands-free use of phones, speed limits, firearm carry permits, zoning regulations, permits of many types, etc.” I would add, “Etc., etc., ad nauseam.”

That is a slippery slope argument, as readers who agree with me understand. Shall we slide further down the slope?

Many Americans are not taking care of their health. Many do not exercise much or at all. Many overeat. The slippery slope logic concludes that government, to protect us “poor idiots,” must mandate exercise and proper diets with monetary penalty and/or confinement in a diet and exercise facility for violators.

Why not? Slip down that slope all the way! Many laws and regulations exist, because folks do not have enough common sense to do what’s right. No, wearing or not wearing a mask is neither right nor wrong morally. It is a subjective choice. Don’t try that “protect others” argument to try to bully me. I can rebut it very easily. Many in this once great nation are losing their common sense at an astonishing rate, if they ever had it. Worse yet, many are losing their sense of morality, if they ever had it.

I will not debate the so-called science that argues with itself on the benefit or lack thereof regarding wearing a mask in public. Yes, medical folks wear masks for many reasons. I’m glad that the skilled surgeon who repaired my three smashed joints wore a mask when he pieced me back together. Science has merged with politics, however. I read so-called scientific “experts” on both sides of the mask who “reason from science” that masks benefit or don’t benefit in the context of this new cold virus.

Even Dr. Fauci has spoken out of both sides of his mouth on the subject. I mentioned this in my article from 5/15/2020. That article references “Tucker Carlson: We Didn't Appoint Fauci Dictator During This Crisis,” RealClear Politics, by Tim Hains, 5/13/2020. In that transcribed audiovisual episode, Tucker Carlson presented two segments. In the first, Dr. Fauci encouraged mask wearing (at 4:59 into the episode). Two months beforehand, Dr. Fauci discouraged mask wearing (at 5:40 in the segment). Of course, the propaganda machine is winning the mask-wearing war.

Also, I will not comment further on Corona Myopia. I’ve moved on. Most of my articles from 4/19/2020 to 5/24/2020 were on the topic. I, however, can’t help but take a parting shot! Tennessee's total 2020 COVID-19 deaths to this 7/3/2020 entry are 620. Tennessee's total 2020 traffic deaths to this same entry date are 507. The numbers are from the TN COVID-19 Dashboard as of this date. I know it is apples to oranges, but it still makes a point. Where is the daily obsession from the politicians and the media about daily traffic accident numbers, number of traffic accident recoveries, and number of traffic fatalities? I have moved on, as well as I can, from this Corona Myopia Obsession, which is the laser focus of politicians and the media (including social media).

Let us track back to the main point. There are nine Knox County Board of Health members. The Knox County Board of Health members are not elected officials. The Knox County District Advisory Council (DAC), whatever that is, appoints six members. The Mount Vernon City Council, of which I’ve never heard until today, appoints the other three members. Board members have five-year terms. They have no term limits.

Taxation (i.e., the 7/3/2020 mask-wearing law by unelected bureaucrats) without representation (i.e., our ability to elect those bureaucrats) is tyranny. Do you remember any similar history? I will not allow unelected bureaucrats to impose their tyranny on me! Don't tread on me!

It is suppertime, as per my wife. Let’s eat healthy with proper portions! I plan to do my usual stretching and muscle exercises after supper.

Postscript: I finished this article just before suppertime. My youngest brother, his wife, and their two daughters made a short-notice, surprise visit after supper. Well, that was a pleasant surprise! So, approaching bedtime, I am publishing this article now. Good night, y’all!