Craziness on the Right

Early May saw protestors standing in a crowd, cheek to jowl, in Michigan’s capital, chanting their support for “opening” the state.  Some were carrying guns (the number was not displayed in the CNN coverage which focused camera shots of the weapon carriers).  In Texas, some town leaders were harassed – and threatened – when they issued rules for reopening local businesses coupled with the requirement that customers wear face coverings.

Huh?

Is the implicit threat posed by the possession of firearms in a protest of a governor’s shut-down order acceptable these days?  And why is the wearing of masks considered such a serious matter that intense anger is generated among its opponents?

It seems like so much of America these days, one’s particular position on dealing with the virus is determined by partisan affiliation.

A recent Fox poll had the vast majority of Democrats backing strict compliance with protective measures (face masks, social distancing, etc.) while Republicans were a lot less supportive 

When did the response to the health crisis become a partisan matter?  What’s that got to do with political ideology?

[An historical note:  This is not a new phenomenon.  In 1793, a yellow fever outbreak occurred in Philadelphia.  Alexander Hamilton was one of its victims but survived due to “modern” treatment recommended by his physician.  At the time, political parties in America were forming with Hamilton known as a top Federalist.  That Party was bitterly opposed by what were then known as the Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson.  Hamilton’s doctor was vilified by Republicans who chose to stick with traditional methods of treating the illness, including bloodletting.  Thus, then as now, one’s political sympathies influenced health care decisions.]

President Trump has, for instance, expressed reluctance to wear a face mask.  And Vice President Mike Pence refused to don one when visiting a medical facility.  Other Republicans joined in.

That undoubtedly generated the expected response from the Left  - “if they’re agin it, we’re for it” (the use of such phrasing is to highlight the silliness of the response on both sides).

Who’s right?  Do the social distancing, etc., steps make a difference?  In time we’ll be able to know with confidence.  That time is not yet.

Given the possible health consequences, it’s hard to support the views of the “social distance” ignorers or the “face mask” antagonists.  What’s the great imposition in following the guidelines (even mandated) set forth by  officials?  The insignificant restriction on one’s movements or facial attire surely is less important than possible mortality.

This is not a left-right topic  except to note that nuts and those lacking common sense reside on both sides.