1. He wants us to forget that he ever mentioned anything about anybody wearing any mask; and,
2. He wants us to all go on with our businesses as usual on Monday.
Section 4(A) of 89 JBE 2020 appears to mandate that "every individual in Louisiana shall wear a face covering over the nose and mouth when inside a commercial establishment or any other building or space open to the public, whether indoor or outdoor."
But, if you read further, you will find in Section (B) that there are exceptions to the requirement:
- "Any individual who will not come in contact with any other individual (outside of their immediate household members) or who will be able to maintain strict social distancing of six feet apart from any other individual (outside of their immediate household members)
- Any child under the age of eight...;
- Any individual with a medical condition that prevents the wearing of a face covering;
- Any individual who is consuming food or drink;
- Any individual seeking to communicate with someone who is hearing impaired;
- Any individual giving a speech for broadcast (exempts himself) or to an audience; and
- Any individual temporarily removing his or her face covering for identification purposes."
But, then comes Section 4(D) where the Guvnah says for us to just FUHGETABOUTIT!
"Operators of businesses and organizations are entitled to rely on the representations of their customers, patrons or employees regarding whether or not they qualify for an exception from the face covering requirements. Businesses and organizations that rely on such a representation shall not be deemed to be in violation of this Emergency Proclamation."
What does this mean?
Translation 1: This business called Trying to Survive Tyrannical Government, LLC (TSTG) opens its doors on Monday. In walks Mr. Citizen Who Knows The Guvnah Can't Give Him Orders And He Ain't Wearin' No Damn Mask Jones. TSTG looks at Mr. Jones wearing no mask and thinks, "Oh, he must have an exception to Guvnah's pretend orders." TSTG welcomes Mr. Jones into his establishment, serves him, makes money to feed his family, and invites Mr. Jones to come back soon! When TSTG sees Mrs. I Want To Wear A Mask Because I Believe It Will Protect Myself and Others Smith walking into his establishment, he, likewise, welcomes her, serves her, makes money to feed his family, and invites Mrs. Smith to come back soon!
Translation 2: TSTG has a meeting with his employees and informs them that they are not required to wear a mask because...it's their right to decide if they want to or not!
YES, FOLKS, GUVNAH SAYS THAT IF YOU DON'T WANT TO REQUIRE FACE COVERINGS, YOU DON'T HAVE TO REQUIRE FACE COVERINGS!
It's almost as if the governor knows he doesn't have the authority to command any conduct by citizens. It kinda feels like he knows that we don't work for him, but he works for us!
Does anyone surrounding the governor have the intestinal fortitude to tell him that he's got no authority?
No??
That's OK, we do:
"Hey, Guvnah, you've got no clothes!!!"
This one is a no brainer, folks. Tomorrow, do what the governor says by representing your face the way you see fit and live free, Louisiana!
At the same time, realize that the battles ahead may not be so easy:
At some point, we need to be ready to "secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity." At some point, our children's futures may require that we stand up...that we risk...that we sacrifice for their future freedoms.
It's not as though we don't have tangible examples to follow. Our founders who signed our Declaration of Independence knew that claiming and maintaining our liberty would require "a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence," and that "we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."
In many instances, they, as well as, our servicemen and women who came after them, actually did give their lives. They actually did lose their fortunes. Those who would rob our children of their freedom are betting that not enough of us are willing to do the same.
Wear a mask, or don't wear a mask; but, don't let us become divided. We must become unified in support and respect of every individual's right to decide, independent of government interference, how best to keep themselves and their families healthy, safe, and secure.
Liberty requires it.