Good ideas do not require the use of force or threat of penalty to influence a population to behave a certain way. It's sadly no surprise that blue-led states are leading the charge in enforcing health "recommendations" as mandates, which is a testament of weak leadership. Strong leaders provide the information to individuals so those individuals can make the best choices for themselves, their families and communities, while weak leaders rely on the threat of coercion and penalty under the guise of "protecting the population." There's enough scientific data available today on this issue to allow individuals to make those determinations for themselves and others, and I believe the majority would make the right choice. The mask mandate is ideologically-driven, as traditionally left-leaning governors do not believe individuals are inherently good or wouldn't be able to make the right decisions for themselves or their community, which is why they rely on control. Freedom is always essential and so is self-ownership, but this mandate does not respect individual freedom and responsibility. During civil unrest and tumultuous times, we need to foster unity and not create further division or hostility. However, this mask mandate relies on and empowers a system of neighborhood snitches who will tattle-tell on strangers and business owners. It has already resulted in harassment and hostility towards those who have legitimate medical conditions, putting them in uncomfortable situations to defend themselves in public while making grocery runs. I've heard countless stories of individuals being harassed by others and businesses turning them away, even if they have legitimate medical concerns. If given the proper information and guided by strong leaders who trust in their citizens, individuals in our community will always act responsibly without the need for mandatory health recommendations that do more harm than good.