Brain Dump

A rant on masks:

I can't breathe through masks. I tried using masks, years ago, for my allergies. Nope. Can't breathe. Even in winter, when it's cold outside, I can't cover my nose. I'll use my gloved hand to briefly warm my nose or pop my nose below my coat edge for a few seconds, but then I need to breathe more than I need for my nose to stay warm.

Wearing a mask, you're breathing in a mix of carbon dioxide and oxygen, changing your oxygen intake. Sort of like breathing into a paper bag, all the time. You'll be more susceptible to illnesses.

As someone who uses lip reading to help me hear and understand what is said, masks make it impossible. It was driven home at the store, where the cashier was wearing a mask. I know she said something because I could hear sounds, but I have no idea what she said. For the record, I don't like beards either because they obscure the mouth.

Masks hide your face. I'm astonished at the number of people happy to give up their identity.

How do you share your smile with anyone if no one is able to see it?

Viruses are smaller than the natural holes found in cloth. I read one article that admitted even the N95 mask filters aren't actually small enough, sort of like using a condom with pin holes. Their example not mine. N95 masks filter out 95% of particles the size of .3 microns. The human coronavirus is .1-.2 microns, 1-2x smaller. Comforting lies are not helpful. Rule #1: Stop lying, especially to yourself.

For those who demand where I got the information about the N95, I did a quick search and found numerous articles. This is one of them: https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020/01/coronavirus-surgical-masks-china.html

Finally, what about those who have been traumatized? I read someone's painful struggle. They are considered essential and must be at work, wearing a mask. Their father would cover their mouth, with his hand, while he repeatedly raped them. They are reliving that horror every day all day. Where is the compassion for them?

What I have seen and heard everywhere: "If you don't wear a mask, you are killing people." When did emotional blackmailing, shaming, and bullying become virtues?