American faces have been forced behind a “government mask.” Our breathing, speaking and expression have been limited by government bureaucrats. Public engagement has been restricted for those who refuse to wear a government-approved mask. Financial penalties are possible. Amazingly, we’ve been told to accept this as our new normal. That must never happen.
Americans need to know three truths about masks. First, masks are an abuse of government power. A government that can erect a barrier between you and the air you breathe is a government that can force citizens to do anything in the name of “public health.”
Second, masks don’t work to stop the tiny COVID-19 virus. We penned an op-ed about this in July and the experts agree. A 2015 study found 97% penetration of cloth masks, and researchers and experts say masks don’t work as source control or PPE (personal protective equipment).
Third, there are actual physical harms and risks from community masking, including “mask mouth,” an unhealthy condition now encountered by dentists. In addition, the World Health Organization lists several potential harms and disadvantages including:
- Self-contamination due to manipulating the mask and then touching the eyes
- Facial skin lesions, irritant dermatitis or worsening acne
- False sense of security, leading to less physical distancing and hand hygiene
- Potential headache and/or breathing difficulties
Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom created a simple one-page document with eight quotes from experts on the dangers and ineffectiveness of mandated face masks. Here are just three:
- Ineffective – “We do not recommend requiring the general public who do not have symptoms of COVID-19-like illness to routinely wear cloth or surgical masks … cloth masks will be ineffective at preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission, whether worn as source control or as PPE.”
- Bad Precedent – “What if we start saying, ‘OK all heavy people, we’re going to do this to you because you’re at risk of getting this disease more … And they’ll say, ‘Well I’m using the same basis for making those recommendations that I made for masks.”
- No Data – “Never before in my 45-year career have I seen such a far-reaching public recommendation issued by any governmental agency without a single source of data or information to support it.”
The government mask must never be accepted as the new normal. This is why our organization has launched a nationwide public awareness campaign: FACE FREEDOM.
Thus far, the campaign includes informative CCHF videos, key information, but there’s more to come. Join us for Face Freedom Fridays. Every Friday, take a minute to post a photo of the unmasked smiles of you, your family, or your friends and share it on social media with the #FaceFreedom hashtag!
We must unmask America. The government mask is tyranny; it’s dehumanizing. Mandated masking of individuals in a free society must never be considered acceptable, legitimate — or the new “normal.” For more information and to participate in our Face Freedom campaign, go to FaceFreedom.org.
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Twila Brase, RN, PHN, is president and co-founder of Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom.
Twila Brase
Twila Brase, RN, PHN, is president and co-founder of Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom, a national, patient-centered, privacy-focused, non-partisan organization located in St. Paul, Minnesota since 1998.
