I'm surprised so many smart people ignore the obvious and common sense fact that even a cloth mask reduces the amount of aerosol, and the distance it spreads, from the mouth and nose. It's the most effective thing we have right now and it's simple, inexpensive, and easy. N95 or higher masks are not readily available, affordable for everyone, and even fit everyone (especially children). Also, that doesn't help when your spittle lands on someone else or something else. So saying that other people should just wear masks to protect themselves from you is bullshit.
The failure to take that simple measure has caused this country to become literally the worst in the world at controlling the virus. You think you're being patriotic or something by exercising your freedom from being told what to do. But by not wearing a mask and (directly or indirectly) encouraging others not to do so, you are destroying our economy and way of life that makes the freedoms you desire possible.
All of that bullshit "the king can't force me to do anything because .... freedom" is ignorant and dangerous. You big bad rebels still wear shoes and a shirt in stores. You still renew your driver's license. You park your car in designated spots. You get your kids vaccinated (if they are in public schools). Yet, even though masks are significantly more important, you fucking idiots stand there with your arms crossed and scowls on your faces, not doing something just because someone wants you to do like the childish and selfish people you are. Your parents and grandparents rationed during wartime, complied with the draft, etc. and didn't act like little bitches about it.
The truth is that you are fucking shit up for everyone and eventually this virus will hit you or close to home for you. By then, you'll either have some wild conspiracy theory to blame instead of yourself, or it will be too late to say you're sorry.
I'm sure people who don't have a clue will call me a liberal (how people let basic health and safety become a political issue is mind boggligg to me) or a sheep or brainwashed or whatever. The truth is that I have no agenda, other than to see things get back to normal and my family and friends be safe. If you have the same agenda for your friends and family, then wear a mask. If you don't, then go fuck yourself.