The narrative on masks has shifted to basically admitting it's useful as an outward display of courtesy, and that you're a Good Person:
https://twitter.com/CNNnewsroom/stat...33960073232385
I think it's easy to pick articles and columns like the above, and to let yourself become further enraged at all this nonsense, but lately I've been trying to see the bigger picture. When I step back and view this whole thing as a battle between two sides, Team Apocalypse has been in steady retreat for weeks while Team Reality continues to gain ground. Evidence of this is in the increasingly weakening and petty demands of Team Apocalypse:
It was "Stop most commerce, and make it illegal for two friends to see each other. Violators will be shot."
Then it was "Ok, open up some parks and allow small groups to meet, but leave businesses, restaurants, and schools closed."
Then it was "Ok, open up some businesses at partial capacity, plan for schools to reopen, and let's get pro sports going again, but please wear masks when outside."
Now it's "Look, I know there's no proof that general mask usage mitigates virus spread, but please just do it for others' peace of mind?"
After what seemed like an interminable winter of being besieged by irrational, panicked citizens and craven politicians, I think we've had a good run lately. Hopefully this continues.