[manaboutown]

I bet they made mask manufacturers happy by wearing masks when not necessary.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by coffeebean

I'm a huge proponent of wearing masks indoors and outdoors in crowds. I do agree with you that it is just silly to wear a mask outdoors when the closest people are not close at all. The balcony scene just looked silly to me. He has done that before. I understand he is trying to get his message across and I really appreciate that but do it so people can understand that if you are no where near anyone in an outdoor space, masks are not necessary.

I understand he was trying to send a message---actually several messages. One was to encourage the use of a mask, another to differentiate himself from his predecessor. But to present the message in an absurd way just minimizes it. It's like filming a PSA about seatbelt use by showing a driver in a parked car or about STDs showing a condom used as a water balloon.

[oldtimes]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

I understand he was trying to send a message---actually several messages. One was to encourage the use of a mask, another to differentiate himself from his predecessor. But to present the message in an absurd way just minimizes it. It's like filming a PSA about seatbelt use by showing a driver in a parked car or about STDs showing a condom used as a water balloon.

Much like people who wear a mask and then pull it down to talk to you.

[Taltarzac725]

There are also probably Secret Service agents rather close by on the other side of the cameras in some of these scenes from the White House and vicinity. No sense them getting the Corona Virus and taking them out of the security detail because the people they are supposed to be protecting did not have the decency to wear a face mask .

[JimJohnson]

Originally Posted by Bonnevie

how about we all decide to be more optimistic? Let's stop looking for the negatives.

Yes please. Negativity is a sin.

[mixsonci]

So glad this is all we have to complain about, petty much! We could have another gathering without masks, happy?

[cj1040]

You got that right ! Here in the northeast we wear masks EVERYWHERE and would not think of eating in a restaurant at this time - it is worrisome to even get a hair cut etc. Even on hikes you often have to pass others on the same trail within 6 feet of eachother.

[jmcote]

Originally Posted by Chi-Town

So, how did you like the fireworks?

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

I feel sorry for Garth, I have the feeling he is going to get a lot of blowback from his maskless hugfest on the podium yesterday. Apparently he didn't get the memo---he thought he was there to sing, but in reality he was expected to be a participant in a day long mask commercial, culminating with Joe and Jill, standing alone on a huge outdoor WH balcony watching the fireworks with their masks on. What a joke! This of course followed an executive order mandating masks on all federal property. Planning on a hike in Yellowstone National Park 20 miles away from another human being? Bring your mask. People who live in Ocala National Forest? Masks 24/7? Closer to home, what part, if any, of the Villages postal stations are considered federal property????

Personally, I liked the image of Joe and Jill Biden before the cameras wearing their masks. It is a type of non-verbal communication. It communicates RESPECT for the health concerns of the people of the US. It communicates concern, patriotism, and empathy for the average American. It demonstrates the throwing off of the shackles of elitism. It says, "We are just like you.....human beings that are not infallible and trying to help keep the country free of a very virile disease" (which is mutating and becoming more transmissible and therefore more deadly).
...... In psychology, it is known as modeling. In leadership, it is known as providing a good example. As a side note : masks would also provide help for people near the smoke from that great fireworks display.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Bonnevie

how about we all decide to be more optimistic? Let's stop looking for the negatives.

Mr. Brooks sang a great song that was perfect for the occasion. And he sang it very well. Kudos!

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Chi-Town

So, how did you like the fireworks?

Awesome display! Very impressive!

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

An example of WHAT??? Wearing a mask when it is useless????
On the podium with all those people----absolutely the right thing to do (except garth). How can you equate the balcony alone with visiting a hospital???? I know you know better than that. We will never get COVID under control by relying on masks. Social distancing is the most important. Masks indoors or in outdoor crowds are important. The vaccine is important. But like most pandemics, it will fizzle out in time.

Real men and real women lead by example!

[Bucco]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

Real men and real women lead by example!

Such an important message in such a few words. Good job.

[rustyp]

Lead - follow - or get out of the way. Put your energies to something constructive. Mask - no mask - 400,000 dead - fix that !

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

I understand he was trying to send a message---actually several messages. One was to encourage the use of a mask, another to differentiate himself from his predecessor. But to present the message in an absurd way just minimizes it. It's like filming a PSA about seatbelt use by showing a driver in a parked car or about STDs showing a condom used as a water balloon.

I do agree with you.