ATTLEBORO – Masks are part of the norm in the era of coronaviruses.
And it is difficult to find people who like to use them.
Although they are not perfect shields, health experts at the federal Centers for Disease Control say they offer a level of protection for the user and others around them.
In Massachusetts, it is mandatory to wear a mask in public settings, by order of Governor Charlie Baker.
One person who does not like masks and the mandate even more is the mayoral candidate Jim Poore, who launched a speech against them on Saturday on his Facebook account.
Here is a little …
I am tired of wearing masks … I am tired of not being able to live a normal life and I am tired of seeing my basic human rights withdrawn … I had this and I want my life and the lives of other people to come back … STOP the mandatory mask mandatory. STOP the madness.
As expected, the post generated resistance.
Current mayor Paul Heroux said he also doesn’t like wearing masks, but they need to be worn.
“We are all tired of wearing masks, but this virus is still with us and if you have a functional mask, you should use it when possible when you are around other people,” he said in an emailed statement to The Sun Chronicle. “The science is clear that the masks capture contaminated droplets from the repository that infected people exhale and therefore help to reduce the spread of the virus from person to person.”
Rob Rose, one of several who posted responses on Poore’s Facebook page, agrees that the masks are terrible, but for now they are a necessary evil to prevent people from contracting a potentially deadly disease.
“Everyone hates masks, Jim, it’s just that some of us take care of others’ health more!” he said.
Kathleen Venable encouraged Poore to do what he wants, although he may end up alone, which, for a candidate for mayor, may not be a good thing.
“So don’t wear a mask and leave everyone alone,” she posted. “I’m sure not many people will approach you.”
Heidi Stacionis couldn’t resist a little fun with a pun.
“Well … This is like the Poore’s,” she posted.
Anita Lawrence said that security should come first.
“I would still wear a mask until science shows that it is safe not to,” she said.
Heather Provost wondered if Poore was serious.
“This is a joke, right?” she said.
And Jennie Mertz questioned Poore’s understanding of individual rights with a touch of sarcasm.
“As a person with a chronic disability, I fully understand how you feel,” she said … “Having to wear a mask in public is definitely straightforward and totally comparable to discrimination and oppression …”
But Poore vigorously defended his post when contacted by a reporter.
“Of course, I knew it would irritate some people,” he said. “But I am going to tell people what I believe.”
Poore said he knows that other people will disagree with him, but his goal is not to please everyone.
“I need to tell the people I believe in, whether it’s a national issue or a more local one,” he said.
Poore believes that Baker was wrong to make wearing a mask a requirement.
“I don’t think there should be a mandate to start,” he said, adding that it is not against using them.
They should be volunteers, he said.
“I am not an anti-masker or anti-oxidant,” he said. “I am anti-being forced to wear a mask or being forced to get a vaccine.”
If Baker changed the mandate to a recommendation, the mask would come off.
“I can’t get started fast enough,” said Poore.
Until then, it remains on.
“I am complacent,” he said.
And he challenged the effectiveness of the masks, on which the federal government sent mixed signals at the same time.
“If they are so good, why not recommend one every flu season?” he said.
Meanwhile, Poore said his phone number is printed on one of his posts so people can call him and talk about whatever they want.
“If I want to be mayor, I have to be very accessible,” he said.
George W. Rhodes can be contacted at 508-236-0432.