The Constitutional Right to Endanger Others

[MineralMan]

I've been looking for that, but have had no success in finding anything in the U.S. Constitution that protects people's rights not to wear a mask to prevent the spread of a disease.

It's not in the main body of that document that establishes the United States and sets up its system of government. It's not in the first 10 amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, either, and it's not in any of the other amendments to the Constitution.

So, i'm confused by those unmasked people who are yelling about their "Constitutional Rights." There's no clause that says, "Congress shall make no law requiring citizens to wear masks." Nothing like that at all in there.

So, folks, put on your masks. Stop whining. It has been shown clearly that mask-wearing is the best way we have available to prevent explosive transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Just wear your mask when you'll be around other people. How simple is that?

[TreasonousBastard]

1. Talking about your rights, but ignoring your responsibilities, is simply...

the mark of a selfish ignoramus.

There are times I'm tempted to exercise my right to peaceful silence by punching a loudmouth in the teeth.

[abqtommy]

2. There's a lot of ignorance and stupidity amongst people in this country. And people around the

world, too...

[onecaliberal]

3. Our local school board voted to return children to school in person 5 days a week, August 17th

Patents have the option of online. We’re currently one of the counties who had to go back to phase 1.

[MineralMan]

4. Things are really out of whack, aren't they?

Donald Trump and his sycophants seem determined to kill as many people as possible with their policies.

However, given the nature of those who are not taking precautions against the corornavirus pandemic, I'm thinking he'll be losing a lot of Republican voters. He's not very bright, is he?

[bobbieinok]

5. In grade school in 50s we heard 'My rights stop at your nose!'

And in junior high

Seems like some teacher was having to say this nearly every day

Now that I think about this, I believe in several classrooms there was a poster with this admonition in large letters

[MineralMan]

6. Yes. That's how many people put it.

For some, however, their rights, or really what they want, override everyone else's rights. That's the Libertarian point of view.

"MY Rights Matter!"

"Your Rights, Not So Much."

Trump is that sort of libertarian. What you want or need is of no interest to him. Only what he wants or thinks he needs is important. That's how he thinks, and there are many others who feel the same way. In fact, most people actually think their wants and needs have the highest priority. Libertarian politicians take advantage of that by implying that they will protect your right to get what you want or think you need, and to hell with everyone else.

That is why Trump and others of his ilk succeed. If you frighten someone by telling them they will lose something they value unless they support you, you get them on your side, more often than not. That's the core of populism when it is used by would-be tyrants.