I agree that masks are mostly (though not entirely) pointless, especially when children are concerned, and I share the conservative criticism of liberals who cling to masks as a totemic symbol more than as a way to stop COVID-19.
However, there are some conservatives for whom the inverse is true -- i.e. they view wearing a mask as some form of political betrayal, when in fact it is a) a risk mitigation strategy, and/or b) an act to comply with local regulations.
This morning, I posted a photo of my kids watching William Shatner's rocket blasting into space. I didn't notice that they were wearing masks, as we were headed out the door for the walk to school nearby, and the masks are routine.
I was surprised that so many of the responses specifically asked me why the kids were wearing masks at home. No, they don't wear masks at home. No, it's not a political gesture. And no, it's not something you should get mad about.
I agree that much liberal rule-making on the coronavirus is stupid. But anyone can wear a mask -- I do, indoors, in public settings -- and the "side" that loves liberty should not be that interested in what I'm doing in my own home.
I should have noted in my message about the weekly Torah portion that this week is Shabbat Chazon, the Sabbath of Vision. We are about to mourn -- but see through that pain to something better that lies beyond, on the other side.
Wishing you the best vision -- and an incredible reality to follow. It happens!
We begin the final speech of Moses to the people of Israel before they enter the Promised Land. He relates the ups and downs of the years of wandering in the desert, before, finally, the people have the merit to enter the land itself.
This Sabbath always precedes Tisha B'Av, the Ninth of Av, the saddest day on the Jewish calendar. It is the anniversary of the destruction of both of the Holy Temples, and a catch-all for many calamities that befell the Jewish people.
A word on Tisha B'Av. This year I am leaving for an overseas trip during the afternoon of the holiday -- in the middle of a fast day. Not idea, but there was no other choice. But my flight is in the afternoon, which is significant.
We relax some of the harsh, mournful customs of the day in the afternoon. We start to pray normally; we sit on regular chairs; we start to have hope again in the redemption that will, one day, lead us all back from exile to our home.
I'll be taking a trip to a land where an important part of ...
President Trump is in Scotland, playing golf and making big trade deals -- a major deal with the EU, in fact. Meanwhile, there is a global outcry about humanitarian aid to Palestinians (not about the Israeli hostages, mind you).
On top of that, Democrats are at their lowest polling numbers ever -- so they are trying to win control of the House by redistricting in the middle of a 10-year Census cycle. Oh, economic optimism is up, so they have a tough road.
And Tulsi Gabbard's revelations about the Russia collusion investigation make it clear that Obama's lieutenants lied to Congress. How deeply was he himself involved? The media continue to ignore the evidence, but we certainly won't.
Special guests:
Nick Gilbertson - Breitbart News White House correspondent, on EU deal
Frances Martel - Breitbart News foreign editor, on Trump abroad and Russia
John Spencer - urban warfare expert, on humanitarian aid and war in Gaza
Bradley Jaye - Breitbart News congressional correspondent, on the ...
