Many Republicans Support Non-Mask Wearing Behavior, Despite the Science

Republicans have been very slow to accept the need to wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. President Trump did not accept the necessity of masks for many months. He refused to enforce a nationwide mask mandate. Trump first wore a mask in public in July, several months into the pandemic. After mocking Joe Biden for wearing a mask, Trump seemed to come around. "I've never been against masks but I do believe they have a time and a place," he said. Some governors have shown a similar about-face after high death totals in their respective states. In Texas, for instance, Gov. Abbott changed his mind after the number of cases and deaths in the state started to soar. It was only then that he ordered Texans to wear masks in public. “Unfortunately it has been heavily politicized by state and federal leaders in Texas and across the country,” one self-identified progressive Texan said. “I hope its effectiveness is not blunted by the severity of the surge that we’re seeing.” Study after study has shown the effectiveness of masks. Scientists say that wearing masks could save nearly 100,000 American lives in the coming months. Republicans' willingness to sacrifice lives in the name of personal freedom is egregious.