A Sudden Change of Mind Regarding the Masks.

New Mexico’s Governor Finally Lifts the Mask Mandates.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham unexpectedly removed most state mask mandates at the close of her press conference on 19 February. The Governor’s reason for this sudden reversal (just two weeks after she announced the mandates would continue indefinitely) is not, I am certain she would insist, that her ratings are tanking in internal polls, with Election Day looming.

No, the Governor claims, it is because of the decline in cases of the Omicron edition of the COVID-19 virus, a horrific scourge known for causing in the vast majority of those to whom it afflicts moderate cases of the sniffles.

While many, if not most, New Mexicans are rejoicing not having to wear the wretched masks anymore, for which are still no credible studies proving their effectiveness, there are politicos in Taos appalled by the Governor’s decision. One of them had the brass to complain that without the Governor’s mandate in place to “back em up” [sic] . . . things could become volatile in government buildings and private businesses if customers are asked to don masks.”

So much, then, for the notion of public servants: ours seem to want to continue the mandate not to protect themselves or others from the virus, but merely to protect themselves from getting yelled at by their employers.

Thus continues an old New Mexico tradition: bureaucrats high and low, as well the clerisy in the nice neighborhoods and the academy, ignoring the moods of all those other people in our state known as the general public.