The ability to freely protest and assemble without government intrusion is one of the most sacred and important rights granted to white US citizens. Looking back on American history, one can easily identify many points where peaceful assembly has spearheaded society-altering changes in government regulations and laws. Thankfully, protesting in the face of adversity is a right our generation of Oklahomans still choose to exercise. In fact, citizens of Stillwater are enthusiastically protesting for their right to die of COVID-19.
Via freaking CNN…
An emergency proclamation issued Thursday in Stillwater, Oklahoma, requiring the use of face masks in stores and restaurants was amended Friday after threats of violence.
"In the short time beginning on May 1, 2020, that face coverings have been required for entry into stores/restaurants, store employees have been threatened with physical violence and showered with verbal abuse," Stillwater City Manager Norman McNickle said in a statement.
"In addition, there has been one threat of violence using a firearm. This has occurred in three short hours and in the face of clear medical evidence that face coverings helps contain the spread of Covid-19."
Due to the threats of violence the city has decided to amend their emergency order but still want people to wear face masks whenever possible, the statement said.
Thank God these folks are protesting for their “rights” to drink a Sunrise Margarita from the Chili’s on Hall of Fame Avenue without messing with a mask and not against police brutality or an oil pipeline, or else the government may have dropped teargas grenades instead of restrictions. Seriously, Stillwater, what the hell? If you reward these adult tantrums threats, people are going to learn that if they don’t like a government regulation all they have to do is pull out a gun and scream in some college kid’s face for things to change.
We were sent a photo of one of the protestors via the Ogle Mole Network. Check out this madness:
Here's more:
"Many of those with objections cite the mistaken belief the requirement is unconstitutional, and under their theory, one cannot be forced to wear a mask. No law or court supports this view," said City Manager Norman McNickle in a statement. "It is further distressing that these people, while exercising their believed rights, put others at risk."
McNickle went on to explain the importance of face coverings in preventing the spread of coronavirus. The masks have been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
"It is unfortunate and distressing that those who refuse and threaten violence are so self-absorbed as to not follow what is a simple show of respect and kindness to others," he said.
Listen, you egocentric, zealous halfwits who think having a yellow “Don’t Tread on Me” license plate or getting a red, white, and blue manicure make you a patriot. Let me speak in a way maybe even you’ll understand. In fighting for your “civil liberty” to sit in a crusty old Red Lobster booth or get funky layers from a hairstylist God knows you don’t tip, you are actually taking the “civil liberties” away from thousands of other Oklahomans.
Because the more of you who refuse to wear a mask, the longer our elderly, immunocompromised, and other vulnerable neighbors have to live in fear that they won’t make it out of this pandemic alive. Maybe not all of you would go as far as threaten to shoot a minimum wage employee for refusing to serve you without a mask. Yet all of you refusing to follow the CDC guidelines seem to be fine with killing your neighbors.
Go get you some shrimp scampi. Then follow Hayley on twitter @squirrellygeek
