Dear Editor,
Masks are dangerous for democracy and health. After reading about the next Stage 33 concert in the Aug. 23 edition of The Vermont Journal & The Shopper, I was about to purchase my ticket. But as I continued reading, I discovered that “masks are required at this event, as one of the performers is immunocompromised.” I put my credit card away.
Here are my objections to this mask requirement:
1) In a democracy, masks must be voluntary only, never required.
2) I cannot be responsible for my neighbor’s immune system. My immune system is compromised by many Lyme co-infections. I take full responsibility for keeping myself active and functional, without a mask and without vaccination, which would compromise my already hard-working immune system.
3) Surgical masks do not prevent microbe migration. I was taught this in respiratory therapy school 30 years ago. N95 masks are to be used only for 20 minutes or so when a health professional enters the room of a person with a contagious disease like tuberculosis. Dr. Fauci’s first masking statement said masks don’t work. Two weeks later, he fudged and said masks do work. What are your thoughts?
4) While a mask actually does not corral microbes, it does collect carbon dioxide. The wearer then rebreathes carbon dioxide instead of air. This can cause fatigue, sleepiness, headaches, and long-term physical and mental effects.
5) Children and athletes should never wear masks. Their breathing rate is too fast to clear carbon dioxide and allow oxygen to enter.
For more information about the dangers of masking, go to www.vtmasksurvey.com.
Sincerely,
Betsy Thomason
West Townshend, Vt.