To Wear Or Not To Wear

            In the recent furor over masking and social distancing, I’ve noticed a common thread among those dissenting voices, “We have the right to refuse, or say no.” Apparently, some frame this issue in the context of personal liberty or rights. While this may be a personal rights issue, one thing we must keep in mind is that the Constitution does not afford us the right to disobey lawful directives from appropriate authorities. We can say no. We do have protected speech, but we do not have protections for doing no. The Constitution affords us the privilege to seek redress, to demonstrate, and to speak; but, the expectation is that at the end of the day we would comply with duly appointed or elected officials. Complying with authority is a key component of the social contract. Of course, we do not comply blindly; but, we must carefully think through non-compliance and weigh the possible consequences.

            When serving in the Army, I was often asked to do a variety of uncomfortable things, including wearing various types of protective gear. Even though it was often uncomfortable and confining we endured. We also endured knowing that this equipment was not 100% effective. But, being a soldier entailed both acceptance of risk and willingness to comply with orders we did not agree with. Even now, retired and off active-duty, I recognize the utility of a willingness to comply with guidance from an appropriate leadership. This compliance is part of the glue that holds a society together. Living as part of a society includes a certain curtailment of personal liberties. We willingly give up a bit of our personal freedom to enjoy the blessings of community. Sometimes these sacrifices cause pain as they constrict my behaviors; however, the benefits accrued outweigh the disadvantages. And in doing those hard things, I help build a better society.

            As a teacher, I regularly ask my students to do hard things. In fact, it is kind of a mantra where I teach. We believe that the pathway to personal success is paved with a series of hard tasks completed. Now, when my society asks me to do this hard thing, wearing a mask is not fun, how can I in good conscience refuse. Wearing a mask is uncomfortable, especially after a garlic-laden lunch, but not impossible. When considering my response to wearing a mask and other COVID related social distancing measures, how can I refuse simply because I find it difficult or uncomfortable? As a teacher, I’m always on display. I never know when I will run into one of my students or their family members. It was the same as an officer, you never really take off the uniform and as a teacher, you never stop teaching. It is a matter of responsibility.

            So when I consider masking, or any of the other annoying measures designed to combat the current pandemic, being a responsible citizen takes precedence over my personal comfort, pocket-book, or political belief. As this pandemic unfolds, those in leadership deserve my best compliance as they struggle with tough decisions, often in the face of incomplete facts. My students also deserve a teacher that is willing to set the example by doing hard things.