Does PHD have right to force mask use?

There is a great deal of debate on every social platform about whether or not masks are effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19. The question that I believe is even more important is this: Does one side have the right to force the other side to conform to its opinion? Cannot each one of us examine the evidence, and make the decision that we think is best?

History is full of examples of popular beliefs and prejudices that resulted in great oppression, not simply because they were wrong, but because the people who held them believed they had the right to force other people to conform to them. Just as an example, the Spanish Inquisition was oppressive, not because Catholicism is dangerous, but because people in power believed they had a right to force it upon everyone. Islam likewise would never have resulted in jihad had it not been for those who believed that they must impose their religion upon other people. I could produce many similar examples. The most dangerous idea in the world is that it is acceptable to force one's own beliefs onto other people; every oppression and injustice in history has stemmed from that idea.

The mask mandate, recently adopted by the Panhandle Health Board, may seem trivial by comparison. It may seem like wearing a mask is a trivial subject, not to be considered as "oppressive". That is beside the point. The question is, do we have the right to force other people to make the choice that we think is best for them, when we have the power?

ALEXIS KOEPPEL

Cocolalla