November 21 saw several states imposing curfews and mask ordinances on a virus weary nation, forcing usually peaceful folks to take to the streets and howl at oppressive authorities. Yippee. Meanwhile, in the near police state of California, "Curfew Breakers" gathered in several locations, one minute after the 10 p.m. lockdown, to demonstrate how much they appreciate Gov. Gavin Newsom's latest edict.
Gavin Newsom
Newsom issued a stay-at-home curfew in effect until December 21, which must be the magical day that COVID-19 leaves the state for greener pastures. But after the California governor violated his own orders by attending a Napa Valley dinner party – maskless – for a political friend (political friend can be roughly translated to big-time lobbyist), the governor is struggling to keep the sheep in line. Newsom and wife cavorted without face coverings at the high dollar birthday shindig, after his office just weeks earlier issued the most ridiculous of measures, to "keep your mask on in between bites" when dining with other people. Isn't touching your face a no-no?
Newsom's dismal popularity aside, California's sheriffs prepared to impose their own order of "move along, nothing to see here." Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims summed up the situation quite eloquently with a local Fox News affiliate:
"We've got a lot of things to do, including taking guns away from gang members, stopping narcotic trafficking, and saving children from internet predators. We're not gonna make criminals of normally law-abiding citizens."
So, no enforcement of tamping down freedom in this case.
It Went Off Without A Hitch
Several communities were the site of peaceful protests by people waving Trump flags and anti-Newsom placards, while vehicles passed by honking horns in support. Latinos for Trump were out in force, Proud Boys, and random stragglers tired of authoritarian government that has not stopped the COVID-19 virus expressed just how they felt about current politicos. In San Clemente, demonstrators built a small fire, into which folks were tossing face coverings and chanting, "Burn that mask! Burn that mask!"
Others went directly to the source of their frustration with hand-printed "Game over Gavin" signs. Reporters on the ground confirmed it was a festive environment and remarkably peaceful.
The COVID That Would Not Go Away
Newsom's latest curfew idea comes as COVID-19 is spiking in states across the country. California is no different, and the state government has an interactive map detailing where the outbreaks are the worst. Communities with seven or more cases per 100,000 residents – where the strictest of mandates are being imposed – are being called "purple tier" areas. At the date of this writing, 21,971,832 tests have been conducted, with 1,087,714 total cases in 10 months and 18,643 in total deaths, including immune-compromised individuals with chronic or terminal conditions. A virus with a 99% recovery rate has spooked citizens into forgoing freedoms out of fear, skipping family gatherings, and dismissing beloved holidays.
California is a state that has been locked down for nearly the entirety of 2020: Apparently, the closing of the economy, mask mandates, and social distancing did not help prevent the spread in the least. Newsom must understand most people in his state have at least a modicum of common sense and will take precautions until the virus burns itself out or a reliable drug is created. Attempting to force more punitive measures isn't working, and other protests are sure to crop up with the frustrated electorate while gadfly Gov. Gavin parties with his cronies in wine country.
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