I usually don't say things just to piss people off, but I say them to express my opinion. A lot of times that opinion just pisses people off...
Recently I saw the following meme on Facebook. Not only did the sentiments resonate with me, but it also cried out, "Battle of the Bands"!! September 15th is what I'm saying...
When I saw this meme I immediately shared it on my own page. Generally speaking, my posts on Facebook or Twitter tend to go seemingly unnoticed, but there are a few topics that seem raise the hackles of those who are passionate about certain topics. This post was one of those, though still not any huge response. One such respondent was a guy that I haven't seen or spoken to in about forty years. And I've had similar online encounters.
There was the long time friend who "unfriended" me on Facebook because of a difference in political beliefs. Before doing so he privately messaged me to tell me of his disappointment in how much I had changed over the years. All his message revealed was that he never knew me very well if he thought I had changed as what I believe now is pretty much what I believed 40+ years ago when we used to hang around sometimes. What I didn't bother to remind him of is that over the many years we only spoke every 2 or 3 years by telephone or when I stopped in to visit him when I was in Tennessee. He never once called me like some of my real friends do--it was always me calling him.
But getting back to face masks, in our time this has become one of the most divisive issues not only in the United States, but the world. I've tried reasoning with some using logic, but usually the Maskers are passionate and unwavering about their beliefs. They cite "science" just as the Climate Change Hysterics do. As I pointed out in my A to Z post "Science Is Speaking", this is a poorly framed argument since science is a field comprised of many studies, many scientists, and many points of view. "Science" is saying nothing, but people without strong arguments like to hide behind the veil of the concept of science thinking it somehow lends credibility to a rather flimsy argument.
So if science doesn't convince anybody then maybe some cliched slogan will do the trick. "Wearing Is Caring" or some such drivel might make a nice play on the emotions of some, but, sorry, it just doesn't tug on my heartstrings. My sense of logic tells me something different.
Please don't get all upset with me and click away from my Battle of the Bands segment. Ignore my opinion if you don't like it. Or express your own in the comment section--I've most likely heard your argument, but I'll listen one more time and if you are truly convincing then I might perk my ears a bit to listen more. But don't get mad or unfollow me or whatever people in social media times do. I'm just expressing myself and offering you the option to do the same.
Besides, I'm tired of the bickering, the lecturing, and the effusion of emotions that people keep gushing out. If you've got something that beats the logic then let us hear it. Not sure what that would be, but I enjoy discussion. I think I'm pretty civil about discussions, but these days disagreement sometimes seems to be an uncivil offense.
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| This masquerade? (photo source) |
Hopefully if you were able to get this far then you'll continue on to what I think is a pretty decent...
Battle of the Bands
Leon Russell "This Masquerade" (1972)
When Russell's Carny album came out I was not initially won over. For me it was mainly the vocal style that turned me off. However, once I'd become accustomed to the vocals, having already been won over by the top-notch song-crafting and musical production, the album became a favorite of mine. In succeeding years "This Masquerade" became an oft performed and recorded musical standard with a high point coming in George Benson's outstanding version.
Typically I'd be offering an original as merely an introduction to the song for those not familiar with it. The traditional wisdom of these Battles is not to use an original version and ask that blog visitors not vote for it and only listen. In this case, I think some listeners might react as I did decades ago and not care for what they hear. Therefore, I'm not going to discourage voting for this version since I don't know that it would sweep the other contestants out of the running. This version is here for you to consider. You can just ignore it or you can listen and consider it in the voting. Your choice...
Carpenters "This Masquerade" (1973)
I'm sure I've heard this version, but I did not recall it as I was compiling this Battle. But it's the Carpenters and who doesn't like the Carpenters. Many of Russell's songs seem to be a good fit for Karen's beautiful voice. She does a wonderful job with this song...
George Benson "This Masquerade" (1976)
The version by Benson grabbed my attention when it came out and, soon after, I bought the album the song appeared on. In fact, during the eighties I became a fairly avid George Benson fan. The guy could not only play a decent guitar, his singing wasn't bad either...
Time to Vote!
Don't hide behind a mask! Let your opinion be heard! Which song do you prefer? Hopefully you have an opinion of some kind. You don't have to know about music to have an opinion since it all comes down to your own personal taste.
Please vote on your favorite by letting us know your choice in the comment section and tell us why you prefer the version you chose. Then after you've finished here, please visit the other blogs listed below who may or may not be participating this time around. And if you've put up your own BOTB contest let us know that as well so we can vote on yours.
Here are some other places where you might find BOTB posts:
StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands
‘Storms and Stardust’
'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'
'Curious as a Cathy'
Sound of One Hand Typing
The Doglady's Den
Angel's Bark
Jingle, Jangle, Jungle
Cherdo on the Flipside
A I Love Music
Winner of this Battle Announced on Tuesday September 22nd
One way or another I should be here on that date to announce the voting results of this Battle. In the meantime I'll probably just lay low in my house most of the time so I don't feel obligated to wear what I consider a mostly useless mask. That's my opinion based on well-reasoned logic. Besides, I don't guess I need to be going anywhere anyway. Except the grocery store now and then and then I'll wear my mask.
I remember George Benson. Didn't he do a song called Just Give Me The Night? That said, I do like Karen's voice better and vote for the Carpenters.
ReplyDeleteMasks are very decisive. I wear one, but then I have both an N95 and an N100, which actually do protect me. But we've been masking for months in our state and the numbers really haven't come down much. I still say this thing is just going to have to circle the globe until it mostly fades away like the Hong Kong Flu did in the late 60's.
L.Diane, the difference between the current pandemic and Hong Kong Flu is that we really didn't hear much about that flu, didn't have the big to do about wearing masks (never heard about anyone wearing one), and life went on as normal (thank goodness). As time progresses it seems society makes bigger deals out of everything cycle that passes by. I believe it has something to do with lack of God in people's lives or something of that nature, but that's my theory.
DeleteI think he did that "Night" song. At least I hear him doing it as it plays in my memory.
Voting starts out with Carpenters.
Lee
I thought I was going to die when I had the Hong Kong flu and the Bangkok flu years later. I consider myself vulnerable, always get a flu shot now, and will wear my mask whenever I'm around other people. It should be no one else's concern if I choose to mask and social distance. If it makes me feel more comfortable, regardless of other "expert" opinions, then I'm going to do it.
DeletePatricia, if people want to wear masks and socially distance themselves then that is their right and their business. I just don't like being subjected to societal dictates when I'm pretty healthy.
DeleteLee
Hey Lee,
ReplyDeleteYour image isn't displaying. No worries about expressing yourself here with me. As far as masks go, we do wear them in public but we also know that it's not a fool proof line of defense against the virus. Cloth masks can't filter out microscopic partials and if a cloth mask gets wet, even as small as droplet from a sneeze and if that said sneeze is from an infected person then you'll probably get it. We live in a society where if it feels good then it must be not only right but the only way. I'm under no illusions. It's not the masks that protects me, it's the God given common sense that's help to govern me my entire life saying that's not a good idea to do that's kept me out of a lot of trouble. I also know that MSM is hyping the pandemic well out of proportion. I'm not saying the virus isn't a serious matter but the liberals have incited more panic and fear than necessary to further their agenda to bringing down our economy as they push their socialist state on the American people, like a lobster in pot of hot water and these clueless people are going to be ever bit as surprised as the lobster when they find that their fate is sealed because they couldn't see the truth in front of them.
Alrighty, let me move on to your battle. I enjoyed both cover artists but I think I have a slight preference for The Carpenters in this showdown.
Stay safe and be well, my friend.
Curious as a Cathy
Cathy, not sure about the image as it all looks good for me.
DeleteThe virus is real but the panic is based on exaggerated fears and uncertainty hyped by media and politicians. It all is leading to crazy thinking, behaving, and talking. I just don't like be pressured into doing things that really aren't logical and promoted with slogans and social attacks on those who don't agree. It's too weird and sad.
Another vote for Carpenters.
Lee
Lee,
DeleteI'm with you, I don't like being forced to do anything. You'd think if the virus was the big bad as MSM portrays it to be, then mandate to wear masks could be beneficial to the left's agenda especially when folks refuse to mask up and die. I would think this is precisely what the left is hoping will happen. That is if COVID was near the threat as the mews says it is. I believe if a purrson is has no underlying medical issues and generally healthy then the virus might have milder effects if any on these individuals. Like with the cold/flu season we safeguard ourselves from people who sneeze/cough or even look sick from a distance by taking another route around these folks. Sometimes you can get blind sided by someone who has no manners which certainly hasn't changed on bit since the pandemic. Again, if the virus is so horrible then I imagine the left sitting back with wicked grins plastered on their face just laying in wait for all the conservatives to drop dead. Yeah some of their liberal buddies will die but that's okay because we know they place no value on human life anyhow. Oh brother, sorry for the rant! You're right it's really weird and sad the way things have played out over the months.
I've had friends like that. When it's one-sided, it's not really a friendship.
ReplyDeleteMy vote goes to the Carpenters.
Alex, in truth, a lot of relationships we call friendships aren't really friendships. Social media has further trivialized that relationship.
DeleteAgain it's Carpenters.
Lee
I used to enjoy the Carpenters so my vote goes to them as for the mask I wear one but don't like it however they are worn to protect us.....hopefully.
ReplyDeleteKeep wee Lee.
Yvonne.
Yvonne, I don't feel like the mask really is offering that much protection. Same as that I usually don't really expect I'll win the big prize when I buy a lottery ticket.
DeleteAnd it's Carpenters.
Lee
Hi Lee,
ReplyDeleteGlad to find you safe and still around. Those images of the fires in your state are alarming!
Leon’s edgy introduction really did conjure a Carny atmosphere, but had me thinking I’d never heard the song before – until he started singing. Then, I thought maybe the player was set at the wrong speed ;-)
Karen’s version was undeniably beautiful. The Carpenters would have had my vote if not for George Benson, who’s had my vote since I first heard “Breezin” one long ago Saturday sunset cruise through the park. It sounded like a veritable outdoor concert with every car radio tuned to the same station ;-) By the time “On Broadway” hit the airwaves, we were cruising Speedway on may-pops on weekend nights with starry eyes, empty pockets, and not a worry in the world. Different times, those.
“This Masquerade” is certainly a timely song choice. Young, and blissfully oblivious as I was to the lyrical symbolism; now only all too clear, we now have the double-edged perception (mask or muzzle?) of facial-coverings to consider. Yay, we.
Still, I’m voting for George Benson for adding just the right amount of jazz to an otherwise melancholy song.
Stay safe!
Diedre, I'm glad I'm still around too. I'm not seeing fires from my location, but we've been getting smoke and ash.
DeleteThe mask controversy that was noted by some on the 15th just cried out for some kind of topical song and this song is such a good one anyway.
The eighties were definitely good times for me. And being in my thirties didn't hurt.
A vote for George Benson (He needed that!).
Lee
I know and love all three versions of this song. Given the choice between hearing Karen Carpenter sing it and anyone else, you know I'm going to vote for her and her brother.
ReplyDeleteAs for covid-19, that virus scares me much less than the mental virus that the media, the bureaucrats and politicians, and the so-called experts have planted in our minds that failure to comply with their diktats of wearing a mask and staying 2 meters away from the rest of civilization will result in you and probably everyone else around you dying a slow and painful death for which you're totally responsible and guilty of murder in the first degree. I'm seeing videos of people being beaten up at grocery stores because they aren't wearing a mask, and, to quote a politician of recent vintage, that's not who we are. It reminds me of the solar eclipse of 1963 and the constant ads from the Hadley School for the Blind that led everyone to believe that, were they to even catch a sidelong glance at the eclipse, they would be struck blind like Saul on the road to Damascus. A kid in the neighborhood told me he and his grandfather were looking at it through a telescope and I was convinced that he was blind and bluffing his way through. Which was silly.
I'm most concerned that the "scientists" who are advising the President and everyone else have something to gain by maintaining the current level of fear, and that when they get what they want out of it, the virus will somehow magically disappear.
Anyway, it's dinnertime...
John H, indeed a mental virus in the metaphorical sense. It's scary to see how readily the populace will latch onto some crazy idea out of fear due to misinformation and propaganda. I've seen crazy movements throughout my years on Earth but 2020 has to be the craziest year for crazy ideas.
DeleteIf people want to be afraid or extremely cautious that's fine with me until they start forcing me to participate even though I don't believe as they do.
A vote for Carpenters.
Lee
I believe in free speech and non-violence. If someone wants to wear a mask, good for them. But all they are doing is keeping their germs in. It won't keep them safe and even a high rated mask will won't protect you if you don't know how to remove it safely.
ReplyDeleteIgnorance is bliss. ;-)
Anna, often I think I might be better off cutting myself from social media as well as news media so I might be in that blissful state of now knowing what's going on.
DeleteLee
For me, the George Benson cut of this song, pretty much defines his commercial pop career, after already making carving a niche in the world of jazz. I will admit, then it hit the airwaves, I thought it was Stevie Wonder.
ReplyDeleteGeorge Benson, please.
Michael T, I can hear that Stevie Wonder connection--similar styles.
DeleteA vote for George Benson.
Lee
Masks are mandatory here where I live... mandated by the same people who enforced an early return to school for all children while adults had to still remain isolated from each other. Because, in the handful of months that we've been able to capture data about the virus, only a few children have shown symptoms so that must mean that they can't spread the virus??? And that no children are in contact with any of the adults who can't be in contact with each other because they'll spread the virus? Say what?
ReplyDeleteSo, yes, I've left my house exactly twice in the past two months, both times for my kids' appointments with an optometrist and paediatrician. I no longer glance out my window at people walking their dogs because masked people freak me out when they catch me off guard. I'm avoiding Facebook too because of so many posts and profile pictures showing masks.
Huge Karen Carpenter fan since I was about 10 years old, so it will have to be that one for me.
Elle, I leave my house a few times a week to get food and such, but don't go anywhere that I have to sit around and wear a mask for extended periods. Stopped going to church for that reason. I think people look not just weird with the masks, but there is something kind of evil about it. Makes me think of a bank robber or something.
DeleteAgain it's Carpenters.
Lee
Battle first:
ReplyDeleteWell, this is a song you just have to be in the mood for the music genre. Russell's voice was ok for this (my country boyfriend is Willie Nelson you remember). I think the song really does lend itself to a female voice so the Carpenters was really good. Between those two I'd go with the Carpenters. George Benson tried to jazz it up a bit, and thats ok too. Again, depends on the mood of the day. I'm giving my vote to George, just cuz the beginning was a little more to my mood just now.
On to the main post - masks and facebook . . .
Ya know Dude, you are one of my few FB friends that I read posts. I rarely post a comment on anything, more often just "like" or "sad" or "LOL" if I have an opinion. Residual brain-washing from my social worker days not to post opinions I guess. I really hate FB drama. But just so you know, if you don't see my name on a like (Donna Hole), I read your posts when I do log onto FB. To be clear, thats usually no more than 2 to 3 times a month. I know, I need to be more regular. But I read you and Stephen Tremp because I like to know what's going on in SoCal. And . . y'all can be funny when I need a laugh, and politically incorrect when I need reassurance the whole world isn't too far TO THE LEFT, TO THE LEFT . .
To show how bad a FB poster I am: we were under evacuation in the Bear Fire (North Complex) in Butte County last week and I never posted a status, but did read everything I could find. Paid attention to Creek fire (Fresno?), and those in Oregon and Washington. Yep, I'm lame.
I agree - face masks are not doing anything to stop COVID19. If it was, the homeless in your area would be dropping like flies. Neither is eating outdoors instead of inside restaurants. Newsome is an ass.
Be safe down in the Fault zone Dude. Hope you get some fresh air soon.
Donna, so you are apparently among my few FB friends who read my posts. Most seem to go unnoticed. I typically don't post my opinions on others' posts so I don't upset people, but now and then I just can't resist. That usually doesn't go all that well.
DeleteWhat you said about Newsome is essentially how I feel. I don't need his opinions about anything, but he's forcing them on us.
A mood vote for George Benson.
Lee
LEE ~
ReplyDeleteAfter listening for one minute and nine seconds to pretty much nothing, I finally gave up on the Leon Russell original and hit the "Stop" button. I don't know how long that noodling nuttin continued, but 1:09 of tinkling is just way too much "Intro" to suit me. I felt Leon was just wasting my time. As my Ma used to say, "Go, or get off the pot!"
I love this song, though, and the first version I ever heard was George Benson's. Loved it then, love it now. I had heard The Carpenters' version before, but not for years and years. And there is NO ONE who loves Karen's voice more'n I do! Even so, I figured I'd be casting my BOTB bote for George.
However, after listening to each recording again, I realized that I had completely forgotten how gorgeous - GORGEOUS! - The Carpenters version was. And, all this time later, although I still think it's great, Benson's rendition now strikes me as a wee bit overly long.
Not only am I going to bote for THE CARPENTERS, but I think I'm going to have to purchase a CD copy of their recording of 'This Masquerade'. Hokey-Smoke! That just might be a Top Ten Carpenters tune for me! I mean, I had *REALLY* forgotten how terrific it is!
As for the masks... it's all unscientific horse-pucky! They have been thoroughly debunked by knowledgeable people in the medical community. The only reason "the wizards behind the curtain" continue to push this mask(querade) on us is because they are hoping to keep the 'collective fear level' high enough to sell us on the vaccines when they come out. (Vaccines that will destroy and kill countless lives, when the duped fools line up to "get your shots!")
And at some point, you can count on the vaccines becoming mandatory. Hopefully, whoever Uncle Scam sends to force Bill Gates' poison on me won't be someone who values their teeth a great deal, because I will go down literally fighting to the death over this. NO ONE with a full set of teeth will ever plunge that needle into MY arm!!)
>>... I've tried reasoning with some using logic, but usually the Maskers are passionate and unwavering about their beliefs.
You can't reason with people who arrive at their beliefs sans reasoning.
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC Presents BATTLE OF THE BANDS
STMcC, glad I reintroduced you to the version by the Carpenters and you gave good reasoning behind your vote. This 3 way is a tough one for me as each has a lot of appeal to me.
DeleteLots of fear being dished out these days, but in an election year it's to be expected. But really, this year has driven fear and illogical thinking to extremities. I'm not so distrustful about the vaccine, but I'm not going out of my way to get one.
When logic is up against feelings, the feelings usually win over. People can be silly like that.
A vote for Carpenters.
Lee
>>... "I'm not so distrustful about the vaccine, but I'm not going out of my way to get one."
DeleteNo need to go out of your way to get one, Lee.
Mark (and heed) my words...
it will be COMING TO YOU!!!
~ D-FensDogG
'FERRET-FACED FASCIST FRIENDS'
Carpenters! I just love them too much not to vote for them. I don't have an issue with you having your opinion. I don't necessarily like your use of words in expressing it, like "the maskers" etc. No one knows what helps or doesn't in this country because we haven't enforced anything with any real meaningful cohesive try. You can argue all you want but other countries have succeeded in keeping this virus down and masks were involved in that effort. They weren't the total solution, but they definitely were a part of it. "Science" constantly evolves. It cannot be static because new things are learned all the time. That is the nature of science. My stance is anything I can do to help C-19 go away, I will do. Anything I can do to keep my family/friends safe, I will do. I have no ego invested in this thing. It isn't political. It is medical.
ReplyDeleteLisa, "Maskers" seems like a rather gentle descriptive term for those who embrace wearing a mask with a passion that includes wearing one in illogical circumstances or sloganeering about the cause. I question the validity of the numbers and the things that some are calling "facts". COVID is indeed a medical issue, but considering the circumstances that surround the malady I believe there is a political component. All I know is that I see no real reason for inconveniencing people who don't want to play the game. I have no ego invested either. I just want to be comfortable and experience life surrounded by logical thinking.
DeleteAnother vote for Carpenters.
Lee
Tough one this time, Arlee. I love George Benson but I have to go with the Carpenters. Funny, I was just watching some of the Karen Carpenter Story the other day.
ReplyDeleteAlways like to hear your opinion because you're not pushy about it, you just give it. I don't wear a mask when I walk the dog but do when I go into a store (we still have to here). I don't wash the groceries or leave things in my trunk for three days to "sanitize" them. I'm not getting a vaccine, just like I don't get the flu shot and never have, even though for my earlier career I was working in a doctor's office. I agree with Lisa. Other countries seem to have handled it better than we did and I blame #45 for that.
Janet’s Smiles
Janet, I don't like to be pushy about anything, but I don't like being pushed into anything either. Never heard of leaving groceries in the trunk for 3 days--now that's the kind of illogical thinking that baffles me.
DeleteA vote for Carpenters.
Lee
Oh My, You see when one believes that thinking not wearing masks and that it is communistic etc... is logical is telling me that no matter what one may say, scientific or otherwise, will fall flat because the belief is so strong. I believe I am logical in wearing a mask when I enter a building and no matter what I might say, my logic will always be disputed so there lies the empasse. Did I spell that word right? oh well, you get my comment:) I think in this manner, when someone sneezes, you can see the droplets go everywhere if these people do not cover the nose and mouth with their shirt. I have seen people talk and bits of spit come out, hell, I have had that happen to me more than I like to say. Since many colds, viruses etc...are transmitted by talking, sneezing etc... why not wear a mask? It is a preventative measure if you have covid or even the common cold. The spit stays in the mask...hahahaa. I work with people daily and when I was seeing them in person, they would shake my hand, then I would have them show me their scar, scratch their balls, pick their nose, wipe their nose or..yes, show me their colostomy bag. I just don't want to shake anyone's hand anymore because, you just don't know where that has been. I have seen many women, in public washrooms, come out of the bathroom, with the Louis Vittan bag in tow and put their hands under water for 2 seconds, flick off the water and leave! People are gross, let's face it. One scientific study, years ago was on those pastel mints you would find open to take as you left the restaurant. It was found that they had urine on them! People don't wash their hands and would grab a handful(like my old boss did) and leave some remains behind unseen to the naked eye. Given that this virus has gone around to such effect even with closing up the shop, wearing masks etc... tells me it is virulent. I also don't like the fact that some people don't even know they had it while others get really, really sick and die. If it means I have to wear that stupid mask, I will so, If don't get the spray of nose juice on my arm, I am happy and i have not been ill this year..from this virus , the common cold or any old flu. In fact, I have yet to talk to someone who has had the common cold. It may not protect all, of course but it does offer some protection. Look at this way, I am hiding in a fake wall hoping that the guards don't find me and shoot me dead. That is much better than walking around in front of them where they can line me up against a wall and shoot me. I would rather hide behind that mask. As for not talking to you etc... I have a cousin in Michigan who is a racist, love trumpstump etc...but I love him and his wife. They are, overall good people. My brother has no tolerance and doesn't even want to see him. My cousin doesn't know this because it would hurt him. I pray Trump is gone but even though I know you are wrong...hahahaaaa....why would I unfollow you. Everyone has the right to their opinion and the right to their beliefs. Now, as for the BOTB-I give it all to Karen Carpenter and her great voice and her brother, Peter(??) who created a jazzy style. The first one ..no, his voice made me think that Willie Nelson and Bob Dylon had a child and it resulted in that voice. The last one was good but Karen gets my vote.
ReplyDeleteBirgit, while I was reading this I started missing an old friend by the name of paragraphs. Wow, my vision is getting crazy as I get older.
DeleteThat was a pretty epic comment with some interesting twists on old arguments or tactics or whatever.
I can only leave it at I don't like masks. Not these mouth muzzle masks. Even Halloween masks I'm not overly fond of though I had many different ones in the product line of the costume company I used to manage.
Things in the U.S. should be more back to normal after the election I'd say. I'm kind of preferring that I get raptured before then, but I'm just gonna roll with the flow.
A vote for Carpenters.
Lee
Hahahaaa...Yes, I tend to runneth over. Paragraphs? What's that...hahahaa. Stream of Consciousness run amok
Delete"But it's the Carpenters and who doesn't like the Carpenters."
ReplyDeleteahhhh... me? But I think you know that. At least you didn't use Helen Reddy's version. This is a fabulous song whoever does it, and The Carpenters version is better than most of their stuff.
I liked Leon Russell while I was in college and I bought Carney when it came out. I'd have guessed you would have liked the album because of the circus theme and your love of circuses.
And I was just like you about George Benson in the mid-70s to early 80s. Loved him. But then I kinda drifted away and into other genres more. His version is FAN-tastic, but I'm not voting for him.
I am voting for the original by Leon. He needs and he DESERVES the vote. Brilliant writing, and his voice is perfect for the melancholy nature of the words.
As for the masks. Yeah. What you said. And what McCarthy said. MORE so. Anyone with half a brain at this point must question the whole narrative. And if one looks into it more deeply, one is appalled. All wearing masks does is say: "Bleat. I'm ready for shearing." The mask thing is just a surface thing, a signal of submission to those in charge... the important stuff is deeper and will be found by those who bother to question the lies.
Even the CDC and WHO actually SAY that wearing masks is BS: “CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).” Their words, not mine.
I have ONE beat up flimsy mask that I have used for six months for those rare times when I MUST wear a mask to get somewhere I have to go. It is a paper surgical mask that I am sure is dripping with bacteria by now. Ha ha. EVERYTHING is dripping with bacteria ALL THE TIME. I could post 200 verifiable links here proving that this covid reaction is nonsense, and that the china virus has been deliberately foist upon us. (of course, facebook and twitter would have their Marxist fact-checkers remove my posts… if I had FB or twitter!)
I won't goof up your nice battle comment section with that. The truth turns too many people off, but I am grateful that you continue to speak gently about the truth. People need the truth to wake up.
"And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed." (Romans 13:11)
6-Gun, now that's a rootin' tootin' comment if there ever was one. Hallelujah!
DeleteAnd with paragraphs even. Can't add much more to what you added. It's weird how everything is dividing into greater extremes than ever before. My sense of logic dictates what I construe of the world and I'm willing to listen to challenges, but I'd prefer challenges I haven't heard before that would truly convince me that I should be wearing a mask over my mouth. I just shake my head in wonder when I think about it.
Carny initially gave me a negative reaction because I hadn't gotten into Leon Russell in other projects he had been on. After some listens though I really did appreciate the music as well as the carny/circus theme.
Carpenters seem so innocuous that I think most people probably enjoy them--or at least from our generation. But I can see the syrupy sticky turnoff that some may have about their music.
So got you down for Leon Russell.
Lee
We have discussed our difference of opinion here, and all I can add that is new is- I feel in my bones that the COVID and the BLM is all God trying to tell us how badly we are failing in being a servant to all men and how poorly we see the concept of brotherly love. I also think He is trying to give us the 'news' that "politics" and "Church" are not faith, they are distractions to it. I would gladly wear my masks much longer if it means I can add to what I have learned about God's will from the experience.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of experience, I actually know all three versions, and can say without hesitation my vote goes to George.
CW, I know some folks are entrenched in this whole mask thing and have passionate beliefs about it. The issue has actually become rather divisive. You have added a more spiritual aspect to the discussion, but I'm not buying it.
DeleteA needed vote for George Benson.
Lee
Just wondering, will you tell the surgeon and all the nurses in the operating room they can go unmasked? I mean they are wearing them to protect you from unnecessary germ - not themselves. What's wrong with protecting others?
ReplyDeleteThe Carpenters for sure!
Yolanda, a medical environment is a whole different thing. If I ever in all my years before 2020 might have worn a medical mask is when my son was born and I was in the delivery room. I distinctly recall wearing a hair net and paper booties. Perhaps I might have worn a paper gown and mask but I can't be sure of those.
DeleteIn everyday life a mask makes no sense. Life is a lotto. That's the way I see it. If someone finds out how to live forever in an earthly capacity then I'll believe otherwise. But till then, life is just one big lottery with daily drawings and a range of prizes. Yeah, I guess I'm a bit flippant, but why not?
A vote for Carpenters.
Lee
200,000 people are dead due to flippancy! But I've no doubt you and other flippants sleep well!
DeleteAnd as my husband says, even poker players try to better their odds!
Yolanda, as I've gotten older I tend to sleep less well than I did in my younger days. Sleeping pills work to some degree sometimes.
DeleteThe COVID numbers are not trustworthy in my opinion. There are so many intersecting factors that put what the numbers say in doubt. Numbers don't exactly lie, but they can be manipulated to tell a story--a story that we may know more about in a year or two maybe and then maybe it won't even matter. We need more precise data about the demographics etc about the pandemic in this country in comparison to other countries. We need to have context for the data. We don't totally have that--at least not in plain view where we get the true story. Time might tell.
I have a lot of faith in what I believe because in the end I'm making my judgments based on logic as I see it.
Sadly, as with so many things, people become a bit overwrought and we see a lot of personal attacks and insinuations as well other potentially difficult situations that might get ugly on a grander scale.
At least we can be thankful it hasn't been the 200 million that Joe Biden said we'd lost to COVID so far this year. I remember the population control craze back in the seventies, but 200 million is a bit extreme.
Be happy as you can.
Lee
With the self-acknowledged admission that Facts will *always* get their butt kicked when attempting to go 12 rounds with a liberal who has [Link> "Feelings -- NOTHING MORE THAN FEE-EEEEE-LINGS", I offer the following utterly irrelevant and pointless [Link> Facts.
DeleteThese facts won't make a damned bit o' difference because... [Link> ...FEE-EEEEE-LINGS!!!
~ D-FensDogG
'STEPHEN T. McCARTHY REVIEWS...'
Arlee, Stephen - Well, BURN! You got me!
DeleteSTMcC, gosh, I hadn't heard that song in ages. Now please don't subject me to it again. Now I feel so melancholy.
DeleteEvidence of truth is not nearly as fun as the panic that ensues when we fear the unknown. The information such as explained in this very good study you offered will be suppressed or ignored in favor of the sensationalism of the terror of worldwide pandemic and death.
I'm sure 2020 is inspiring another wave of dystopian novels and movies. Many probably embraced the events of 2020 because of the dystopian fantasies that preceded this year. People can be crazy like that, but it's because of the feelings. Emotions are like an addictive drug.
Lee
Yolanda, thank you for stimulating some conversation.
DeleteLee
From my Cousin Tom on Facebook, a vote for...
ReplyDeleteLeon Russell.
Lee
From my sister Joni on Facebook, another vote for...
ReplyDeleteLeon Russell.
Lee
For the results of this Battle please go to my <results post.
ReplyDeleteLee