For me, as I read through the first part of her post, I was able to disagree agreeably with KWJ's assumptions, because she was trying to adopt the trascendental/self-reliant approach of Ralph Waldo Emerson. I don't agree with everything that RWE wrote, but at least KWJ was making an effort to engage in a dialogue, not unlike conversations I've had with libertarian friends with whom I happen to disagree strongly. And the few times that I've met up with them, I've insisted that we both wear masks and keep our distance, and they oblige.
However, what set me off--Phogge already alluded to this--is when KWJ quoted Thomas Jefferson: "I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery" (Malo periculosam, libertatem quam quietam servitutem for Mick and Phogge and anyone else who took Latin). Putting aside TJ's hypocrisy as a slaveowner, one's comparing government-mandated mask-wearing in the midst of a public health crisis to monarchy is...ludicrous, to put it as mildly as possible. But some folks will stick to their philosophical ways no matter the circumstances, so argumentum ad absurdum is pointless.
However, what set me off--Phogge already alluded to this--is when KWJ quoted Thomas Jefferson: "I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery" (Malo periculosam, libertatem quam quietam servitutem for Mick and Phogge and anyone else who took Latin). Putting aside TJ's hypocrisy as a slaveowner, one's comparing government-mandated mask-wearing in the midst of a public health crisis to monarchy is...ludicrous, to put it as mildly as possible. But some folks will stick to their philosophical ways no matter the circumstances, so argumentum ad absurdum is pointless.
If there's one thing people have learned in Berkeley, it's that you can't put "Cal football" and "Rose Bowl" in the same sentence. The words just don't fit. You'd be better off linking "covered wagons" with "Mars travel." (Bruce Jenkins, Cal '70, SF Chronicle, Nov. 11, 2017)