Leaderboard

"Why being required to wear a mask upsets so many, ....is such an unbearable burden....I will never understand." Agreed. It's meant to protect others, in case you're infected and don't know it. To me, not wearing a mask is like purposely farting in public, only with possibly fatal consequences.

These circular discussions are entertaining, but I’m waiting to see how it will be run, which depends, I’m sure, on local rules, CDC guidance, and best practices in play at the time. I’ll likely make my decision about two weeks out based on knowns at that time. I feel for the organizers, have paid my registration including the banquet, and bought a trophy package. I don’t want a refund if it cancels, just hoping it helps in some small way. If it doesn’t cancel, it’s just a choice we all have to make based on what we think the level of risk is for ourselves and others. I have my own ideas, and each person should evaluate their own risk tolerance. My profession is all about risk management, so I look at this the same way. joe

You what would be really helpful, some input from leadership. Maybe an update, maybe scenarios, maybe some information....

John, I was not referring to you in any way. You never said you would refuse to wear a mask. Not wanting to and refusing are two different things altogether. Personally, I wear a face shield which is more effective in both directions - incoming and outgoing. More comfortable, too. So, if you took me as referring to you: No, I wans't and sorry if you got that impression. Was not intended. Jim, yes, it does sound contradictory till you consider what I said earlier. I am going to presume that masks will not be mandatory and, if they are, there will be a number of people who will refuse and nothing at all will be done. I advocate cancelling on the presumption that the necessary safety precauutions will not be taken - masks or face shields, no banquet or one that is truly spread out, no crowding at the awards ceremony, vendor tables well spaced and limited numbers of people in the vendor room and so forth. So, yes, unless those precautions are undertaken, I think cancelling is appropriate. I still won't be going but that is my choice. I do not want to take any chance of bringing it home to my wife who has asthma. That could be a death sentence. Since I will be 70 this year and have diabetes, the same applies to me. Now, with that in mind, you said we are only responsible for ourselves. I would disagree. The age old question: Am I my brother's keeper? The answer is yes, I am. I am responsible to my brother/sister/neighbor in the sense that I will do what is necessary to make sure I am not putting them at risk by a selfish action I would do. And it is the exact opposite attitude which I see among so many these days that distresses me. As someone said above, it may all be moot if the mask/face shield mandate is extended - except for this one factor - will IPMS staff enforce it? Peace Kevin

G Hodges and his Me Only attitude is exactly why I am not going to the Nats. I'm sure he will say, Great, your choice, you won't be missed. No, probably not (although I have done rather well model wise over the years), but it is a shame when a few can essentially dictate the decisions others are forced to make by having only concern for themselves.

Your metaphor is faulty. If you suffer lung damage from inhaling too many paint fumes, it's terrible - but it isn't contagious to others. Wearing a mask in a pandemic is less to protect you than to protect OTHER PEOPLE. If I have to explain to you why it's important to care about other people, we really don't have anything to talk about.