92 towns/cities saying no, 20 yes for masks in public places
By Guy Page
92 Vermont Towns and cities are saying no to imposing a municipal public places mask mandate. Athens, Guilford and New Haven are latest towns to respond as a “no” to a Vermont Daily Chronicle survey of municipalities. Shelburne flipped from a ‘no’ to a ‘yes’ at its Dec. 21 selectboard meeting.
The selectboard said no on Dec. 7 but unanimously reversed its decision on Dec. 21, as a result of public pressure from people concerned about the Omicron variant, the Shelburne News reports.
The 92 ‘no’ communities fall into three categories: No votes by selectboards/councils; inaction and no plans to act; and taking action to require masks only in town-owned buildings. 19 municipalities have adopted mask mandates in all public places.
Furthermore, at least 10 other towns have indicated no action taken yet, but also have not indicated whether any action pro or con is being contemplated. As more than a month has passed since the law took effect, these towns could be construed as Nos but instead are listed as ‘uncommitted’ out of an abundance of caution.
Town by town municipal mask mandate decisions include:
Plymouth, the birthplace of President Calvin Coolidge, is an emphatic No to a public places mask mandate, selectman K.T. Cappellini reports.
“On Dec 6 we voted squarely against a town-wide mask mandate,” the 2016 legislative candidate from Windsor County said. “At the behest of the Town Clerk, the selectboard did however vote in favor of a mask mandate for all visitors to the town hall.”
Other towns reporting as “No” towns include Goshen, Guildhall, Canaan, and Chittenden.
The town of Brattleboro – statewide mask mandate Sen. Becca Balint’s hometown and one of the first to approve a mandate – relaxed its mandate, allowing artists to perform mask-free.
And in Vermont’s capitol city of Montpelier, the mask mandate passed earlier this month has been relaxed, the Times-Argus reported Dec. 23. City employees need not wear a mask if they are working alone in a room. The TA noted that “During their Wednesday night meeting, councilors approved a surgical adjustment to a local mask mandate many have followed, but plenty have ignored since it went into effect earlier this month.”
The Connecticut River Valley town of Fairlee has decided against a mask mandate. Pittsfield, in Rutland County, has enacted a mandate.
Dorset and Hancock are latest towns to say no to requiring masking in all public places.
Dorset, a Bennington County town of 2000, adopted a policy similar to Bennington, in which masking is strongly encouraged but not required. Addison County’s Hancock – pop. 300 and named after Declaration of Independence signer John Hancock – requires masks in town buildings only.
In Plainfield, the Washington County home of Goddard College, selectmen have not adopted a mask mandate, and no action is pending, a town spokesperson said.
Westminster and Wardsboro have joined the ranks of Vermont towns saying no to a municipal mask mandate. Richmond voted last night to adopt a mandate.
Williamstown, North Hero and Bolton are saying no to an all-public places mask mandate. Seven other towns also have been added to the ‘no’ category, with one – Pomfret – joining the ‘yes’ side.
Hartford – better known to most Vermonters for its village of White River Junction – has passed a municipal mask mandate. The ordinance has a religious service exemption.
The selectboard of the Town of Enosburgh nixed a mask ordinance at its last meeting, a town spokesperson said. “They discussed it, and they didn’t want to do it,” she said. “If you want to wear one, fine, if you don’t want to, that’s fine too.” Pittsford in Rutland County also declined to adopt a mask ordinance, according to news reports.
An announcement on the town website for Glover says the selectboard is soliciting public opinion into the New Year before making any decision: “The select board has not set a date as to when, or if, they will be deciding on a mask mandate, but welcomes hearing public opinion during the month of December and into January.
The Caledonia County town of Lyndonville and the Rutland County town of Clarendon both have opted to not impose a mask mandate, according to eyewitness and media reports.
According to the Rutland Herald, Clarendon selectboard discussed the issue for only two minutes before voting no.
The town of Northfield voted No on December 14. Also, the town of Manchester has been removed from the “yes” list upon clarification that its ordinance merely allows businesses requiring masks to sign up for a town mask registry.
St. Albans City councilors have canvassed business owners and have decided that the city “would rather not do it at this time,” City Manager Dominic Cloud said. St. Albans is the leading commercial center for Franklin County.
As reported yesterday, Middlebury and Vergennes, the two largest shopping towns in Addison County, have both decided against a municipal mask mandate.
Middlebury selectmen chose instead to pass a resolution saying masks “should” be worn in public places. There was much discussion on the difference between “should” and “shall,” and in the end the board chose “should,” a town spokesperson said this morning. In legislative language, “shall” means it must be done. Should” means it’s advised but optional.
Middlebury College recently decided to hold all-remote classes for the rest of the semester due to an outbreak among 50 students and staff, despite its 99% vaccination rate.
According to one observer of the Vergennes selectboard meeting, “Several business owners decided that it wouldn’t benefit them in any way, and that it would cause more divisiveness within their businesses.”
Meeting in Special Session Nov. 22, the Vermont Legislature passed S.1, empowering municipalities to adopt mask mandates to reduce Covid-19 transmission through April 30, 2022. The bill contains no firm deadline for municipalities to act, but does require review 45 days after adoption, and permits renewal every 30 days. S1 also says the selectboard/council may act without a citizen referendum.
The following is an up-to-date tally of Vermont municipalities known to have discussed municipal mandates requiring masking in public places. It will be updated as often as necessary as towns and cities decide yea or nay.
Sources for information below include Vermonters who attended meetings, town officials, and media reports. Readers are encouraged to contact their own town/city clerks using the Vermont Association of Town Clerks directory and email information to news@vermontdailychronicle.com.
Yes
Brattleboro – Nov. 23
Burlington – Dec. 2
Danville
East Montpelier – Dec. 6
Essex Town – Dec. 6
Hartford
Ludlow
Montpelier – Dec. 8
Norwich – Dec. 8
Pittsfield
Pomfret
Richmond
Rutland Town – Nov. 24
Shelburne
Thetford – Dec. 6
Waitsfield – Dec. 6
Warren – Nov. 25
Williston – Dec. 7
Wilmington
Winooski
No
Arlington
Barnet
Barre – Nov. 30
Bennington – Dec. 14*
Bolton
Brandon – Dec. 7
Bristol – Nov. 22
Burke – Dec. 6
Cabot – Dec. 14
Cambridge – Dec. 7
Canaan
Charlotte – Dec. 6
Chelsea
Clarendon – Dec. 15
Dummerston
Enosburgh
Fairfax – Dec. 6
Fairlee
Goshen
Guilford
Halifax – Dec. 4
Hardwick – Dec. 2
Hartland
Hyde Park – Nov. 29
Irasburg
Lyndonville
Middlebury – Dec. 14
Middlesex – Dec. 7
Milton
Moretown
Morrisville – Dec. 6
Mt. Tabor
New Haven
Northfield- Dec. 14
Orwell – Dec. 14
Pittsford
Rutland City – Dec. 6
Springfield – Dec. 6
St. Johnsbury – Dec. 13
Stowe – Dec. 6
Vergennes – Dec. 14
Victory
Wardsboro
Waterbury – Dec. 6
Westminster – Nov. 23
Williamstown
Woodstock
No action or discussion scheduled
Albany
Alburgh
Andover
Belvidere
Benson
Berlin
Brownington
Castleton
Corinth
Duxbury
Eden
Elmore
Granville
Groton
Hubbardton
Huntington
Jay
Jericho
Johnson
Kirby
Lincoln
Lowell
Middletown Springs
Norton
Plainfield
Stratton
Walden
Municipal Buildings Only
Athens
Berkshire
Chittenden
Dorset
Guildhall
Hancock
Marshfield
North Hero
Pawlet
Plymouth
Ripton – Dec. 13
Rupert
South Burlington – Dec. 6
South Hero
Tinmouth
Vernon
Weathersfield
Wolcott – Dec. 1
Uncommitted
Newport City
Leicester
Swanton
Newbury
Newark
Barnet
Barton
Highgate
St. Albans Town and City
Calais
“Opt-in” Ordinance
Manchester
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Categories: Covid-19
I am really disappointed that Essex was not put on any list until it was too late… Essex selectboard members received over 50 emails for the mask mandate and just 1 opposed! I’ll be sending an email today and voice my frustration that I was unaware it was even happening, but too little too late (at least for the next 45 days).
Boycotting any community requiring a mask mandate. My business will go to internet companies in non mandated areas.
yes … you can get it voted on earlier: during the beginning of the select board meeting when they ask for public comments on items that are NOT on the agenda… you may ask that the item be brought up in the next meeting (or maybe ((not sure))) the next week.) get a bunch of your buddies to make polite but firm requests for the vote to go on the agenda. then get all the people you can to go and speak. get petitions and shop keepers and car dealerships and contractors…. all our working people.
also look at this web site https://www.activatehumanity.com/posts/restraint-of-justice
Ive been to a few places in Essexville, no face diaper, no problem. Unenforceable.
Thanks! Very useful. I’m pleased that Rutland City and Charlotte have common sense. I’m surprised at Waterbury and Stowe. (But pleased. Was it because they didn’t want PO tourists?) I think Middlebury is going to discuss it tonight or maybe in two weeks? The local paper said that Vergennes, Brandon and Bristol already said no.
This is extremely helpful, relevant, and newsworthy. Is there no other journalism in VT?
This is the only journalistic entity in Vermont that presents facts without government influence. This is the only place to get your news!!! Thanks Guy keep up the good work!!!!
Guess not!! At least not any objective journalism. Sadly the msm is an arm of the progressive dem party evidently.
Truthful, factual & actual journalism is no longer permissible in VT. It’s just that Guy Page is an OUTLAW!
Let’s hope the scoreboard becomes sort of a “north star” on where to patronize in Vermont (and where not to patronize). These Yes Mandate towns don’t want your business so why bother? Unless these communities rise up to compel change in these Orwellian towns, the Dystopia will continue to take root (some may already be lost causes)
Barre City also said “No” to mask mandates after almost unanimous input at meeting November 30. Many people attended the meeting, some in person and some online, perhaps 12 people spoke – a mix of business owners and residents; almost entirely opposed and with enthusiasm. The topic had been put on the agenda by the city manager but there was no formal proposal, either before or during the meeting, to institute a mask mandate by any member of the council. After hearing input from the community, all members spoke and, as I recall, all said they did not support a mandate. It appears the matter is closed.
Dang – I was going to shop in Waitsfield but that is now a big NO WAY – only shopping where there are not fascists. Thanks for letting us know which sensible towns said NO to the mask mandates so we can know where to shop. btw – I went out to see in Burlington – went in a store – didn’t wear a mask and no one said anything. I kinda knew they didn’t take the less than intelligent city council members seriously. Still not going to shop in Burlington though.
Hinesburg discussed mask mandates in December 1st meeting. Decided no need for a mandate.
The selectboards who want to feel good about themselves by approving mask mandates need to be aware of those who will vote with their wallets to avoid their towns. Thanks for putting this valuable scoreboard together, Guy.
Williston Caved. Don’t do business there.
Ill go one step further, tear up any credit cards and send them back to the corporate business for not speaking out against it. Seems harsh and blaming the wrong institution, but its getting to be if you’re not against this, you’re for it. Done with it.
My boss went to Walmart last night and was told absolutely no entry without a mask ! He goes back tonight without one and goes in and half the people in there are NOT wearing masks 🙂 !!
Follow up…..going to igNite in Williston tonight. They vowed they will never cave. Should be fun.
The mandate seems to target Ignite Church. Perhaps Pastor Todd will recognize and/or appoint all attendees as members of the choir.
Pastor Todd had some kind words for Williston. Apparently the Cops in Williston aren’t going to even bother enforcing the rule. What a joke.
I hope that people will voice their displeasure with this by not spending money in the mandated towns. It would be so good to see these towns experience economic repercussions and so hopefully wake them up. I myself will NOT be spending any money in the mandate towns.
I would so like NOT to send my money to Montpelier…..Especially PO Box 1779.
They seem to waste it.
Hi Guy, Thanks for this, but is it possible to get the skinny on more towns in Southern VT other than just Bennington & Brattleboro? There’s Manchester, Dorset, Arlington, etc……not gonna frequent towns that vote “yes”. Also, what about Colchester?
Colchester already has a mandate of sorts. Need to wear masks in municipal buildings,the library and the food shelf. Other than that, not that I have seen. We went to an establishment in Essex the other day, We had a mask just in case. We were told as long as you are vaccinated we are good with that, We do not have enough staff to work, let alone enforce it. Many municipalties police departments have said due to a shortage of staff they will not be enforcing it. I did notice that AFTER the fact, there is now a system of fines in Burlington, for not wearing a mask. People do NOT understand that a MANDATE is not a law. I have to laugh that all these signs are on doors to the grocery stores, and that masks are REQUIRED to enter, but cannot find a working handwashing station anywhere in the store, and they have NOT washed down a shopping cart since the middle of last spring!! This is no longer pandemic but endemic, as is the flu!! So instead of listening to Fauci,and the government, can we please just go back to living our lives normally, instead of punishing everyone?
I don’t believe Pownal will have any sort of mandate, and will likely not even take it up for discussion. If it does come up, and it does go to a vote, I will vote no. I don’t believe it would pass. Bennington declined to pass a mandate, but stores have to ‘Strongly Recommend’ with signage. They will revisit in 30 days (or maybe 45…i’m not sure).
I know Wilmington has a mask mandate but I don’t believe Dover, Whitingham, Readsboro, Stamford do.
I think it would also be important to find out if your representative voted for the Bill in the House. Every level of government that supports this should be held to account, not just shop owners who happen to reside in certain areas.
Excellent comment. Bad decisions are very common when left to those who pay no price for being wrong.
https://swprs.org/face-masks-evidence/
You need data to make an educated mandate, of which they had none. It was no accident the CDC or NIH weren’t doing recent experiments on the effectiveness (or lack of) on mask. But we have the science. Fauci declared last week he is the science. SERIOUSLY ! Doesn’t anyone in Montpelier, or and of our town select boards demant facts anymore ? Originally, the mask came in a box that had the microscopic size the masks filtered and were effective. That was removed because it was like filtering rain with a chain linked fence. Another fact that had to be hidden for the Fauci narrative.
The state called in a person named Anne Sosen who works for a Rockefeller funded group at Dartmouth who shills for masks and vaccines. She was the only expert allowed to speak in Montpelier.
1. He didn’t even say what you’re claiming. Here’s his quote:
“Attacks on me, quite frankly, are attacks on science,” Fauci said Wednesday. “All of the things I have spoken about, consistently, from the very beginning, have been fundamentally based on science. Sometimes those things were inconvenient truths for people.” (https://www.forbes.com/sites/carlieporterfield/2021/06/09/fauci-on-gop-criticism-attacks-on-me-quite-frankly-are-attacks-on-science/?sh=7def1b344542)
2. I went through the studies in the link you posted. Some of them are related to influenza (not COVID-19) and mask mandates (not masks themselves). The Danish RCT was inconclusive but found “46% reduction to a 23% increase in infection”. The ECDC study states “The evidence regarding the effectiveness of medical face masks for the prevention of COVID-19 in the
community is compatible with a small to moderate protective effect, but there are still significant
uncertainties about the size of this effect.”
Here are a couple studies showing that masks are effective in reducing infection:
Meta-analysis https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7748970/
RCT – https://www.poverty-action.org/study/impact-mask-distribution-and-promotion-mask-uptake-and-covid-19-bangladesh
Interesting that all the studies claiming mask efficacy are 2020 or later, whereas decades of solid science preceding that said otherwise. There’s a reason we haven’t worn masks during bad flu outbreaks all these years.
Finding a truth you’re not looking for is luck. Refusing to believe that truth when you stumble upon it is stupidity. Not only did Fauci misrepresent his connection with gain-of-function research, Fauci said: “I represent science’.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/videos/fauci-under-fire-declares-i-represent-science
As Fredrich Nietzsche said: “Sometimes people don’t want to hear the truth because they don’t want their illusions destroyed.”
Did you read the studies you just high lighted?
Colleen,
To the best of my ability, yes. Why, what’s going on?
Thanks for the list. Let’s keep it updated. If your city or town will be looking at mask mandates be sure to speak out. I’m making a list and checking it twice 😉 …….. will only spend my hard earned money in non fascist towns where we are allowed to breathe freely!
Thank you for providing us with this informaiton. It helps us all to be informed!
On Jan. 14-15 a team of international doctors will be coming to Vermont to talk about all aspects of Covid – masks, vaccines, early treatment, prevention… SAVE THE DATES. Health Choice Vermont is one of the sponsors. For more informaiton go to http://www.vthope.net/covid.html
So choir members are exempt. Well, why don’t they just mandate singing to help slow the spread?
Welcome to Germany circa 1930’s. For those who have no idea what that time was like – here it is! “Those who fail to learn from history are bound to repeat it.” Winston Churchill must be holding his head in his hands and Hitler is rolling in Hell laughing hysterically.
I’ve been told the Milton decided NOT to even vote on this nonsense. Yay Milton!
Don Turner was squirming I bet. He is no more than another woke politician like phil scott!!
We are now so divided, not just as a country but within our state as well. The left isn’t content with just getting a vax or two or three or wearing masks themselves but feel the need to force it on everyone else. To me this means war.
Here here! Liberals aren’t happy, scratch that, content (they are never happy) until they make everyone as miserable as them. To quote my favorite saying of this, in many ways fake, pandemic: “The protected need to be protected from the unprotected by forcing the unprotected to use the protection that didn’t protect the protected.”
So, in Montpelier, “Enforcement will take the form of a public notice on the city website ‘of any business, company, or public facility that has been confirmed to be noncompliant with requiring masks indoors and have been notified of such noncompliance at least three (3) times.’ There is no civil or criminal enforcement, and no need for police involvement.”
This notice on the city website will be a helpful listing of where to shop.
Exactly, badge of honour, really. They think people will be “shamed?” lol
Exactly! I’d wear that scarlet letter proudly!
Meanwhile they allow illegals to roam free with no attempt to uphold the law of America!!
Halifax rejected it also…
Let’s Go to Brandon! LOL!
H. Jay,
The original commenter wrote “Fauci declared last week he is the science”. That is false.
The quote you shared “I represent science” does not have the same meaning nor is it the same either. Again, Fauci never declared that “he is the science”.
Hey Christian
I think there’s some billy goats looking for you.
VTINDEPENDENT,
I don’t understand the reference. Mind explaining?
Semantics, sir. That he ‘is’ science, or that he ‘represents’ science. As Bill Clinton famously said: it depends on what the meaning of the word ‘is’ is. A difference with no distinction.
It isn’t semantics when you are claiming someone said something they didn’t say and then trying to rip them for that falsity.
The point being made, by any measure of the word, is that Fauci isn’t the science, nor does he ‘represent the science’ – as he claimed verbatim – and as you conveniently overlooked.
“When death has you by the throat, you don’t mince words.” Friedrich Dürrenmatt
H. Jay,
At least you can agree that he didn’t say that he is science. You disagreeing that he doesn’t “represent the science” is an opinion. Also, I didn’t overlook anything because I never shared an opinion on Fauci’s comments.
Do you think that adding quotations from historical figures somehow bolsters your own words? You do it pretty frequently which is why I ask.
As discussed below with regard to masks, Christian, to claim that there is a difference between someone who says I ‘represent’ science and someone who says he ‘is’ science, is adolescent, logical gymnastics (i.e., sophistry). Neither assertion is accurate. Fauci isn’t science, nor does he represent science. He merely expresses his professional opinion. And many other professionals, with arguably equal, if not superior, expertise disagree with Fauci.
Playing word games doesn’t change these facts.
Fauci doesn’t represent science.
Your cited mask study does not justify the use of disposable, cotton, or paper masks.
End of discussion.
H. Jay,
Being incapable to admit the difference between what someone actually said and what you are claiming someone said actually matters. Thank you for your opinion (because that is what you are sharing). An unfortunate stoop to name-calling but alas that is what you choose to say.
Which virus(es) does the meta-analysis I shared not justify those types of masks? Are you including COVID-19 in your statement? Please be more specific so I don’t assume.
Huh, you MUST then be aware then that Trump never stated that the Covid19 virus was a hoax.
And Fauci does indeed “represent science”. He & his NIH and their improprietous funding to continue gain of function “research” in a problematic Chinese laboratory that in turn created this very virus that has killed over 5 million people worldwide.
So genuinely, Fauci is the science. He and his Communist Chinese buds created Covid19; he is a veritable medical genius. Kinda like Dr. Frankenstein!
Hey! I AGREE with you re: the unfortunate stoop to name-calling on here, as it’s akin to Hillary & her gaggle of democrat buddies calling the approximate 50% of all Americans “deplorable” for supporting the then seated President of the U.S.
BIG stoop – since it encompassed half of this nation’s entire population.
John,
A quick online search found numerous studies from before 2020 showing the effectiveness of masks.
Here is one 2017 meta-analysis – https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/65/11/1934/4068747
“Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indicated a protective effect of masks and respirators against clinical respiratory illness (CRI)”
“Current guidelines on rPPE use in healthcare settings are based on limited evidence of their effectiveness [4]. Studies to investigate the efficacy of rPPE are challenging, because of difficulties ensuring users’ compliance and limited statistical power to evaluate effectiveness against low-incidence outcomes [8]. Thus, results are often incongruent, leading to inconsistent international guidelines [8, 9] and conflicting practice recommendations [10, 11].”
HUM
earlholz,
What is “HUM” about the authors of this meta-analysis discussing their current (at the time) opinions of the state of research? That paragraph is why they performed this meta-analysis in the first place.
The study you cited analyzes Medical Masks and Respirators. It is not a definitive study of all respiratory personal protective equipment (rPPE).
Medical Mask Definition
All “medical masks” will carry a classification from the American Society of Testing and Materials (ATSM). Medical masks by definition, must be validated at a minimum of ASTM Level 1. Masks intended for medical purposes are considered medical devices and are regulated by the FDA.
https://blog.gotopac.com/2020/07/31/surgical-medical-mask-astm-requirements/
From the study you cited:
“Current guidelines on rPPE (respiratory personal protective equipment) use in healthcare settings are based on limited evidence of their effectiveness.”
“Our analysis confirms the effectiveness of medical masks and respirators against SARS.”
“Disposable, cotton, or paper masks are not recommended.”
Hardly a glowing recommendation for ‘masks’ in general…. depending, of course, on what the meaning of the word ‘mask’ is.
H. Jay,
The original commenter said that all the research on mask effectiveness only came out 2020 or later. As you just quoted ““Our analysis confirms the effectiveness of medical masks and respirators against SARS.””. This meta-analysis is from 2017. So the first statement is not true, effectiveness has been shown before 2020.
Again, Christian, you ignore/obfuscate the point at hand. Your cited study was on a specific mask type – ‘medical masks and respirators’ as specifically defined by ASTM procedures (i.e. the American Society for Testing and Materials). You presented the study as covering all masks.
Did you say ‘all’ masks? No. But that is the clear implication of your citation. It’s the clear implication of this articles headline. And you certainly did not elaborate that the study you cited was mask specific.
“A quick online search found numerous studies from before 2020 showing the effectiveness of masks.”
Here’s the deal. In the context of the ‘mandates’ being tossed around and discussed on this forum, the masks being considered include (if not emphasize) disposable, cotton, or paper masks. And these masks are specifically not recommended.
Furthermore, the study you cite is also focused on the protection a ‘medical mask’ provides to the ‘wearer’ of that mask (the healthcare worker), not to the people around them. The mask mandates, as is typical with most knee-jerk governmental edicts, are vague and ineffective, at best.
I suggest you look up the word ‘sophistry’. It best defines your logical transgressions.
H. Jay,
Again, the original comment was that there was no studies showing the effectiveness of masks before 2020. Did the commenter specify which masks they were talking about? Nope, just masks in general. Interesting that you never cared about this lack of specficity but seem to be critical of the language I use. I wonder why?
The meta-analysis I shared and directly quoted from showed that masks were effective. As you pointed out from the meta-analysis, we can be more specific and say that certain masks are effective and others are not. I’d urge caution in assuming intention and then arguing against those assumptions but to each their own.
Christian, Are u a native Vermonter or from California, NY, NJ, CT, or MA like 2/3% of this insane VT legislature?
Anyway, calling someone a billy goat connotes a not particularly “bright” male, or a male that follows the leader. It’s a fairly uncommon reference today.
Probably the term “horse’s ass” is better known.
This is the definition of insanity–doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Here we are, imposing mask mandates–because they worked so well the first time.
Vermont is a laughing stock across the nation. Yet, these mask towns are the darlings of the UN Agenda and CDC/US Gov making incredible, substantial amounts of money off this plandemic. The campaign has nothing to do with health. As we go forward, the proof of this nefarious plan is well documented and involves the entire world. What we see now is the result of a well financed campaign that has caused a mass psychosis – a documentary of this phenomom was published August 2021 – over 4 million views on Youtube. https://youtu.be/09maaUaRT4M
My Fellow Vermonters:
I read these comments and frankly, I see lots of talk, but no action. Is there no one left who knows what “civil disobedience” is or means?
Most anti-mask commenters are saying “Well (harumpf), I certainly won’t spend my money in THAT town anymore”. As if punishing the business owners solves anything. Talk like that is cheap.
So I challenge you to do as I do – go maskless in these towns as you have all your lives. Take real action. I’m usually the only maskless patron in many Brattleboro businesses. It’s frustrating, but my hope is that seeing one person with cajones will encourage another. Then two becomes four, four becomes eight, and so on. You are not alone. In fact, WE are the silent majority in most of VT.
I have no problem when someone wearing a mask has truly been convinced that they’ll die from the ‘rona. It’s your life. I feel sorry for them, but live it as you wish. However, let the rest of us do the same. I have a HUGE problem with parents who mask their kids, but that’s a rant for a different day.
We’d be wise in these times to heed the words of General John Stark: “Live free or die. Death is not the worst of evils”. Funny how words from 210 years ago are still relevant today. Above all, remember that only 15% of the population actively participated in the Revolution. We need to start somewhere, and we need to start standing up for what we believe.
THANK YOU GREEN MOUNTAIN BOY!
This is exactly what I do as well. Go where you need to go and go mask-less! Most of these so-called mask mandates have no enforcement ability and they give an out for those “who have trouble breathing.”
These edicts go against our Constitutional Rights of Personal Freedom! We have a Right to the Freedom to Breathe!
Parents in schools should bond together, protest and refuse to comply. Masks on school children ALL DAY is child abuse! Giving these unnecessary “Shots” to children is child abuse!
Our State Politicians don’t value or understand Freedom! They are Tyrants!
Tyrants Claim Freedom to Kill Freedom, and Yet Keep It for Themselves!
When Tyranny Becomes Law, Rebellion Becomes Duty!
I agree and have tried it but as soon as I walk into the store/school/library demanding masks I’ve got a hysterical store clerk/school staffer/librarian yelling “masks” “masks” at me and I just cave. So how would you handle it? I haven’t figured out that next step so was just figuring on going where they’re not mandated. Suggestions?
Hello VTIndependent,
If you choose NOT to allow or participate in this tyranny of mask mandates, you will have to be convicted, determined, courageous, maintain self control and possibly be inconvenienced. This IS NOT about egos. This IS about standing up for individual and personal Freedoms. Those of us who can read, think and reason, KNOW masks are about fear, control and theater. They want everyone following and sharing in the psychosis.
The actual Bill (S.1) passed by the Vermont Legislature “allowing” Vermont Cities/Towns to pass a mask mandate is linked below. You’ll see that the language does not lay out any mechanism for enforcement.
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2021.1/Docs/ACTS/ACT001/ACT001%20As%20Enacted.pdf
You asked for suggestions. I have not read all of the town mandates passed. Generally, they will put in an “exceptions” section. I believe this is to cover their liability.
Here is an example of what to do using one town.
Brattleboro passed a mask mandate. You’ll see there is also no mechanism for enforcement. There is a section in the mandate on “exceptions.” Part of it says, “Face coverings/masks are NOT required on anyone who has trouble breathing.” This applies to all mask/face covering wearers. Common sense easily tells us that everyone who wears a mask has “trouble breathing.”
Print a copy of the mandate and highlight the “exception” section. Carry it with you as you enter Brattleboro businesses. If you are challenged by an employee(s) of the business, politely and calmly tell them you fall under the “exception” section of the mask mandate. If necessary, show them the mandate document calmly, politely and respectfully. If they still insist, ask for a manager and do the same with the manager. I personally choose to ignore customers if they say anything, but you could engage them if you choose.
In the worst case scenario, which I have never encountered, you would leave the business. This may be inconvenient and you’ll have to go elsewhere. Even so, you have made them aware there are exceptions to the mandate, they didn’t get your business/money and you have shown anyone who heard or was involved, courage and push back, Remember: Courage begets courage.
Brattleboro mandate linked here:
https://www.brattleboro.org/vertical/Sites/%7BFABA8FB3-EBD9-4E2C-91F9-C74DE6CECDFD%7D/uploads/COVID.NewsRelease.FaceMaskRule.211124.pdf
I’ve encountered the exact same situation again and again. The cynic in me suspects that many of these people respond as if they have been “coached” – they stand 2 feet in front of you and if you move to go around them, they move with you. It’s like trying to outrun a mirror, and they all do the same thing.
My answer to this behavior is to politely and immediately ask to speak with a manager. Don’t raise your voice, don’t threaten, but DO stand your ground… and DO (as many have suggested) have a copy of the particular town’s actual ordinance in hand. Understand that ordinance – hi-lite it. You don’t want to be fumbling to find the right passage under stress.
Explain the difference between a law and a mandate (or executive order). Mandates only carry weight under “Public Health Emergencies”, which Vermont hasn’t been under since June 15 of this past year. Think of it this way: The First Amendment doesn’t say “You have freedom of speech (UNLESS we say there’s a pandemic)”. The Second Amendment doesn’t say “You have the right to bear arms (UNLESS we say there’s a pandemic)”. Same with the Ninth, which gives us responsibility for our own bodies and health. Key: We are each responsible for our own bodies, not yours or his or hers. Their body maintenance is on them. Don’t be guilt-tripped into thinking you’re killing society by not wearing a mask.
As many have also said, and I agree, the key is to know your facts and focus on educating people. Will you always be successful? Of course not. But you just might give someone who’s not completely intellectually dishonest something to think about.
One last thing. There are certain essential places where you have no choice but to play the game. The obvious one is hospitals. Play along. Pick another hill to fight on. Your health isn’t worth messing with. The other obvious one is your job. You’ll need to decide for yourself whether you can live with a mask or being forced to get a jab if either or both are conditions of continued employment..
I’m too chicken to risk a confrontation in my small town– we need small groups of dedicated “educators” who would go around to other small towns (not their own) and just put the mandates and vax passports to the test. I’m envisioning two or three folks standing outside of a restaurant where they are not allowed in, carrying some annoying signs, “Unvaxxed and Hungry!” “Discrimination is Always Wrong.” It would take some very brave people. It’s not good for business if you have to dine looking at a pathetic guy outside the restaurant with a sign saying, “Why do you hate me so much?” LOL
Agreed! We have refused to comply with masking since February of last year, while the state wide mandate was active. We were literally the only two mask free patrons at the mall in Burlington– and we made sure to smile brightly at everyone who looked at us askance– in many cases, with a mixture of shock, disdain and horror. It was frankly rather amusing once we got used to it. Getting kicked out of certain stores was less amusing, but we challenged every employer who told us to leave. We asked them why they were implementing these illogical and unscientific decrees. We educated them regarding how masks are not effective at preventing Covid, and stated our belief that medical mandates are antithetical to core American values– of which FREEDOM is the MOST important.
It is very empowering to go maskless in a sea of compliant maskies. I support ALL acts of peaceful civil disobedience relating to the medical fascism being foisted relentlessly upon We the People by Deep State globalists and their minions. We have to push back HARD!
No masks! No tests! No jabs!
Do NOT comply.
Do NOT consent.
Stand your ground where you are! Refuse to budge even an inch for these medical fascists. That is the only way forward, and hopefully out of this mess.
Just wanted to say that I appreciate the comment and will give it a shot. I would also love to hear if there are any protests planned – happy to join if I can.
Scientific studies were easily found online at the beginning of the “pandemic” showing the ineffectiveness of mask-wearing to prevent the spread of viral droplets. The studies showed that viral droplets are so minuscule, they easily pass through face coverings/masks. The only type of mask the studies showed having partial effectiveness were N95 Masks. It is interesting I can no longer find these studies online.
While pro mask-wearers tout the absolute effectiveness of face coverings/masks for reducing the spread of Covid, they have no real science or studies to back it up. Just like they have no real science or evidence to back up the effectiveness of the “Covid Shot.” Real life evidence has shown us the “Shots” aren’t working. Officials don’t want to admit the obvious.
How about the health consequences of mask-wearing? Common sense should have us wondering what types of germs/contaminants can be found on a used mask/face covering.
Other questions should be: Is there reduced blood oxygenation and/or an increase in carbon dioxide in the blood of mask/face covering wearers? Are there headaches, decreased energy levels and light headed symptoms? Do we know of any who have passed out from these conditions? Can these symptoms cause a reduction to natural immunity?
“Fauci says” is like the game of “Simon says.” He’s the god of ALL science and ALL things Covid. It’s really sad to watch how the majority of our population has become so easy to indoctrinate. I believe this is the result of our public education system where children are “told what to think” and NOT taught “how to think.”
I have seen two studies recently, that have inexplicably disappeared. They state that masks do NOTHING to prevent covid. The only ones that do are the N95 masks for which a person has to be FIT tested for, in order to wear the correct size. They are meant to be worn for 20 mins max. Even in the OR a mask is only good for 20minutes. The minute they become wet or soiled they are to be changed. One of the major problems during this mess is that there were none to be had. The idea of having to save your mask and reuse it for the next day, was just gross and goes against everything we nurses have ever been taught. The only thing better than these masks are PAPR’s. Most hospitals only have 2 or 3. The attitude regarding acquiring these or having staff be FIT tested is:’ we have never had any of these diseases, and are at low risk’! Well guess what? They still did not change their attitude during the pandemic. I do believe that anyone who is immunosuppressed should wear a mask to protect themselves against the flu, and covid. Orfrom any other communicable disease. I find it disgusting that fauci, once again, announced that we could have Thanksgiving, but we wouldn’t be able to have Christmas again!! HOW is it that he has a crystal ball that says:pssst Fauci, we are going to have another outbreak or a new variant?? He is further fanning the flames of hate a discontent as well as dividing this country further! Turn off your TV’s and live your life.Fear mongering. Just please wash your hands!!
Here you go Cheryl – a great article to get to many mask studies: https://brownstone.org/articles/more-than-150-comparative-studies-and-articles-on-mask-ineffectiveness-and-harms/
Hopefully that is helpful! We can win this fight!
FEAR and CONTROL… this the only way to keep this hoax going…. are masks effective read the below link
https://swprs.org/face-masks-evidence/
Angelo,
What a great study and source of detailed information.
Thank you!
vtbeliever everyone is brain washed on the masks… they do nothing…..like I said another way of fear and control…
Yes, unfortunately a lot of people are brainwashed on masks. It seems many are using them as a type of emotional support in this culture of emotions over facts, drama and hyped up fear mongering. Really sad ….
I get the impression most people are complying because:1) we desire positive interpersonal relations; 2) have care and concern for one another and like to comply with requests; 3) people want to trust the experts and want to believe they have our best intentions at heart (the truth is too painful); 4) it’s the path of least resistance . . . for now; 5) people are afraid to declare the emperor has no clothes. I witness lack of “social distancing” and overhear conversations of people noting but not complaining that no one is complying with the social distancing and have rarely witnessed or experienced ostracism towards those of us who do not wear masks. Very few among the public are mask Nazis, while clearly many of our state and local government officials are.
The only thing masks protect against is ANXIETY….Unfortunately not against stupidity.
Thanks. I hope people will read.
I lost my left lung due to cancer and have COPD, and asthma, in the right lung. I am still required to wear a mask at all my doctors offices and at the hospital. So much for that piece of paper that says I don’t have to wear one due to breathing difficulties. I just don’t go anywhere including getting my health care issues taken care of. Sad state we have to live in. I wonder how often all these mask wearers even change their so called germ infected “protection.”
Just a bunch of moron Hypocrite liberal leftist that
Voted yes period!!
The Vermonter from the Right side
Period!!
St. Johnsbury discussion tonight.
Middlebury actually had the courage to say no? Unreal! Especially after they just evacuated the college because someone got the sniffles. Of course all the business in downtown Middlebury already require a mask. Another woke town to avoid.
99% of the school has been poked but they claim there is an outbreak at the school and they forced classes online. More proof that the Vaxxes are a joke. Of course the cases probably aren’t even sick people.
Wentvto 3 stores in Williston and 2 in Essex today totally unmasked and bought stuff and not one person was discourteous and most store workers friendly and helpful!! Don’t give in to the sjw leftists and we Vermonters can win this war on freedom phil scott started.
IMPORTANT TO CLARIFY, GUY: Manchester, VT did NOT approve a mask mandate, so could you possibly remove them? What they did was simply state if retailers want to, they can request customers use a mask which is not enforceable and I do NOT know of anyone here requesting masks.
Going from store to store, some shoppers are choosing to wear a mask & some are not. But the town does NOT require them.
THANKS.
This whole debate, outlined in this column is nothing more than a distraction, fueled by some left wing sitting local people who are flapping their wings over the power trip. The real issues, like salvation of this country, and the steps to accomplish that are all items the Left Wingers want to avoid , because when that day comes and the American People start explaining their positions, and how successful Biden has been (that will not take long) versus what we need to replace the current massive failures on display in D C now, when they get it all in place, The left wingers will be on the outside looking in. Obama’s concepts were widely rejected in 2016, remember that? The Fireball Express containing the up to now subdued for the most part, was pre-viewed in VA on election day. Notice how quickly the MSM has quit covering this massive change of direction?
The country is poised for a takeback, and when that day comes, the MSM along with the DNC, and the lamest of the lame in congress will be history…. That giant sucking sound will make permanent history of those who want to kill America. The warnings are all out there and have been sounded. Anyone been trying to purchase Firearms and ammunition in the last six months ? There are many, many neighborhoods armed to the teeth and ready for the thug activity that has been so prominent in certain Democratic controlled areas around this country. That nonsense will end at the perimeters of neighborhoods that have a different view
of the homefront.
I could go on and on, but will sign off now.
What about Woodstock? Did they vote yet?
My family went to Woodstock today. They apparently have a ‘strongly recommended’ thing going on, b/c they have a bunch of green signs in all the windows. We went into a couple of shops but any businesses that promote bad science aren’t going to get my money anymore. I’ve read too many journal articles on this subject and I’m done playing those games!
It is going to be a match between the Faucists and the Anti-Faucists. Barre City does require masks in municipal buildings. My understanding is that was a decision made by the city manager and not by the council
Add Richmond to the Yes column. No surprise here. The proposal brought by Richmond Rescue, and I quote, “One of the most powerful tools available is indoor masking.” And the next, a bald face lie which can not be verified scientifically, “Schools have been incredibly successful in slowing transmission by instituting mask mandates.” We cant pass laws based on opinion.
I thought the most powerful tool was getting the jab? Oops…that don’t work…..fooled again!
Agreed. Probably what helps children most is their age, as there have only been 655 reported deaths in the 0-17 age range in the US: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1191568/reported-deaths-from-covid-by-age-us/. I for one am tired of the school superintendent sending scare emails telling us about case counts when there is a near 0% mortality rate in K-12 aged children.
And I’ve already left this on another thread but I’ll add it again here for everyone to read. Masks don’t work: https://brownstone.org/articles/more-than-150-comparative-studies-and-articles-on-mask-ineffectiveness-and-harms/
Hopefully if we all actually follow the best science we can stop w/ the mask and vaccine requirements.
Victory is a No as well..
Berlin “tabled” it.
Figure this out. We have a couple of great young people in our downstairs apt. She has Covid tested positive last Friday He went for a test yesterday he’s negative. The apartment Ain’t that big and they don’t wear masks
have seen this OVER and OVER!! Our three 30ish kids all had it this year. Their spouses and children, who were around them early in the symptomatic phase, or throughout, NEVER GOT IT. One kid was around their inlaws, the MIL got it, the FIL did not…..’splain that Lucy. (PS, only one of the spouses had the juice due to work) Also, no masks.
Pittfield is a yes mandate.
Why are all these Vaccinated people so peeeed off about me with my lifetime natural immunity ?? I am grateful !!
Have they no faith in their defective injection?
On a subconscious level they just realize they’ve been played and are angry.
Fauci is a God to these people and the receiving of the Vaxx is their sacrament. They are simply brainwashed, Godless cultists who will never admit that their God has failed them.
All this is due to the slave mind – you have to get some stranger that works for the town or city, to decide if you should stifle your oxygen. Viruses don’t live outside the body, they are not living organisms, they are produced by the body and are many times smaller than the weave of masks including N95’s. I guess people don’t really do any research, don’t know about terrain theory and don’t understand biology at all but if their media tells them so they will believe anything. Well fool you because covid isn’t even isolated but don’t mind, keep masking up, keep taking a bioweapon but don’t expect others to follow such dangerous practices. It seems everyone is a medical advisor today.
Spot on, Madeleine! So glad someone finally mentioned terrain theory and the fact that viruses being produced by the body. We’ve been lied to about everything.
ANYTHING…..REPEAT, ANYTHING that Balint does or says….is for one reason. Guess what it is. Bingo.
I believe she recently went on record as supporting quarantine camps disguised as offsite hospitals for non jabbed virus patients.
Folks if you can smell the crap that the Liberals are putting out!! Do you Really Think the mask are
Going to work ! Oh by the way I’m the teeth farery 😎💀☠
I was wondering when they’d try to get a re-vote when it wasn’t going the way they wanted
Diane – good observation – many town selex have discussed the issue and decided not to bring it to a question – a de facto No. The list describes which are which.