If you aren't willing to risk a minimal fine to defend your rights, you can't claim to be ready for the real fight that is coming.
This is an escalation process. We don't just go from silent majority to 1776. We must progress through the steps and inspire the will to fight in those around us before they will wake up.
Might I suggest a fund created to help pay fines for violations?
Edit: to be clear, I'm not anti-mask. I'm anti-mandate. If you are symptomatic then you should be wearing a mask to prevent transmission.
unfortunately in MD we can not even enter stores without one on.
I live in a place with a mandate and I've never worn a mask. Nobody has ever said anything to me other than "If you aren't doing it, neither am I"
The store employees say as I walk in, "Sir, you need to have a mask!" and I say, "No thank you." Then I continue moving on with my business.
Most of these mandates if you actually read them have exceptions in them.
All that being said, taking appropriate precautions and practicing proper hygiene around those who are most vulnerable is always recommended. You wouldn't visit your grandmother in a nursing home if you had any flu-like symptoms, would you?
When people tell me I have to wear a mask I just give them a friendly smile and say "Thanks" and carry on. Just stay cordial and respectful and continue moving toward your objective with purposfull drive (checking out, shopping, etc.)
Just pick a store and walk in one day without a mask. We believe in you bud
this is exactly my point. I too live in a mandatory mask state. But none of this is going away unless we start pushing back.
That's the entire point of being willing to face fines. The fight is worth it and it might actually help a few of us work out our non-compliance muscles. Conservatives are generally law-abiding and breaking the rules can be difficult for many of us, myself included.
But I've got news for you, this fight is coming to our door whether we want it or not. We might as well practice with the small things now before we have to face the bigger challenges.