By JOHN KANELIS / johnkanelis_92@hotmail.com

A social media friend — who’s an actual friend from the Texas Panhandle — posted a fascinating rebuke of those who are challenging his opposition to Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to rescind the state’s mask mandate.

He writes: I’m sorry that the mask wearing issue has been re-politicized and has become personal. It has been suggested that those of us who disagree with Gov. Abbott on this issue should move to a blue state. I do disagree. I agree to disagree. But I ain’t movin’.

Well, I ain’t movin’, either. Although I haven’t been criticized in a personal nature for the thoughts I have expressed on this blog about Abbott’s premature lifting of the mask-wearing order. I maintain that Abbott’s decision apparently wasn’t based on medical advice. Abbott must be listening to someone or something whispering sweet nothings into his ear, that the COVID virus isn’t that big of a deal. Well, we all know the truth about that.

I, too, simply hate the politicization of this entire issue. Wearing a mask should not become a Democrat vs. Republican matter, but it has, to the shame of those who attach politics to this issue.

I will disagree with the governor’s decision and will demonstrate my disagreement by continuing to wear a mask when I venture into public places with total strangers. How long will I do so? I haven’t a clue, other than to predict that I will not shuck the mask anytime in the near, or medium future.