Huntington Beach residents slammed for ditching masks, Angry Internet asks 'what about BLM protesters?'
There are a number of ongoing protests in the US. However, it is very important that the protesters do not forget that the country is still in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. One such group of people who aren’t taking it seriously are the residents of Huntington Beach. As reported by CBS News, protesters came out in Huntington Beach on July 18 to speak out against a variety of causes. At least three groups could be identified among the hundreds in attendance — protesters calling to remove Governor Gavin Newsom from office, Black Lives Matter protesters and abolish ICE protesters.
However, a majority of them refused to wear masks. As LA Times reported, in a viral video that’s generated more than 1.5M views since last week, YouTubers Tom Allen and John Parr offered residents face coverings. "We found out that it’s not really a shortage, people just kinda think they suck," Allen told The Times. Parr said Huntington Beach seemed "relatively safe" during their visit in early July, when the duo passed out all 20 packs of masks they brought. The mask promotion angered some residents, however. "Some dudes tried to fight us, which was scary," Parr said. "It hasn’t affected me at all, besides that I can’t go to a bar and have a drink and really kick it with the boys," a man said. He called the restrictions "pretty lame" but acknowledged the deadliness of the "gnarly" coronavirus. In an earlier report, a resident told AFP, "It's a hoax." He added, "It's my constitutional, God-given right not to wear a mask."
This attitude of the residents has come under fire. Netizens on Twitter expressed their anger on this indifference. One user said, "Dear Huntington Beach protestors: 140,00 people have been killed by #COVID19. Your ignorance is criminal. Keep it up and very soon one or more of your family members will test positive and you'll know you helped. You are a disgrace." Another wrote, "Interesting that the MAGA-type protesters recognize their right to liberty ('Gubmint not gonna make me temporarily wear a uncomfortable mask!') but cannot fathom that a person's right to LIVE THROUGH this pandemic might be more important... because death is permanent."
However, a lot of users also pointed out that the widespread protesters of BLM are also not following protocols. Some questioned, "You are also hypocritical. He had no problem with the BLM protests and riots.” Another said, “Hit piece on Trump supporters. Shameful. I did not hear you when Covid 19 positive Antifa/BLM marched all over our state spiting on our police giving them the virus. You're selective in your vitriol, your facts are skewed just like the article.”
According to a Reuters report, nearly 142,000 Americans have now died from the illness caused by the coronavirus, a toll that experts warn will likely surge following recent record spikes in case numbers and an alarming rise in hospitalizations in many states. The United States reported more than 1,000 deaths from Covid-19 on July 21, according to a Reuters tally, marking the first time since June 10 the nation has surpassed that grim milestone.