A cleansing fire destroys the masks of servitude.
Saturday's "#FreeIdaho" mask burning event comes after Republican lawmakers in the state's House of Representatives narrowly passed legislation that would make any future mask mandates illegal. Adults at the rally in Boise could be heard instructing kids how to toss hundreds of masks into a trash can fire. "Destroy them!" one enthusiastic adult could be heard yelling as smiling children burned the masks inside the flaming trash can. "Not too fast, kids, be careful, watch the fire."Link- Youtube, view it before it's gone
The issue of statewide mask mandates angered many GOP lawmakers across the country, but Idaho legislators were so incensed by the idea that they voted last month to prevent any level of government from taking such action again. Multiple cheering adults could be seen helping kids grab the masks in order to toss them into the fire. American flags were waved by several older attendees, including at least two in wheelchairs.
This is not the first "anti-masker" rally in the state. Last August, a mask-burning barbecue event was held near the Panhandle Health District building in Hayden. "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety," read a sign held up by one protester, a quote from Benjamin Franklin that many historians say is frequently taken out of context. On February 22, the North Dakota House of Representatives passed a bill by two votes to make any future attempts at a statewide mask mandate illegal—no matter what health crisis may occur. "Our state is not a prison camp," said GOP Representative Jeff Hoverson.