the great mask debate

I appreciate the civility so far here. I think one of the things the world has lost recently is the ability to discuss touchy subjects without getting mad. Most times, seems like it turns into name calling from the start.

I wear a mask when asked, even wear it correctly over my nose and mouth, but only because it seems to make others more comfortable. I don't believe they make a difference.

I think the data to support masks is contrived. Cough on a petri dish with a mask on and no sign of the virus? Shocker, I get the same results covering my mouth with my hand. And I don't know about anyone else, but I don't go lapping up the spittle that would land on the ground when someone coughs or sneezes anyway so I don't see how that is saving me. Now the saliva that is aerosol'ed when you sneeze or cough and goes right through a mask or around the sides? That is what is going to get someone sick, and I don't see a mask short of a true gas mask actually doing squat to stop it.