I would say, with respect, that @NIHDirector doesn't get either the elites or the ordinary folk that are served by not wearing masks, and their drives are just as natural as his.
For much of Western history, if you were rich, government was either something you controlled or, if you faced the risk of not controlling it, attempted to destroy in order to remove the threat to your wealth.
That solves the first question, which is: what is the essential function of the GOP, the 'non-mask wearing' party, for elites.
The second question: why would the GOP base then identify around 'non-mask wearing.' The answer to that is - there is little 'governance' motive in GOP donor class; the deliverable is tax policy for the rich. 'Personal liberty' marketing for everyone else (*white) is the path.
Like gun rights, it's a way to belong. Once the GOP is the party that serves your identity, all the markers that go with that choice become part of your identity. rand.org/blog/2016/01/r…
The donor class that seeks to dismantle or disrupt government finds common cause with a cultural base that historically distrusts government. A public health campaign is possible but goes against the grain of both groups & their specific interests.
artistascitizen.org/Atlas/WSJ_Webb…
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