The end is near, thank goodness

Burn, baby, burn.

Or is it freeze, baby, freeze?

Saturday’s attempts across Idaho to unleash the furious fires of freedom in a paroxysm of mask burning looked more like kids trying to light a soggy match on a muggy day. Pretty much a non-starter.

In fact, small groups of local mask “burners” were tossing their hated face diapers into a pot with dry ice in the bottom. That way, when dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) was exposed to the air, photos and video would look like there was smoke coming from the pot. Talk about fake news.

Yet the Huge Protest That Petered Out is of little consequence. Idahoans who think their freedoms have been caged are simply not tethered to reality.

Idaho has, since the dawn of the pandemic, been one of the nation’s most freedom-loving states, thanks to the courage and wisdom of Gov. Brad Little in finding that middle ground to keep businesses open and most citizens safe.

According to a national study by Wallethub, here’s how Idaho ranked (as of March 1) as one of the least-restrictive states in dealing with the coronavirus. The ranking shows 1 = fewest restrictions and 25 = average restrictions.

1st — Requirement to wear a face mask in public

1st — State guidance on customer health checks at restaurants

1st — Travel restrictions

22nd — Large gatherings restrictions (still above average)

1st — Strictness of “shelter in place” order

1st — Reopening of non-essential businesses

1st — Reopening of restaurants and bars

1st — Working from home requirements/recommendations

The end is near, ladies and gentlemen, and getting closer by the minute. In addition to the governor, credit goes to the grand majority who have loved their neighbors enough to wear masks, to social distance, to wash their hands often, and now, to get vaccinated.

As positive tests plummet, experts estimate that every American who wants a vaccine should have one by the beginning of summer. There also are encouraging reports of a drug that, in early trials, appears to be effective in treating COVID-19 patients. It is not a stretch to believe that by the holidays this year, herd immunity in the U.S. will have been reached.

On that glorious day, but not until then, maybe we can all retire our masks respectfully.