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This essay, “Fish in a Barrel” by Miles Mathis, expresses the author’s opinion that many current mandates and societal pressures, particularly surrounding Covid and mask-wearing, are based on bluff and intimidation rather than genuine authority or scientific validity. Mathis uses a video of a mask protest at a Trader Joe’s in Santa Cruz as a starting point, observing that the protestors, who he identifies as “progressives,” are more “woke” than the store’s employees. He criticizes individuals who act as self-righteous enforcers of rules, citing examples of aggression from Trader Joe’s employees and a “tall longhaired guy” at the door.
Mathis argues that masks do not prevent the spread of disease, citing various studies and the fact that medical professionals use them differently. He also points to OSHA regulations regarding mask use, claiming that current mandates illegally ignore these laws, which require physical assessments and limit wearing duration due to oxygen deprivation and CO2 increase. He suggests that agencies like OSHA, WHO, NHS, CDC, NSF, and many governors have been influenced by figures like Bill Gates. He believes that businesses requiring masks are breaking federal laws and that employees should refuse these mandates and consider striking.
The author shares personal anecdotes to illustrate his thesis that resistance is often more effective than compliance. He recounts successfully defending himself against a movie theater manager attempting to confiscate a drink and evading parking tickets and impoundment in Austin. He also discusses refusing to pay exorbitant Texas electricity bills, suggesting they are a bluff and will eventually be forgiven, similar to the Enron scandal. Mathis asserts that many threats from companies and collection agencies are bluffs, and that individuals are not obligated to pay fabricated debts.
He concludes by stating that fighting back is easier and more rewarding than perceived, as mainstream narratives are often bluffs and individuals are being tested to become “free spirits” rather than “rule-followers.” He invokes the concept of Karma and the idea of reincarnation, believing that those who uphold injustice are cursed and that he is sent to expose them. Mathis sees the “FEARLESS FLYER” message on a sign at the Trader Joe’s event as a sign that the reader is meant to be the one who stands up.
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