On Target

I understand why people don't read The Federalist, since it sometimes likes to print hot-take points of view in order to grab eyeballs and masks that move under the guise of "exploring all sides." And they've some writers who seem to be, for want of a better word, ign'ant.

But they do produce some good ideas and this column by David Marcus is one of them. Marcus, who lives in New York City, was in his back yard the other day and noticed one of his neighbor's cutting someone's hair. Both men were wearing masks, and Marcus at first thought he was seeing someone taking care of a relative's sartorial needs. But then it seemed that quite a number of men visited and received haircuts over the next several days, and Marcus realized he was seeing someone violate New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio's order forbidding hair styling folks from working in their homes, as they might still be involved in the spread of the virus. He also knew that the mayor had told NYC citizens they needed to call and inform authorities when they saw someone violating those guidelines.

So he didn't. Because, as he says, he decided to engage in minding his own business. Both cutter and customers wore masks and gloves, and they were as far apart from each other as residents of the country's most populous metro might be on an apartment elevator or in a neighborhood grocery store. So despite the mayor's explicit instructions, Marcus kept quiet.

Ah, New York. Where someone can say, "Eff you, buddy," by saying nothing at all.