WINONA, Minn. – About 20 people gathered outside the Courthouse to object to a proposed mask requirement on the Winona County Board agenda. Annie Casselman, an organizer, told protesters that masks don’t work. She cited no evidence to support her point, which contradicts all medical research. Her words: “We must speak up and speak out for the truth. The truth is masks don’t work. We know that. We know the science. We know the research. They don’t work.” Casselman has made similar claims to the Winona School Board. People at the Courthouse rally Tuesday, none of whom were masked, registered no objections to Casselman’s claims. On one point, however there could be no disagreement: Masks limit facial expressions, which she suggested hindered free expression.
Earlier: Readers weigh in: Lots of nays for City Council nay
Leaning on New Testament
Casselman, a Catholic adapted a point loosely, very loosely, rom the Christian Gospel of John to make her point: “It still holds true that the truth will set you free. And we will be free from all these mandates and free from the oppression, if people would just listen to the truth and seek the truth. We need to be free, to have the choice to do what’s best for us. We need to have the freedom to do what’s best for our families. We don’t need the government or anyone else telling us what to do with our health. We can take care of ourselves. We’re big boys and girls.”
Casselman. Has lived in Winona 10 years. Previously a youth outreach activist in Chicago. Aligned then with the Pro -Life Action League.