"but if "masks don't work" is the "wrong" message, how is "making people wear a useless mask" the "right" message? Right for what? They must think that the masks "work" for some purpose or other, and THAT is the part I wonder about."

Here is my take Veryver - the masks serve as a wedge to divide the public and more importantly, give the politicians cover for their worthless and ineffective policies. Politicians: "You are frustrated and upset that we are not yet back to normal? Do not look at me - I have set out policies that will get us to the promise land of normalcy. It MUST be your FELLOW CITIZENS that are not COMPLYING."

And there you have it - don't blame me for incompetence and the loss of your freedoms. Blame your fellow citizens...and many of those people like Trump in some way. etc etc etc