General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsTexas restaurant kicks out family because they were wearing masks to protect at-risk infant.
David Edwards
September 19, 2021
A Texas restaurant required a family to remove their masks even though the couple's 4-month-old infant is immunocompromised.
Natalie Wester told KTVT that the incident occurred while she was dining with her husband at Hang Time restaurant in Rowlett.
Wester said that they chose to wear masks even though they are vaccinated to protect the health of their 4-month-old son.
Our waitress came over, sat down next to me and said, 'Our manager told me to come over because I am nicer than he is But this is political and I need you to take your masks off,'" Wester recalled.
-snip-
I thought that my outrage meter had hit capacity, but this story proved that wrong.
XanaDUer2
(10,327 posts)before the requirement.
marble falls
(56,353 posts)NCjack
(10,279 posts)SergeStorms
(18,880 posts)Texas. End of sentence.
I'm retired, love to travel, but you'll never find me traveling to a red state that has idiots running the government, and a majority of idiots as residents.
So it looks like the south is completely off the map for me until they get serious about defeating this virus. Oh well.
aocommunalpunch
(4,223 posts)Why are you taking an at-risk infant out to a restaurant in the first place during the pandemic? Please bear in mind the restaurant can take a long walk off a short pier, but the question still remains. It strikes me as irresponsible.
snowybirdie
(5,190 posts)These days its way too dangerous to test fate. Especially in Texas where idiocy reigns.
Lefta Dissenter
(6,617 posts)I think they were out without the child and just wanted to reduce the possibility of bringing the virus home to the baby.
aocommunalpunch
(4,223 posts)Thanks for the idea.
TrogL
(32,818 posts)No baby in evidence
NullTuples
(6,017 posts)Bleacher Creature
(11,235 posts)sop
(9,943 posts)alphafemale
(18,497 posts)Very risky.
But the restaurant owner is very much a mask hole.
Do not understand hostility they display to people wearing masks.
Celerity
(42,631 posts)alphafemale
(18,497 posts)The headline should have referred to them as "couple" to avoid the confusion.
fescuerescue
(4,448 posts)I think it's just stated that they had an infant. It could be anywhere.
I remember back in the 1990s when we had our first baby.
He was only a month old or so when we went to a crowded restaurant. I started getting nervous just waiting in line about all the germs in the air and whether this was a safe and wise thing.
Finally, as were getting closed to being seated, I told my wife, this isn't a good idea at all and we left. And that was long long before Covid.
I just couldn't imagine doing such a thing in 2021.
Ms. Toad
(33,915 posts)Every reference is to the couple, not to the family.
In one article, the couple talked about being able to have those couple of hours once a month for a mental health break - which strongly suggests they were out alone.
Most vaccinated people I know who are protecting at-risk family members aren't taking those family members to risky places - but are being careful when they go to risky places that they don't catch COVID and bring it home. Everything I read here suggests that is the case here.
Lancero
(2,979 posts)They were seated at a dine-in restaurant, planning to dine there according to the article, not up front ordering take out.
They'd have to take the masks off to eat, at which point they'd be at risk for catching something that they could then pass over to their 4 month old.
Rebl2
(13,301 posts)wnylib
(21,146 posts)The restaurant manager is a POS, but I still question why the parents took the baby there. Obviously the restaurant has a no mask policy. So there must have been other customers, plus staff, without masks. Even if people wore masks inside the restaurant, they would have to remove them to eat. The virus is aeosolized. That baby should not have been there.
I am fully vaccinated and even I won't go inside a restaurant.
On edit:
I have looked at other posts that say the baby wasn't with them. But I still question the wisdom of being in a restaurant during a pandemic when there is a vulnerable baby at home. They would have to remove their masks to eat and would risk picking up the virus then. Not to mention being among other unmasked people which they could see on entering.
If they wanted a night out alone, takeout or a sidewalk restaurant would have been bettet, although I wouldn't have done that, either.
Tribetime
(4,670 posts)A restaurant full of unmasked idiots
Dorian Gray
(13,469 posts)I am all for mask wearing in public and in schools. Going into restaurants. In stores in my community. Wear a mask. A restaurant requiring you not to wear a mask upon entering is stupid.
But WHY WOuLD YOU BRING AN AT RISK INFANT INTO A RESTAURNT if they're at risk? Where everybody else isn't wearing masks but you are. Until you eat next to that infant? I don't get what they're trying to prove (other than people not being able to critically think anymore).
ETA: Okay, I have realized that the infant isn't with them, and that makes it a different story. The owner is an asshole and probably won't suffer any business consequences as a result.
Freedom for me but not for thee. (anti-maskers are full of shit!)
Skittles
(152,963 posts)you know, because it's a "date night"
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/live-updates/?id=80126549
cinematicdiversions
(1,969 posts)Actually, even if not immunocompromised what kind of person takes a four-month infant to a restaurant to begin with.
MagickMuffin
(15,886 posts)POLITICAL is how the manager and his employees feel about the situation.
THAT IT IS POLITICAL! That's how they want to view this. Shame on them.
fescuerescue
(4,448 posts)Heck here we are, on a political board talking about it.
Doesn't change any of the facts of course.
But Covid is deeply political.
MagickMuffin
(15,886 posts)Covid doesn't care what political party someone belongs to. It's just most intelligent people know to get the vaccine or face getting the covid and dying. The RWNJ's don't care about that at all, and decided to make it ALL about politics.
Covid is news so of course we talk about it here. The vaccine saves lives and the RWNJ's don't care about life.
Ms. Toad
(33,915 posts)Do you think hurricanes are politial? We talk about them here, too.
Do not allow the other side to convert a matter of public health into a political football. Invite conversations about the science - even conversations about how to address the real medical/scientific concerns. But once it turns to accusations of politics, cut them off at the knees and walk away.
Dorian Gray
(13,469 posts)it's absolutely a public health issue. Until the tribalism takes over. This couple is all about tribalism. Because the reality makes no sense.
Ms. Toad
(33,915 posts)Dorian Gray
(13,469 posts)as I misread and thought the couple brought their child to the restaurant with them. So, I was referring to both sides. After realizing that the parents went to the restaurant without their child, I'm taking back my initial shocked reaction and saying that it is indeed the restaurant owner who is politicizing and tribalizing this whole thing. So yes. (But wanted to acknowledge my own initial misreading.)
Ms. Toad
(33,915 posts)who are not as careful as I am, that I immediately knew what they meant. But the article was not as clear as it could have been.
fescuerescue
(4,448 posts)And the other half says they do exist and they belong to the opposite party.
Yes hurricanes would be political.
But It's ok. Politics isn't a dirty word.
And frankly, if we just agree here and now that masking isn't political.....Nothing would change.
Ms. Toad
(33,915 posts)Politics means reasonable opinions can differ and we get to take a vote on things and the most popular opinion wins. That is disastrous as to a public health crisis. That's why public health departments - until politics was insesrted - had broad powers to quarantine, issue mask mandates, etc. based on science - not politics.
When the response to mask wearing or vaccination is, "Well, it's all political," our response needs to be no, it isn't. It is a matter of public health. We can debate the balance between opening the economy v. not - BUT once that largely political decision is made, the way it opens is a matter of public health and must be based on science - not politics..
fescuerescue
(4,448 posts)By claiming that it's not politics.
Both sides are clamoring to get the high ground on language. That's normal I guess.
But what really matters is behavior. But we use language to influence behavior.
Ms. Toad
(33,915 posts)It is a real distinction, and allowing (or even participating in) framing it as political means that public health loses.
That's why public health departments have always had significant autonomy to quarantine or issue other public health mandates that have the power of law. They are medical/science-based that are not subject to popular vote.
fescuerescue
(4,448 posts)Obviously that's a strawman.
We can certainly stand together say the others are wrong. Way way wrong in fact.
But we can't say that there isn't disagreement and discussion and politicians making campaigns on it.
Ms. Toad
(33,915 posts)not political ones.
There are folks who are trying to make it into a political issue, and we need to stop humoring them - and facilitting their ridiculous assertions that it is political, rather than a matter of public health.
Whenever they start insisting it is political, refuse to engage in the conversation about politics and insist on the conversations being scientific/medical based.
Again - if it's politics, the majority vote wins, and that is now how we've handled epidemics in the past. We grant health departments broad powers to make science/health-based decisions to control the spread of the pandemic.
LanternWaste
(37,748 posts)One of these things exist only because our imagination gives it imaginary power.
The other exists with or without humans.
Hence, Covid is as political as the galaxy, GN-z11. No more and no less.
fescuerescue
(4,448 posts)Politics is really a way of describing human behavior and tribalism. Which we are seeing in spades as a reaction to the virus.
Hortensis
(58,785 posts)they're spreading a deadly disease for political reasons? NONE that I've heard. This waitress can't be an ardent trumpist, not nearly hypocritical and dishonest enough.
fescuerescue
(4,448 posts)"this isn't my opinion. It's my bosses"
hadEnuf
(2,149 posts)So you have to be of a certain political persuasion to get served at this restaurant in Texas? That's discrimination.
I hope they sue the shit out of them.
roamer65
(36,739 posts)Just for fun.
ZonkerHarris
(24,155 posts)Not all of course, but many.
walkingman
(7,505 posts)and there are more and more every year. It is really quite sad what has happened since the 90's.
Throck
(2,520 posts)All the other idiots in the restaurant.
tanyev
(42,354 posts)but it seems like a very bad decision to take an immunocompromised infant inside any restaurant.
Sane1
(92 posts)Last edited Mon Sep 20, 2021, 02:10 PM - Edit history (1)
Can I get $10,000 for turning in this mother fucker ??
wnylib
(21,146 posts)Only the "unborn" matter.
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)but, i sure as hell wouldn't go into this restaurant or any that behaved in such a manner.
Mad_Machine76
(24,353 posts)Obviously, taking their cues from *ucker Carlson
lambchopp59
(2,809 posts)"Owned the libs". Disowned "authority". Owned, complete slaves to Tuckers every whim, even when he says "do what I say, not as I do.
CaptainTruth
(6,546 posts)...also supports Texas' anti-abortion restrictions.
"Pro life?" Not if you don't care about the life of a 4 month old baby.
Dorian Gray
(13,469 posts)the parents were bringing the CHILD INTO A RESTAURANT IN TEXAS WHERE MASKS AREN"T REQUIRED. But they wanted to keep theirs on to protect their immunocompromised child?
This is tribalism at its most cynical.
IronLionZion
(45,250 posts)I had to see what backwoods small town this was and nope, it's a populous area with tons of COVID.
wnylib
(21,146 posts)as in covid roulette. Come inside and take your chances.
IronLionZion
(45,250 posts)without actually thinking through how 1% is 3.3 million Americans out of 330 million total. That's like famine and holocaust numbers.
wnylib
(21,146 posts)safe about going without masks or vaccines, thinking that the odds are in their favor.
IronLionZion
(45,250 posts)all the while assuming that someone else will be the 1% who doesn't make it.
Meanwhile way too many of them think high taxes are ruining their lives when they are nowhere near the income levels that are impacted by tax cuts or tax raises.
wnylib
(21,146 posts)costs being pushed onto middle and working classes because of tax cuts for higher income brackets. So they believe it when their leaders tell them that the problem is taxes imposed on them by Democrats to spend on "welfare queens" and immigrants.
So they vote against their own interests, thinking that they are voting for them. All the while it is costing them more tp keep schools, fire departments, public libraries, etc. operating. They think they know why but are way off base in their racism and xenophobia. Hurting themselves and blaming it on "others."
aeromanKC
(3,307 posts)See it and get the fuck out NOW!!!!!!! And by all means do NOT spend your money is said business!!!
mackdaddy
(1,520 posts)Asking people to REMOVE their mask is one of the most stupid things I have ever heard.
Maybe they should remove their pants too?
MarcA
(2,195 posts)It's always "others" who are threatening their "rights". BTW, he is a business
open to the public, not a private club.
marie999
(3,334 posts)If we had an at-risk child or any child we wouldn't go anywhere near other people unless absolutely necessary. We still do not go to restaurants.
orleans
(33,986 posts)especially in fucking anti-masking texas
AdamGG
(1,275 posts)Though these morons would probably see it as a badge of honor.
Harker
(13,870 posts)or lack thereof, of the proprietors and staff.
I've seen plenty of "Trumpsky 2024" flags warning me not to spend my money at a variety of businesses.
Stuart G
(38,359 posts)Bernardo de La Paz
(48,773 posts)MAGAts want their anti-public health choices to be purely personal and sacrosanct while they get in the face of everyone else on everyone else's choices.
Wearing a mask is a medical decision.
Not wearing a mask in a pandemic is the political decision.
Dorian Gray
(13,469 posts)Last edited Mon Sep 20, 2021, 03:05 PM - Edit history (1)
The whole thing.
If their child is immunocompromised, why the hell are they bringing him to a restaurant that won't allow masks, anyhow? Geez.
They're afraid of their own germs but not the rest of the restaurant?????
ETA: I misread the article and thought they brought the child WITH them to the restaurant. It wasn't immediately clear to me that wasn't the case in the blurb above. SO it does change my perspective and the restaurant owner is the only one at fault!
Dorian Gray
(13,469 posts)and the restaurant sucks, for sure....
Anti-maskers stink.
But this is why they get traction. Because people do stupid shit like this.
KS Toronado
(16,900 posts)while refusing to accept the fact that other people have the freedom to wear one.
Maru Kitteh
(28,303 posts)and others by wearing a mask.
And for those judging them here . . . step away. You don't know if they planned to be seated outdoors, how many patrons were there, what the occasion was, whether they were visiting during "off" hours, etc.
Salviati
(6,002 posts)Bleacher Creature
(11,235 posts)I am vaccinated and don't have an underlying medical condition, and yet I still prefer to wear a mask, largely to protect others and to control the spread of the virus. That said, the idea that someone would tell me to take it off because the are too far down the rabbit hole of RW conspiracy sites is flat out insane.
mopinko
(69,803 posts)lordy the parent bashers on here.
MustLoveBeagles
(11,563 posts)AZLD4Candidate
(5,558 posts)Equomba
(197 posts)I hear their Covid is to die for!
And for an extra $2 you can get a side of Horsey Vax!
rockfordfile
(8,682 posts)Jon King
(1,910 posts)aggiesal
(8,863 posts)Unless you're wearing a mask.
I'm not into cancel culture, but it's owners like this, with this kind of attitude that need a lesson in business.
What ever happened to "The customer is always right!"?
Also, "The Track Bar & Grill" sports bar is right down the street.
lark
(22,993 posts)Guess it's a sign I need to check in on her. I know she lives in the midst of her big family and that they love & take care of her, but still most of them are trumpers so I'm worried.
AZLD4Candidate
(5,558 posts)to a restaurant with an at-risk child.
Let's play the scenario. They wore masks and took every precaution. If someone was watching their child, it was probably a date night (you know married couples do that) or the first night out in a long time.
How dare people attack these people for going out? A few have said "well, I wouldn't have. . ." As flippant as this sounds, good for you. You aren't them and you don't know their situation.
People are entitled not to be shut-ins. No one has a right to second guess someone. They wore masks, they took precautions and were told, by a place of business, that because of the mask, they weren't welcome. That's the issue, not that they went out.
Hell, maybe they got a sitter and wanted to go out because of cabin fever.
I am disgusted people would attack and criticize this family. Having an at-risk for illness child does not mean you can't go out, and it isn't child abuse either.
Ms. Toad
(33,915 posts)once or twice a month date night.
Most of the attacks were from people who incorrectly assumed the at-risk infant was with them. I agree that - had they had the infant with them - that would have been inappropriate.
I would not personally choose to eat indoors now (even without an at-risk child at home). But if I did, I would remove my mask at the last minute after the food arrived - and put it back on as soon as I was done eating to minimize the risk.
Response to AZLD4Candidate (Reply #62)
Celerity This message was self-deleted by its author.
cinematicdiversions
(1,969 posts)I think it is irresponsible and inconsiderate of other patrons.
AZLD4Candidate
(5,558 posts)And if they do, it's still NONE of your business. Could they have gotten a sitter? Is it the only place they could afford?
I'm more offended when people bring their children onto planes and do nothing to control them.
cinematicdiversions
(1,969 posts)That said no, they should not bring a newborn to a Sports Bar.
Kaleva
(36,145 posts)"attack
Definitions
intransitive verb To set upon with violent force.
intransitive verb To criticize strongly or in a hostile manner.
intransitive verb To start work on with purpose and vigor.
intransitive verb To act on in a detrimental way; cause harm to."
https://www.wordnik.com/words/attack
I see people disagreeing with the parent's decision but no example of any DUer attacking them.
IMHO, you are engaging in hyperbole.
"Essential Meaning of hyperbole
: language that describes something as better or worse than it really is"
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperbole
And because of that, I find it hard to believe that you are disgusted by others. Irritated maybe but not disgusted.
Your comment:
"I am disgusted people would attack and criticize this family."
Your use of "disgusted" is more hyperbole.
AZLD4Candidate
(5,558 posts)Your English lesson was completely unwarranted, but each to their own.
Kaleva
(36,145 posts)I'm not attacking you but do have what I believe to be valid criticisms of your choice of words. You believe otherwise which is fine.
Take care!
AZLD4Candidate
(5,558 posts)I have two master's degrees and am a PhD candidate. I really do not appreciate being condescended to like I'm five years old
But, just to see if you do this with others, I will keep track to see if you just targeted my post or you are a word hound for everyone here on DU.
Kaleva
(36,145 posts)Your comment:
"Next time, please keep that to yourself"
At a discussion board, people discuss. They don't keep their opinions to themselves.
"I have two master's degrees and am a PhD candidate."
Your level of education is irrelevant to this discussion. What is relevant is that you stated "I find it reprehensible that so many here are attacking the family..." but you didn't make the slightest effort to support your claim that DUers attacked the family.
"I really do not appreciate being condescended to like I'm five years old"
I never meant to treat you like a five year old as I wouldn't expect any 5 year old to be able to give a concise definition of "attack" or "hyperbole".
"But, just to see if you do this with others, I will keep track to see if you just targeted my post or you are a word hound for everyone here on DU."
Whatever floats your boat. I've been here a long time.
AZLD4Candidate
(5,558 posts)USALiberal
(10,877 posts)[
USALiberal
(10,877 posts)struggle4progress
(118,032 posts)BlueWavePsych
(2,634 posts)Captain Stern
(2,195 posts)The owner of the establishment didn't want people wearing masks. As dumb as that is, that's his right.
The folks that came into the 'nonmask' establishment with masks left peacefully. Other than some time wasted, I see no problem.
That's actually how things should work.
malthaussen
(17,065 posts)I suppose it was inevitable, but it still amazes when it happens.
-- Mal
GoodRaisin
(8,885 posts)and save the general public from their bullshit behavior.
geretogo
(1,281 posts)is a country in rapid decline . 240 years and it's over .
dsc
(52,129 posts)when it is banning restaurants from having mask mandates are silent as a tomb now. I wonder why.
left-of-center2012
(34,195 posts)Sun Sep 19, 2021 12:30 PM
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100215873849
Jon King
(1,910 posts)I guess I am missing as to why they would go to a restaurant at all in their situation. All those people hooting and hollering, they would have their masks off to eat and drink. Guess I would just do take out if I had an infant with sensitive conditions.
liberal_mama
(1,495 posts)free food! I can't think of any meal that would be good enough to risk myself or a family member over.