The Maskification of America happened quickly, but not for everybody

From Watchdog columnist Dave Lieber:

For now, at least, I’ve lost something I have loved about Texas.

I grew up in a city where you did not say hello to passing strangers on the street. That was a risky invitation to trouble.

I didn’t realize until I moved here a quarter of a century ago that living the opposite way — saying hello — makes you feel a part of something. If you grew up in a small town, especially, you know what I mean.

At the grocery store, when I pass you in the aisle, if our eyes meet, I smile and say hello. If you ignore me, that’s OK, too. But that doesn’t work anymore.