Please allow me to clarify. First, it is not clear that wearing masks had much if any of an effect on reducing deaths during the pandemic. The science is not definitive. Isolation was probably a much stronger factor; but again, not necessarily causative.

With respect to how the drug epidemic and the pandemic are compared: my point was that a majority of people were compelled to comply in the case of the pandemic for the greater good, so it is not unreasonable to compel a small minority of people to comply for the greater good. In both cases, those who are compelled to comply are theoretically receiving advice and services that are for their own good according to science and common sense.

I also recognize that “homelessness” is a catch-all phrase that is abused, and that roughly half of the homeless are not suffering from mental illness or drug addiction. So the solutions to these problems are distinct.

My only appeal to those reading this is to consider the big picture and to consider solutions that are best for all of society. This is a democratic approach.