Do As I Say, Not As I Do: Mike Parson Tells Missourians to Mask Up Then Refuses to Wear Mask At Crowded Campaign Event

For Gov. Mike Parson, even following his own public health recommendations is a challenge. While he encouraged Missourians to social distance and wear a mask on Twitter, Parson couldn’t be bothered with wearing one at a crowded event with many older guests.

It seems that for all his preaching about “personal responsibility,” it does not apply to him. As the situation in Missouri becomes more dire, experts say this undermines the state’s ability to control the pandemic.

This isn’t the first time Parson has put his pride and vanity above public health. In May, Parson toured businesses in Southwest Missouri and refused to mask up, saying “I chose not to”, bucking advice from the Centers for Disease Control to wear a face covering.

“Mike Parson’s refusal to wear a mask when sitting shoulder to shoulder with Missourians undermines Missouri’s COVID-19 response and puts lives at risk,” said DGA Deputy Communications Director Christina Amestoy. “Parson plays by his own set of rules and refuses to put public health above his own vanity. Parson needs to get over himself, find some personal responsibility, and wear a mask.”