how, exactly, it is that we got from "maybe masks will work a little, so you should do the most conservative thing possible, just to be responsible - even though the science suggests minimal to negative efficacy" to "if you don't wear a mask, i'm going to shut down your business and fine you $1000 and send you to jail because the science is 100% clear" is an exercise in ochlocracy, and an implementation of vicious mob rule. 

we went full retard in a matter of weeks, at the smallest incitement.

and, it's frightening, sure. 

but, it needs to be studied, so it doesn't happen again.