Oregon, what is the deal? I’m driving through you and nobody is wearing a mask. Not the customers inside the gas station and not the cashier.
Actually, the state-mandated gas pumper guy does have a mask around his chin so pardon my hyperbole. Somebody sort of has a mask.
Fun fact: Oregon recently amended its gas pumping law so that rural communities can now pump their own gas. Since 1951, it’s been illegal to pump your own gas. I descended the rabbit hole of Oregonian response to this change and uncovered this Facebook gold.
“I don’t even know HOW to pump gas and I am 62, native Oregonian … I say NO THANKS! I don’t like to smell like gasoline!”
“No! Disabled, seniors, people with young children in the car need help. Not to mention getting out of your car with transients around and not feeling safe too. This is a very bad idea. Grr.”
“Here in Oregon we like to do things our way. We don’t care what you do in Texas and everywhere else. You all are just part of the herd mentality.”
And the responses from around the country…
“Does Oregon think that the rest of the country walks around smelling like gasoline while we abandon our children to fight off transients daily?? I had no idea that I possessed such a scary, yet marketable skill such as pumping my own gas. I am clearly qualified for the Oregon Special Forces if ever a need arises.”
“Seriously? I spent 4 years and $50k to get my degree in Fuel Pump Operations and thousands more in liscening [sic] and certifications and now they’ll let just anyone pump their own gas? People. Will. Die. Period.”
“No it’s truly horrible. I know someone who pumped his own gas once. 8 years later stubbed his toe. If you think that’s a coincidence, you’re part of the problem.”
diary of coronavirus 