Nifty! Boise dominates national list of ‘Completely Surreal Anti-Mask Rallies.’

Ah, Boise.

If there’s a list or ranking of mega-coolness, we expect to be on it. Isn’t it gratifying to be recognized constantly for how special we are?

Mostly. During the coronavirus pandemic, the attention hasn’t been quite as, well, swell.

The latest cringe-inducing national nod? Infamous website BuzzFeed — primarily known, perhaps unfairly, for time-wasting internet gobbledygook — recently published “29 Pictures From Anti-Mask Rallies That Are Completely Surreal.”

And whaddaya know? Boise is No. 1 on the listicle. And No. 2 and No. 3. And No. 4 and No. 5.

Even Meridian gets a shout-out.

I get it. This is BuzzFeed. Who really cares, right? But still!

(Incidentally, BuzzFeed has evolved into a more reputable news source over the years. Did you know that BuzzFeed News was a runner-up for a Pulitzer Prize in 2018?)

Idahoans have every right to peacefully protest. But it feels flat-out embarrassing when the Gem State dominates a list like this. Especially since the article is published in BuzzFeed’s extra-humiliating Nifty section. (Actually, I have no idea what the Nifty section is. It just feels like a dig.)

“As we all know,” BuzzFeed writes, “it’s common scientific knowledge that face masks slow the spread of the coronavirus. But some people, regardless of the science, don’t seem to agree.”

After that, the article unleashes photos from anti-mask rallies across America. What a country.

No. 1 is an embedded tweet showing an image from an early-July protest outside Boise City Hall. Craving a true face-palm moment? Take a minute to watch actual video of that shindig. See our “grown-ups” burn masks and their children carry flags while COVID-19 numbers grow.

“Surreal rallies”? That’s the term? BuzzFeed is taking it easy on us.

Enjoy two more weeks of Stage 4, Idaho. Personally, I’m preparing for the long haul.

This story was originally published July 23, 2020 at 12:29 PM.