On a major highway here in western Montana, there’s a blinking sign like those generally used in construction zones. Usually these signs tell you to slow down or move over for a closed lane. For the last several months, however, it’s had a different message.

“Wear masks,” it blinks. “Be kind.”

The message is clear. If you do not wear a mask, you’re not being kind. And unkind people are bad people. This is part of a disturbing, dangerous trend in the US: dehumanization of the non-compliant.