Masks do work. But nothing is perfect so why not think of it as a precautionary device? It's a partial bit of a smarter approach.
They probably do save lives but only a fool would dare to challenge that at risk of death.
I don't think it's wise to push a political agenda at the expense of smart self-management.
Early on in the pandemic nobody knew or understood what was happening to our global population. Closing doors seemed to be the wise move. I'm sure it saved a loot of lives.
Let's not confuse caution with a political agenda.