Identical in every way except masks... that includes education and hygiene

If there were an equal amount of virus in the air in both cases you might be correct. However, since the virus is not aerosolized and is primarily transmitted via droplets, there will be vastly less virus in the air and on surfaces in the population that wore masks. This is because any mask will knock down a large percentage of the droplets.

Let me use an analogy here that might help better explain this to some people. Let's say there is a virus that spreads by fecal matter. We aren't talking about something that spreads via farts, we are talking about something that spreads by actual poo splatter. So if you have a blow out while walking the grocery aisles, even whitey tighties are going to keep most of your poo on you. This is basically exactly how COVID spreads, only it's droplets expelled out of your mouth when you cough or sneeze. A mask is going to knock down a big chunk of that.

If you have evidence to the contrary you should share your information with the rest of the worlds MDs, epidemiologist, and political leaders. You'd probably make a fortune and could tour the country giving speeches.

The no-mask people can simply go to a protest, then the transmission rate for both will be identical as well.

Truth. We did that until the riots. Busloads of people gathering in rage which went home and spread the China flu. STUPIDLY supported by liberals everywhere who now say the mask is the cure all. PLEASE stay home if you are int the high risk category. If you don't care enough for your own wellbeing to stay home don't expect others to sacrifice for more for you. A mask is an illusion.

Left wing groups are sending infected people out to spread it in red states.

That’s why I’ve been drinking my own urine every day because that protects you from COVID-19

So far it’s been working

Ummmm...

I'm not surprised.....

Probably better for ya than bleach. Try it with a shot of Tequila.

That study if its the same one I read had 4 subjects and the samples were taken 10 cm from the mask. ONE study.
I will admit that most of the studies showed that the virus does to through a mask but many studies show that it helps.

Mask sign at vintage clothing store in Phoenix:

"If you choose not to wear a mask, we respectfully ask that you postpone your visit, we will be happy to debate the efficacy of masks with you when this is all over and you come in to sell your dead grandmother's clothes."