The man who wanted to who refused to wear a mask on “insanity” grounds has been banned from American Airlines for the remainder of the pandemic. You won’t find me defending him, here. Perhaps someone can help me understand him…
What American Airlines Said In Banning Anti-Mask Passenger
Yesterday, I wrote about a man who refused wear a mask onboard an American Airlines flight. He claimed he could not do so on medical grounds, but later took to Twitter to argue he did so because he was not insane. The prominent “conservative” activist was booted off his flight from New York La Guardia to Dallas after he refused to provide medical evidence that he could not wear a mask.
American Airlines later rebooked him to Seattle via Charlotte, which he apparently did fly. It is not clear if he wore a mask on those flights.
After examining the evidence, American Airlines opted to ban this customer until face masks are no longer required. AA lays out its reasoning below. Note that I have again redacted his name, since this all may be a publicity stunt and I don’t want to aide that effort.
“American Airlines thoroughly reviewed an incident on June 17 involving one of our customers, [redacted]. As a result of this review, [the passenger] will not be permitted to fly American, as he failed to comply with our stated policy and crewmember instructions.
“We are committed to protecting the safety and well-being of our customers and team members, which is why we strengthened enforcement of our policy for requiring face coverings on board. We expect customers who choose to fly with us to comply with these policies, and if necessary, we will deny future travel for customers who refuse to do so.
“Restricting travel is a step we take very seriously, and it will only occur after a comprehensive review of the facts of an incident. [The passenger] will be permitted to fly with us once face coverings are no longer required for customers.”
The investigation revealed that the man did not have a legitimate medical condition, which he later claimed in conflicting statements.
A Win-Win For American Airlines + Passenger?
I’d guess this is a win-win situation for both parties. American Airlines wins because it shows that its onboard mask policy is not “toothless”. By making an example of this passenger, it hopes others will take more seriously the guidelines. Furthermore, it shows the public that it is taking safety seriously, which its hopes will encourage more business.
The passenger wins too, though. He becomes an icon for a movement that sees COVID-19 as a Chinese hoax and masks as a sign of ignorant submission. The passenger, a former liberal Democrat, became prominent (in the fourth-rate celebrity sense) for his political backing of President Trump in 2016. His antics will play well to a subset of that support base, propelling him to greater fame.
But unlike my photo incident, where passengers backed me up, this guy was made to look like a fool for lying about the incident. But sadly, any publicity is good publicity, which is why I am not naming him here.
Why I Call Him A Hypocrite
Maybe some of you can help me, here. Let’s be constructive in our discussion. This guy is called a “conservative activist” in a number of headlines (which itself is an oxymoron, but I think we all get it). If you are for free markets and pro-business, why do you protest a private company enacting a neutral policy? Specifically, if American Airlines requires passengers to wear masks, why do you think you can ignore the rule? He later claimed there is “not a federal law” mandating masks. Really?
Federal law has nothing to do with this situation.
Another example. This guy claims his free speech rights were violated. I’m so tried of this trope. The 1st Amendment does not give you unfettered free speech rights, even on political topics. Instead, the 1st Amendment prohibits government (state actors) from restricting most forms of speech.
This idea that he had a “free speech” right is stupid on two levels. One, because he actually doesn’t since AA is a private corporation. And two, he wasn’t thrown off for his speech, but for his actions: he not only expressed his disapproval of the mask policy, but refused to put one on.
We must all guard against hypocrisy, but I’m so sick of people saying one thing and doing another. It is the fastest way to lose all credibility.
CONCLUSION
So the man was banned. American Airlines looks tough and safe, the guy wins support within his own bubble. Now, can we all just wear masks? If you believe it is stupid, fly private or just play the game.
image: American Airlines
My understanding of what free market advocates (such as this guy) believe is that companies should be permitted to make their own rules and then the market will decide for them whether those rules are wise and profitable and, thus, will sort out the bad ones naturally. So, by the principles upon which he supposedly stands, he should simply take his business to a competitor and hope that enough like-minded customers will do the same such that it will prompt a change in the business practice. So I think you’re quite right to point out that he is a hypocrite since this was the private company’s rule being enforced on its own property. And, indeed, while there is no federal law compelling face coverings, there are FAA regulations requiring compliance with flight attendant directives (and also, a business’ or person’s right to eject people from their property when not complying with the rules they’ve set for the use of that property).
In the end, he got what he wanted – moment of fame, clicks and the incendiary use of his notoriety. Unfortunately, it gave this person a pulpit he was not entitled to, nor does he deserve. Maybe Fox will pick him up as the next culture warrior. We have seen that there is a portion of the American right that really just enjoys these types of actions, emboldened by a President who condones them and encourages these actions. Hell, I’ve been harassed at a Target by a MAGA hat wearing, Trump 2020 T-shirt wearing fool, so the attitude of harassment and incendiary actions is very much alive, well and encouraged. It is unfortunate that this guy has received so much media attention, it gave him what he wanted.
As one of those free market conservatives, this guy is 100% in the wrong here. Bringing in “it’s not federal law” is a non sequitur. This is a situation of a private business setting conditions on admission, i.e. you must wear a face covering to enter. If you truly believe in conservative and/or libertarian principles, then the ability of a private business to practice “freedom of association” is paramount, and therefore, any business has the right to set its own conditions of entry (within reason). It is then your right as a private citizen to boycott said business if their conditions of entry bother you that much. I have a hard time getting worked up about masks inside a public space, so I comply. On the other hand, I refuse to deal with social distancing lines, so if I see a line snaking out of a building because of capacity controls, they don’t get my business. I don’t do the a$$hat thing and try to barge my way in; I just take my business elsewhere and try to convince others to give their business to other establishments that don’t do such things.
If he really wanted to make a political statement, the proper course of action would have been to persuade a group of others to join him in a boycott of the airlines, and then troll them on Twitter for “promoting pseudo-science” or whatever. Maybe some will find that obnoxious but it’s a legit form of protest. But here he’s just being a jackwagon. And it makes me cringe, because we all know the media and the left will use this incident to paint all “conservatives” as “science deniers” who have “no regard for others’ health”.
“ we all know the media and the left will use this incident to paint all “conservatives” as “science deniers” who have “no regard for others’ health”.”
It seems you’re making some pretty broad generalizations there while trying to avoid being generalized. Kind of a “I can’t stand intolerant people” standpoint.
“It seems you’re making some pretty broad generalizations there while trying to avoid being generalized. Kind of a “I can’t stand intolerant people” standpoint.”
The insipid stereotyping and intolerance of the following three commenters tells me all I need to know about how the left generalizes those who commit non-Progressive thoughtcrime. And no, I can’t stand intolerance and hypocrisy, regardless of a person’s stripes.
Interesting you bring up thoughtcrime. Even more interesting that as person of colour and an immigrant you support Republicans. If nothing the last 3 years have re-emphasised how the Republicans are just racists with a fancy name
Well, maybe more “fiscal conservatives” like you claim to be should be a little more outspoken about how not all Conservatives (capital “C”) and conservatives (lower case “c”) are science deniers with no regard for others’ health. Because so far (royal) you guys are doing a super shitty job. So the stereotype stands.
People “paint all “conservatives” as “science deniers” who have “no regard for others’ health”” because conservatives have done nothing to dispell that notion and everything to enhance it.
I would tag Debit here if I could, but he usually has the right of it.
AA is not a “private corporation” its publicly traded company…NASDAQ: AAL
My take is that demanding to see someones medical condition is a HIPAA violation/issue. This will lead people to just getting fake doctor notes like they did for their fake emotional support animals to curb the system.
Private vs. state-owned.
As for the second point, that was my initial take too. But the counterpoint is that all he needed was a note saying he could not wear a mask…he did not need to divulge why.
A private company by definition is one that is owned by individuals, corporations, and private groups such as mutual funds.
If you want to protest against mask requirements, do so about the requirements in a park or courthouse. Those are public.
Maybe just like those t0day that are fascinated with Civil War history, there will be future generations that do reenactments on the historical battlefields of the “The Great Mask War of 2020.” They will enshrine old aircraft to stage the legendary battle of La Guardia when one “hero” (idiot) rose to pronounce so bravely the beloved chant of the Trumpists, “MY BODY, MY CHOICE!”
I envision reenactments in Michigan wherein a bunch of overweight role-players with unkempt beards and/or bad dye jobs don their camouflage hunting overalls and bring their confederate flags and replica AR-15s to the state capitol to stage the Battle of the Fat Idiots. But it’s just them standing around on the steps bitching about how they “wanna get a haircut and own them libtard sheeple real good”.
I don’t believe he is a hypocrite. The Republican party hasn’t even entertained supporting free market economics or small government over the past few years. There is only one issue that makes you a modern Republican. Do you support Donald Trump or not?
This pro mask hysteria is funny. Y’all are crazy. Here is part of the latest email update from my doctor:
“ Key is strong immune system, NOT avoiding virus. We need to end all lockdowns, masks and social distancing immediately.
Masks do not block virus, INCLUDING N95 masks!! You breathe hypoxic air and can activate latent retroviruses in all of us. Absolute worst thing we can do!!”
I’ll skip the masks — thanks.
What you (and apparently your MD—are failing to grasp is that masks limit the spread of droplets that carry the virus and can thereby cause infections among populations. Masks are particularly important for those who are infected but pre-symptomatic.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-mask/art-20485449
Masks merely block infected people who don’t yet know they’re infected from spreading the disease further. The notion that anyone would be against such a straightforward fact is heartbreaking.
And the notion that masks “activate latent retroviruses in all of us” is nonsensical. It’s preposterous. It’s witchcraft.
Wrong Eric. Your mask will block particles as small as 3 microns. The Covid19 virus particle is 1 micron so, goes straight through. I’ll never wear one. Thanks though.
Nevermind that the WHO said that asymptomatic transmission is very rare. FOH.
Masks limit the spread of small droplets that themselves carry the virus. The key word here is *LIMIT*. Nothing is foolproof. The use of masks in a population *REDUCES* transmission.
The WHO statement to which you’re disingenuously referring was about totally asymptomatic individuals. The doctor was not referring to *PRE*-symptomatic spread. They later clarified their remarks.
https://www.statnews.com/2020/06/09/who-comments-asymptomatic-spread-covid-19/
Look, dealing with a novel virus is complicated enough. It’s not helpful when politically motivated armchair epidemiologists decide every expert in the world is an idiot, but that somehow their own personal physician is in possession of true knowledge.
Sorry but no. Masks do nothing for viruses and only do something for bacteria. That was completely evident up until March when every single health and government body was against masks. And then alllll of a sudden changed their tune. Sorry – enjoy being brainwashed tho.
You are the idiot, Eric.
455 uninfected people exposed to asymptomatic infection. ZERO became infected. Enjoy those mask tho! Fool.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32513410/
Did you actually read the full article, AJ? All these people were following PPE protocols. If anything, this supports people wearing masks.
And they are super dangerous to wear around windmills! I saw one guy in front of a windmill wearing one and had to scream at him for an hour that his mask will make him hypoxic AND the windmill was throwing latent cancerous cells into his mask to be activated later! I doused him with bleach right away though – so all ended well. Phew. It was close one.
Please give us the name of this doctor, along with the state they practice in. If they’re so concerned about what’s going on they shouldn’t have any problem going public.
Stephen Grable MD
Jacksonville Beach FL
LOL, He is an alternative medicine doctor who promotes the use of the “Vibra Health” machine for weight loss. Which is pretty much like those Suzanne Somers infomercial things you could order. Just strap er on and shake! Get an amazing workout in 10 minutes with no effort!
Get a life, dude.
He is an MD and very trusted here in Jax. I’ll believe him over you ANY DAY. Loser.
Hah. Apparently he specializes in quackery – most of these procedures are complete BS.
I sent him an email to make sure of his views. Also to book an “AMAZING 10 MINUTE SESSION ON THE VIBRA HEALTH MACHINE!!” I am hoping to get his real insight into mask usage and lose 20lbs in just two sessions while only standing and being shaken by a machine. Woohoo…I can have another beer tonight!
If masks work, which they don’t, and you’re wearing them, why do you care if others don’t, if they work so well?
People are missing the point here. Masks are part of the PPE theater that many use to virtue signal their “seriousness” toward COVID. Look at what leaders who are supposedly “in the know” actually do. Like the Texas mayor who visited a nail salon, or the Chicago mayor who went to the hairdresser (both of these examples were women, mind you). Point being, this guy is taking a stand against the absurdity of some of these COVID restrictions and rules that our leaders don’t even follow. The WHO said there is no need for healthy people to wear masks!
In the end, AA was acting within its rights to throw this guy off the flight. Maybe the guy wanted that in order to prove a point, though I doubt many minds will be changed by his story.
For me, it’s a matter of complying with such rules and regulations even though I find them to be ridiculous. To borrow from the Bible, I follow the letter of the law but not the spirit of the law. You can find me on the grocery store aisle “accidentally” removing my mask for an extended period for some “valid” reasons.
Exactly!! There is NO reason for masks!!
It’s not theater. It has a material impact on the transmission of the virus by limiting the potential spread when you expectorate.
And if by theater you mean “indicating that I give a crap about not accidentally transmitting the virus” then sure. I’m totally guilty of that.
He is an MD and very trusted here in Jax. I’ll believe him over you ANY DAY. Loser.
The Bible also asks us to take care of others. Love how you ignore that bit of it to appease your selfishness
Your mask will block particles as small as 3 microns. The Covid19 virus particle is 1 micron so, goes straight through. Keep wearing your mask though they make you feel better and they are great for virtue signalling. Why though would anyone fly AA? They’re dreadful.
Exactly!!! Masks are pointless AF.
Surgical masks rated to ASTM F2100 Level 1 or above (source) are rated to a sub-micron particulate filtration efficiency at 0.1 microns of ≥95%
What are the size of the mucus droplets you blow out when you sneeze/cough?
For the millionth time – this isn’t about locking everybody in airtight chamber. This isn’t about completely halting the transmission of Covid. This is about reducing the vectors available to spread the virus. Which a simple fabric mask does.
With any luck the d-bag will get COVID when he goes to Tulsa for the “rally”. Darwinism at its finest!
Thanks for proving masks are strictly political.
Thanks for being a clueless anti-science, anti-common-decency-to-your-neighbor troll
Hardly. Do some research fool.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32513410/
Stay in your parents’ basement and keep pounding away on the keyboard with your tiny hands. Maybe Reddit is a better site for you.
Forget the mechanics of virus transmission, you seem to struggle with basic logic.
“We must all guard against hypocrisy, but I’m so sick of people saying one thing and doing another. It is the fastest way to lose all credibility.” You mean like liberal Democrats touting lockdowns and social distancing and criticizing Trump for the not wearing a mask and then cheering on BLM protest marchers during lockdowns, who are not staying at home, social distancing, or in many cases, wearing masks? Or do you mean BLM saying “Black Lives Matter” then calling a population at elevated risk for catching and dying from Covid 19 (blacks) into the streets during a pandemic? Or do you mean activists trying to change the name of institutions named for people who supported the CSA and failing to include on their lists the names of institutions named for someone who changed his name in 1957 to honor a man who wrote On Jews and Their Lies which advocated burning Jewish synagogues , schools and homes, robbing Jews of their prayer books and forbidding rabbis to teach on pain of death? Personally I don’t find Michael’s name change any more, or any less, offensive than if Joe changed his name to Adolph Hitler Biden. What I find offensive is that activists have remained silent about an inconvenient truth for so long.
Surgical masks rated to ASTM F2100 Level 1 or above (source) are rated to a sub-micron particulate filtration efficiency at 0.1 microns of ≥95%.
FYI.