FROM REGS TO CHOICE

            My what a difference a week makes.  I flew to Oregon a few days ago and then this week flew to California.  Between those two trips, a courageous Florida judge ruled that mask mandates were equivalent to putting on handcuffs without a warrant.

             Seizing my face with a mask is not okay.  Having suffered two years of continuous public address announcements in the airport and on the plane that go something like “you must wear a mask covering your nose and mouth; failure to comply may result in criminal action and being banned from flying; voicing disagreement with this can result in expulsion and other penalties.” You’ve all heard it.

             In other words, put on the face diaper, sit down, shut up, and don’t dare voice any opposition.  Suddenly the narrative is this “the mask mandates are no longer in effect, but please be respectful of your fellow passengers.”  Where were the admonitions to be respectful of folks who thought the whole mask thing was stupid for two years?  I never heard anybody say “cut some slack to the folks who think this whole mask mandate is a crock.”  No, it was sit down, shut up, and don’t dare even indicate disagreement.

             Now suddenly, it’s all about tolerance and freedom of choice.  The media reports that 56 percent of Americans disagree with this new freedom have to be incorrect.  Since the mandate went off, I’ve had 8 flights and based on what I see, no more than 20 percent of people are still wearing masks.  It’s a far cry from 56 percent.  Just another agenda-driven non-credible statistic gathered by untrustworthy media sources.

             For the record, I haven’t made fun of, ridiculed, or even wrinkled up my nose at masked seatmates.  I smile and try to be friendly and courteous.  I’d say that’s pretty different than the attitude shown to me over the last couple of years.  My, what a difference a day can make.

             Flying is now back in the “okay” column.  Not fun, but at least okay.

             Tolerance and diversity now rule the day.  Do you like the change?