The hottest debate in our great nation today is when and where it is appropriate to wear a mask, and who can tell who to get on-board with the idea.
Americans are notoriously stubborn and independent, and being told that we must do something often triggers a spot in our brain that says “I do what I want”. That’s way so many of us are growing agitated on the subject of face coverings in the age of COVID.
In fact, the debate has grown so fierce that a small army of tattletales are doing their damndest to shame anyone and everyone seen in public sans face-cover.
That now includes Ted Cruz.
American Airlines is reviewing an incident in which Sen. Ted Cruz was photographed on one of its flights without a mask, Fox News has learned.
The Texas Republican was flying Sunday via one of American’s domestic regional partners, American Airlines told Fox News.
“For the well-being of our customers and team members, we require face coverings to be worn onboard, and we expect our customers to comply with our policies when they choose to travel with us,” the airline said in a statement to Fox News. “As we do in all instances like these, we reviewed the details of the matter, and while our policy does not apply while eating or drinking, we have reached out to Sen. Cruz to affirm the importance of this policy as part of our commitment to protecting the health and safety of the traveling public.”
The photo was a big hit on social media:
Captured today at 10:45am — @TedCruz on a commercial flight, refusing to wear a mask. pic.twitter.com/h8DM7J4CMi
— Hosseh (@hossehenad) July 13, 2020
Cruz’s team had a swift rebuke.
A Cruz spokesperson said the senator was drinking coffee at the time his mask was off. He appeared to be holding a beverage and cell phone when the image was taken.
“To help promote safety, Senator Cruz wears a mask when traveling, and practices social distancing where possible. Consistent with airline policy, he temporarily removes the mask while eating or drinking,” a Cruz spokesperson told The Hill.
In several states around the nation, new ordinances have been put in place to mandate mask-wearing, punishable by fines ranging from $50 to $500 or more.
