Sen. Lora Reinbold of Eagle River has issued an apology on Facebook for having over-shared on Facebook about Alaska Airlines’ enforcement of its mask policy, which she takes issue with over civil liberties concerns.
“My apology is for venting on Facebook with too much emphasis, that may have been offensive to some of the flight attendants. I’m shocked it made the news
? I stand by civil liberties. I stand by my decision to say no to two masks, because mine didn’t cover my chin. I stand firmly behind my decision to ask Alaska Airlines board room policy makers tough questions. I don’t support any corporate policies that violate rights. I empathize with employees & passengers that have to deal with unsubstantiated policies that are discriminatory to those don’t tolerate masks or have contraindications. Alaska Airline’s pilots are great, they have outstanding reservation agents and hard working flight attendants.”
Her prior Facebook post garnered national attention and criticism but she has plenty of supporters in social media who believe the mask mandates have gone too far.
“I appreciate you questioning the airlines on their policy. As Senator, you are giving a voice to those of us who do not have one. Many people cannot tolerate masks for short periods, let alone on long flights. I missed my grandfathers funeral because of Alaska Airlines policy. I understand that the flight attendants do not make these rules. However, some flight attendants have let the power go to their head and have kicked off people for wearing respiratory masks and moms who are having trouble keeping masks on their 2 year old children. Ridiculous!,” wrote Kirstin Hills, on Reinbold’s Facebook page, a sentiment echoed by others.
