NYT columnist Paul Krugman predicts 'violence' towards mask wearers after mandate lift
A U.S. District Court judge struck down the federal mask mandate on airline
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}New York Times columnist Paul Krugman argued on Twitter Tuesday that the results of lifting the mask mandate on flights could be even worse than people fear.
U.S. District Court Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle struck down the federal mask mandate for airlines. Videos soon emerged of passengers cheering the end of the mandate during their flights, however several liberals and media pundits criticized the decision and specifically called out Mizelle.
MSNBC’S JOY REID COMPLAINS THAT ENDING MASK MANDATES IS ‘LETTING THE A-HOLES WIN’
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Krugman offered his own opinion on his Twitter account, claiming that this new development could actually lead to more violence.
"A prediction about masking: Soon we'll be seeing many incidents in which those who choose to protect themselves with KN95s etc face harassment, even violence. Because this was never about freedom," Krugman tweeted.
"A prediction about masking: Soon we'll be seeing many incidents in which those who choose to protect themselves with KN95s etc face harassment, even violence. Because this was never about freedom," Krugman tweeted. (Twitter)
Critics responded to Krugman's prediction, often with mockery.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}National Review senior writer David Harsanyi tweeted, "By 2025, or so, it will become clear that the mask's impact on our health will have been no greater than the fax machine’s."
National Review senior writer David Harsanyi tweeted "By 2025, or so, it will become clear that the mask's impact on our health will have been no greater than the fax machine’s." (Twitter)
"I think a lot of people (including me) just don't want to be forced to wear masks in airports and on planes," American Enterprise Institute director of economic policy studies Michael Strain wrote.
Director of Economic Policy Studies Michael Strain wrote "I think a lot of people (including me) just don't want to be forced to wear masks in airports and on planes." (Twitter)
Center for American Liberty CEO Harmeet K. Dhillon tweeted, "As usual, @paulkrugman is comically wrong."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Center for American Liberty CEO Harmeet K. Dhillon tweeted "As usual, @paulkrugman is comically wrong." (Twitter)
MSNBC, NBC, ABC RIP INTO FEDERAL JUDGE OVER AIRLINE MASK MANDATE RULING: ‘BASICALLY DONALD TRUMP’
Ordinary travelers shared with Fox News their excitement at the prospect of flying without a mask.
"I'm thrilled. It's about time," a woman named Paula told Fox News. "It should have been over a long time ago."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
FILE - Travelers walk through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Friday, April 1, 2022 in Seattle. On Monday, April 18, 2022, a federal judge in Florida voided the national mask mandate covering airplanes and other public transportation saying it exceeded the authority of U.S. health officials. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File) (AP)
The U.S. Department of Justice announced that it will appeal the ruling if the CDC deems it necessary. President Biden responded to the question whether people should continue to wear masks by saying "that’s up to them."
Fox News’ Jon Raasch contributed to this report.