When I heard this story break, I immediately thought "this sounds like some Russia shit" because it tracks. But I really didn't want to jump to conspiracy theories because testifying in this manner could lead to mental anguish. Yet, if it's verified that Barnett did indeed said this to a friend, well now the coincidence is even more damning.
I don't trust Boeing and John Oliver's recent special about them really calls their QA into question. It feels weird to consider I flew on a MAX not too long ago following the Alaska incident. It's one thing to joke haha am I near a door plug? But more and more it feels like you're rolling the dice when you get on a Boeing. I get air travel overall is safe, but I shouldn't have to second guess that based on what plane I get on.