I can't find the reference where Dr. Birx recommended face shields. When asked on F&F, she went into a long answer describing how face shields work and might be helpful under some circumstances, but no recommendation.Got it. So you selectively use his advice. Birx also recommend it too but you’re right it’s fake news..
Do you own goggles or a shield? If so then you should wear it cuz science and data says it protects you.
The night before the controversy, I was speaking with a friend (a retired Navy O-8) we take vacations with. He brought it up and we decided we would probably get face shields if and when we get on an international flight again (both of our wives are more at risk than us although all of us are up there in years). So, I don't own any face shields but am looking.
BTW, I've seen face shields in use in my area since the beginning of the pandemic. Some were cleverly integrated with ball caps and look to be quite comfortable. I suspect these folks are merely trying to protect themselves and others and are not intentionally intending to trigger others.