I guess someone is going to have to explain to me why anyone starts a business. Is it to ensure that the employees are paid handsomely, provided unequalled benefits and a glowing retirement? Or is it to make money for the person owning (and perhaps running) the business? Why would an airline be any different than a hamburger stand? Yes, it true that airlines provide an essential service that the economy has become quite dependent upon … and to that extent, the folks who are responsible for the economy probably need to take heed regarding the perils and successes of the airline business. But, who are those who are those people responsible for the economy? Who controls the economy? Anyone? Is it the government? I’ll ask you, what does a government do that no one else can do and does it better than anyone could, even if someone else wanted to do it? Whose money would a government use as the “front” money to get a business started? Who would reap the profits … assuming there were any profits to reap? If the government doesn’t actually run the business, should the government step in and set limits on people’s salaries in any/every business? How about limits on what a business can charge for a product or service or, perhaps, all products and services? Would all products and services have to meet some level of acceptability? For example, should only 4-star hotels be allowed to rent rooms over night? Who would hand out the “Stars?” The government? Should the government decide where a business is located, or what goods or services they produce or provide? Where does government’s role in the conduct of business start and stop? Should the government decide who works where – or should the government have the authority to tell a business owner who they should hire … how many employees they need … and what each should be paid? Should the government keep very careful track of the cost of raw materials and force companies to increase or decrease the price of goods or services if that business is affected in any way by the raw material price changes? How big would that government have to be to do these things – and what source of funding would be provided for the government to maintain those records and keep tabs on those businesses?
-OR-
Should the government set minimum safety standards, applicable to everyone and keep it’s nose out of the rest your/his/her business?