Is Bush Bonkers ?

The last few days have seen several news stories on the Department of Transportation’s plan to auction off landing slots at New York/New Jersey’s main airports -- starting with Newark (EWR.) No one -- and I mean absolutely no one -- supports this scheme. Not the airlines, the NY/NJ Port Authority, the State government, Congress, me -- no one.

Yet, the Bush Administration plows straight ahead. Here’s the story from The New York Times.

”The auction is opposed by key members of Congress and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which runs the airport. The Port Authority announced on Monday — in anticipation of the Transportation Department’s move — that any airline that bought the slots would be forbidden to use a terminal at Newark Airport for those flights. “

My readers know that I support the slot restriction system. I can see no possible reason for auctioning off the slots though. Cui Bono ? Who benefits ? I haven’t figured it out yet. I know I don’t like the smell of it. Lets face it -- it’s a little late in Bush’s term of office to butt heads with everyone about aviation policy.

Readers with sharp memories will note that D.J. Gribbin was mentioned in the article and in Get the Flick previously. Stay tuned. I’m sure the motive will become painfully obvious -- sooner or later.

Don Brown
August 6, 2008