The Daily Show: Don't Talk About Flight Club
By Nicole Belle Tuesday Apr 08, 2008 3:00pm
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Download | play (h/t Heather)
Jon Stewart & Company look at the recent safety failures in the airline industry and the Bush administration's response to them.
It’s all sort of ironic, when you think about it. When you fly, you are inspected quite thoroughly. Whereas the plane itself is perhaps occasionally vacuumed. See, with this administration, if a passenger blows up a plane, it’s a failure on the War on Terror. But if a plane just blows up on its own, eh, that’s the market self-regulating.
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We've given up our liberties for our safety and ended up losing both. Just as predicted.
What a bunch of fucking sheep.
As Grecko said in 'Wall Street', "Greed is Good!"
How true and how sad.
Jon said what I have been thinking since this whole plane inspection mess began.
It's not the passengers we should be concerned about after all. It's not the bottles of shampoo or the nail clippers we should fear. It's incompetence that should worry us.
"See, with this administration, if a passenger blows up a plane, it’s a failure on the War on Terror. But if a plane just blows up on its own, eh, that’s the market self-regulating."
How true. How fascistic of them.
Americans are proud to be suckers.
Patricia, I don't think in my lifetime I have ever seen a more incompetent Administration. From Katrina to the credit and morgage crisis, poisoned food, (pet and people), lead filled toys, deregulation, the list goes on and on. From planes , trains and automobiles nothing is safe anymore. It kind of looks bleak, don't it?
I know it's off topic, but San Fransico is going nuts. Pres. Bush should boycott. Brown and Merckel are.
Will someone please jiggle the fucking handle already, this things been running for nearly 30 years already!
The sun'll come out... tomorrow.... or... wait CUT!
The sun'll come out... 1/29/09.... or... wait CUT!
*silence*
P.D. @ 7:
Cheney would reply to you by saying, "So?"
I think at this point we are as they say, on our own. But you better not make a mistake on your income tax returns or they will be on your ass so fast you won't know what hit you. They can screw up everything, but we on the other hand better keep on the straight and narrow.
Where's Chris on this thread? He can tell us how safety standards, regulations, laws and industry oversight are all evil socialistic plots.
This is what happens when we allow pieces of paper to say they're citizens and they have right to petition congress.
EliteLemming @ 9:
A lot of crap was flushed down it for nearly 30 years so maybe it's stopped up
"This is just what happens when regulatory agencies are managed by the very people they are meant to regulate" (~5:45)
Jon summed it up nicely there. And its damn near every agency that's infected.
Your right, screw up on taxes, they'll take your house. Rise up against them, off to Gitmo you go! And good old McCain would let the good times roll! Christ.
Weaseldog @ 12:
Yep, Chris will be here soon to tell us it's the Democrats fault. I'm not sure the reason, but I'm sure that will be the conclusion.
Nancy Pelosi today said not so fast on that request from bush to move the Colombian trade bill through......in fact she said she will postpone a vote on it.
E-coli conservativism triumphs again!
pissed off patricia @ 17:
If we're lucky, she might have an aide write a stern letter.
Your right Weaseldog, where is a resident right-wing shill? I suprised he's not here telling us what heathens we are!
Terrorist no longer have to worry about smuggling something on to a plane they can just play the odds that a plane somewhere will fall apart mid air and then they can claim it was their doing.
pissed off patricia @ 17:
Why doesn't she send some impeachment procedings through, I bet we'd see quite a few more whistleblowers chaseing foxes out of a multitude of chicken coups.
Damn Paricia, you are right on with that one! Collapsing bridges, aging cities, oil rigs that havent been modified since the seventies. And I thought America was the home of innovation. Kind of hard to say that when everything crumbles around you.
EliteLemming @ 22:
Trouble is, the foxes have already eaten all the chickens in the coups.
P.D. @ 23:
The most innovative thing our country has come up with in a long time is a bigger way to kill more people at one time. We have bigger and better guns and bombs but our space shuttle has a license tag on it that says, "Antique vehicle"
I'm not going into any "bucket o' the colonel's original" that easy... ooh wait... There's goin' ta be a new Wal-mart's, Yeahhhh!!!
Oh, you mean: If someone blows up a bridge, it's a GWOT failure. But if a bridge collapses on its own, that's the market self-regulating.
If someone bombs a city [NYC, DC], it's a GWOT failure. But if a city drowns on its own, that's the market self-regulating.
I think I got it....
Its not irony, its hypocrisy.
9 times out of 10, when someone says its ironic. Its not.
The things going on in San Francisco now with the torch are funny to watch. The CNN announcer was trying to get Wolf's attention. The guy kept saying, "Wolf, Wolf, Wolf"
Seems like an inappropriate to time to do a dog impersonation.
Leslie,
You're a quick study. Now try something like that in your own life. If you run your car into a tree, blame the person who planted that dangerous tree. That's the bush administration's way. If it works for them, it should work for us. Oh wait.
pissed off patricia @ 29:
And the villagers came running with their rakes and pitchforks and asked "Where? Where is the wolf?"
Remember when the biggest airline problem were the sexy Pan Am "fly me" ads?
P.D. @ 8:
Of course he SHOULD, but he won't. The Decider has already decided. Now get back to work!
Weaseldog @ 30:
Was the CNN announcer's name Peter?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxNHmhw-kB8
And what about the antiquated air traffic control system and its obsolete radar? Nope, no money for that either!
Dr. Acula @ 34:
It's the market self-regulating.
From now on: you want to go to Europe, rent a rowboat.
Airline safety: Wait, you want the cheapest possible airfares...but you're shocked that airlines cut corners to compensate? Oh my. (Of course, Socialist Workers' Paradise Non-Profit Airlines would run a much safer operation...)
Happenstance @ 36:
If our airlines didn't break laws and endanger the public, they'd be owned by communists.
Capitalists are a danger to themselves and others. Reckless endangerment is the heart of Freedom.
Happenstance @ 36:
Or they could not line their executives' pockets with million dollar annual bonuses. *shock*
I love how conservative hacks try to use that "law of supply and demand" excuse as if this were an actual law of the physical world that dictated their actions, like gravity dictates how bodies of mass react to one another instead of the reality of it merely being part of a failed economic philosophy and an excuse for their self-centered actions.
Zenrage @ 28:
Zenrage, don't you find it ironic when people use a word to express an idea even while those people are unaware of the true meaning of the word?
Happenstance @ 36:
In other words, you're willing to risk your safety in return for cheap airfares?
Leslie @ 40:
Haven't you ever heard someone say, "I'd die for a deal like that!"?
Weaseldog @ 41:
Never occurred to me they meant it literally!? LOL.
They're GOPers; money's more important than people to them.
Runnoft Topic @ 39:
That's not ironic either. That's misspeaking.
Irony only transpires when an action is taken in which the opposite or detrimental effect occurs than what is expected or desired.
The War on Terror, for example, is quite ironic as it has only created the perfect breeding ground for more and more terrorists to cause havoc for future generations.
Actually, in the next segment, Jason Jones had a much more on-point observation - "Morons aren't this consistent."
Leslie @ 42:
Sanjiv Sarwate @ 45:
Indeed, hence Dorf's Maxim:
"In the political context, repeated acts of hypocrisy can be seen as consistency."
- Michael Dorf, Columbia University School of Law
Leslie @ 40:
Well...if you have to risk your life, wouldn't you rather save a few bucks to put toward extra life insurance?
Happenstance @ 36:
What is with these wingnut false equivalencies? Airline safety = cheap air fares
Leslie @ 49:
Err lack of airline safety = cheap air fares?!
This is America, folks--get used to it. If you're a multimillion-dollar corporation, the feds will bail you out and let you get away with murder...well, negligent homicide, at least. If you're a multibillion-dollar industry, our "free market" will pay to keep you in business even when there is no demand for your services. If you're a multibillion-dollar oil tycoon, our government will give you tax breaks.
But if you're a cancer victim smoking pot to relieve pain, you're a criminal to be locked up. If you're a peaceful protester who objects to the war, you're a domestic terrorist to be locked up. If you're too slow to comply with the cops, you get tasered (and hopefully you live...maybe...unless you're unpatriotic enough to have a heart problem).
This is America--of, for, and by the corporations. Go ahead and fly your deadly airplanes, we'll look the other way--but don't you dare try to groom your nails or wear a nipple piercing or we'll strip-search you and brand you a terrorist.
The U.S.A--born 1776, died 2000. (9/11 finished her off, but the election of Bush/Cheney signed the death warrant.)
America has the most ignorant electorate in the civilized world.
*
Incompetence by design.
It's been obvious from since 2000.
If you need to laugh at an apparent conspiracy theorist to get the point, so be it.
Apparently the citizens need to make fun of dramatic actors playing conspiracy theorists to come to grips with the real deal that has destroyed this country.
If you're not a conspiracy theorist, you're just not paying attention. If sites like this one continue to delete posts by intelligent individuals who actually reveal the true facts of actual conspiracies, whose interest is served by that?
The topic of this post is a dramatic example of a conspiracy theorist. My posting is on topic. Are you going to delete it?
Wikipedia definition of Conspiracy:
In the criminal law, a conspiracy is an agreement between natural persons to break the law at some time in the future, and, in some cases, with at least one overt act in furtherance of that agreement. There is no limit on the number participating in the conspiracy and, in most countries, no requirement that any steps have been taken to put the plan into effect (compare attempts which require proximity to the full offence). For the purposes of concurrence, the actus reus is a continuing one and parties may join "the plot" later and incur joint liability and conspiracy can be charged where the co-conspirators have been acquitted and/or cannot be traced.
___________________
Clearly there was a conspiracy between Libby and Cheney. Conspiracy is a legal term. Can we all be adults and discuss this and other related conspiracies without being accused of being "Conspiracy Theorists?"
Having a theory about a conspiracy was a prerequisite for Fitzgerald's investigators. It's time to praise those who are able to think outside the box and comprehend the means, motive and opportunity that leads to these types of Conspiracies.
It's time to raise the level of discourse where the term "Conspiracy" is concerned:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/library/reports/2005/franklin_indic...
We've all been conditioned to snicker and ridicule when non-professionals offer theories about conspiracies. It's time to talk about all of these theories and unravel the whole thing.
Conspiracy is a legal term. Having a theory about a particular case is what Prosecutors do every day.
According to some twisted Republican logic if you fall out of the sky because your plane fell apart because nobody is inspecting them then it's not the Airlines problem that you are plummeting to Earth...you should simply pull yourself up by your own ass-cheeks.
Happenstance @ 36:
Socialist Workers' Paradise Non-Profit, huh? Let me understand this . . . . we have two and only two options. Either outright laissez faire capitalism or completely socialized non-profit industry. Do I have it right? Yes, I can see why I'd get so much grief from people who subscribe to this all-or-nothing philosophy when I call myself a libertarian-progressive.
You seem to be implying that cutting corners was a response to inappropriate and outrageous consumer demand. That's absurd. If the airlines had informed people, "Well, we can give you a lower price, but you have to understand that we'd have to relax our safety standards," you might have a case. But I would imagine they'd see the demand in the face of such information plummet.
As for the "cheapest possible airfaires," we're supposed to be dealing with a basic market, right? We want the cheapest price for the best/safest service. Supply and demand at equilibrium. Only it doesn't work perfectly, so we need some referees ensuring safety standards, and some basic safety regulations to enforce. The equilibrium price can occur within that regulatory framework.
And no, we don't want the "cheapest possible" price. That would be $0, and we'd get our money's worth.
At this rate, that self-regulating market just might self-regulate the airline industry right into extinction....or nationalization...maayyybe... And all because the airlines hired some big-brain bean counters who decided they wanted to pad the bottom line by saving a buck on maintenence costs.... Oh, yea and that whole lobbying bit to do away with any kind of real regulatory oversight... B-bu-but the FAA... Oh yea... the F.A.A...you say.... Ha, that's a good one...What's that mean?? Full on Abdication of Authority or somethin???
All in all? Probably not the smartest move for an industry that counts on people having faith that this business can move folks from point a to point b without that whole sudden death thing, caused by the sudden stop after decending in free fall from 30 thousand feet or higher... That rains on the party e.v.e.r.y.t.i.m.e it happens... And, regardless of statistics folks, it only takes one fall from that high up to ruin your day.....JD
nony @ 54:
Heh, I once mentioned that I didn't think that conspiracy theories were off-limits here for conversation about 9/11 per se. When I said so, I was using the legal definition of "conspiracy" I work with regularly when defending clients.
Indeed, under the law, a conspiracy is really just when two or more people agree to commit a crime. (It's a little more complicated than that, but that's the gist of it.) But in typical blogger and political junkie lexicon, a "conspiracy theory" concerns a hypothesis of a massive, secret, government plot to commit a crime in the world, and the multi-faceted, complicated efforts used to cover it up.
I suppose that to raise the level of discourse, just stipulate a definition whenever you use the term. If you want to use the legal definition, say that that's what you're doing, and then proceed to discuss your topic. ;)
to nony @54 You are correct, conspiracy is simply planning things. If you get up and plan out your day with some one and pick up your car keys to meet them, you are involved in a conspiracy. If you plan a trip with one or 100 people, and then buy your ticket for trip you have conspired. planning your day, ok planning your day to include robbing a bank not ok--of course you must plan it with someone and take first step toward plan. The general public seems to think it is something next to impossible or takes some super secret operation. Here is a well known conspiracy. bush and crew sat around and planned (however crappy that plan) to invade iraq,using false evidence which is against the law, any one of them taking an action starting that plan makes all of them accountable-------the place is lousey with them each and every day, yet when people here "CONSPIRACY THEORIST "they start to act like your talking about flapping your fucking arms and flying to the moon or somthing.
The gop has long been working on flight controllers pay and the down time they need to regroup from stress,increaseing hours /not replacing people who retire,fewer stress breaks in shifts ,short staffed, much more air traffic, plane repairs and maint done out side country to save money. Scares the hell out of me a lot more that an attack by el kater. A friend who is a traffic controler tells me that things are so dangerous they would have to drag him, on a plane,kicking and bitting the whole way! Add that to the way you are treated by people that are a mix of keystone cops and the mean guard from the long green mile and I have heard all I need to know.
P.D. @ 7:
Patricia, I don’t think in my lifetime I have ever seen a more incompetent Administration. From Katrina to the credit and morgage crisis, poisoned food, (pet and people), lead filled toys, deregulation, the list goes on and on. From planes , trains and automobiles nothing is safe anymore. It kind of looks bleak, don’t it?
Cheney would reply to you by saying, “So?”
I think at this point we are as they say, on our own. But you better not make a mistake on your income tax returns or they will be on your ass so fast you won’t know what hit you. They can screw up everything, but we on the other hand better keep on the straight and narrow.
Maybe we should just all refuse to pay our taxes. Just say "Hey your not handling our money right so we ain't gonna give you anymore!"
Incompetence? Sorry, but I think TDS has the truth of it. If BushCo were this moronic, they couldn't dress themselves in the morning. Conservatives don't want everyone dead (at least not until they've got their money), they just don't give a shit who and how many die (as long as they've got the money). Lack of regulatory enforcement is how conservatives make it legal for you to die because of their greed.
Zenrage @ 44:
Reminds me of a song.
How about a song that has a literary device as its title never once correctly using that literary device. Isn't that ironic?
Back to topic.
Britisher @ 46:
I'm just proud that I voted for President Bush two times because I believe he is a Man of God. He is a good Christian Man with Family Values. He is PRO-LIFE all the way and that is good enough for me. I think he is doing a great job under the circumstances.
[pause]
NOT!
My husband is an Air Traffic Controller employed under the FAA. They are such assholes, they don't care about the safety or their employees. They are just a bunch of lackees working for W, they don't know much about Air safety.
EliteLemming @ 9:
Doesn't matter how much you jiggle the handle if the turds are still in the bowl.
gemHusseinpei @ 67:
Or rather, if the turds are clogging the bowl.
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