When the video of the United Airlines passenger, forcibly removed from the aircraft, went viral, it showed how appalled Americans feel at the willingness of the United Continental corporation to treat customers like cattle. The callous words of the CEO added fuel to the fire. This is not the problem in itself, it is a symptom of a world where humans have become devalued by the corporate and political system.

I’m sure the United CEO wishes he had spoken more eloquently. I’m sure he wishes that he had spoken differently, not because what happened was wrong in his eyes, but because it caused a dip in the value of the company’s stock and may affect traveler numbers. But, I’m also sure he’s not too worried because Americans have short memories and feel powerless to stand up for themselves.

It is the sincere wish of United Continental that this fade to the background as quickly as possible. Then they can go on with their policies, the media will move on as it is no longer a shocking story – just every day – and people will continue to be treated badly without any recourse. Other stories are surfacing but it is only a matter of time before this all just goes away.

There is a law that caps how much a passenger can be compensated but the airlines are not required to go that limit. United opted not to offer the max by less than half. If you have a compelling reason to stay on the plane, it doesn’t matter as flight crews do not have a say in that decision. Hmmm, I wonder how those laws and regulations came about? Legislatures. That’s how that came about. You have little power, unless, you take it. How to do that?

Pay attention to your representatives actions and votes. Do they lean toward corporation rights or consumer rights? for workers rights? family rights? or human rights? How they vote is how they will take care of you. You can’t go by what they say. Politicians know how to say what you want to hear, but then vote very differently. People in this country are treated pretty shabbily as we become smaller and smaller cogs in the big business machine without unions or politicians who have our back.

See what your representatives do, not what they say and take action. Let them know they are replaceable. That will get their attention.

Be a voice for bringing humanity back to America.

http://www.latimes.com/business/lazarus/la-fi-lazarus-united-low-priority-passenger-20170412-story.html