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Did you know, that there are more than 10,000 private jets in the U.S.? If you’re on one now, I’m delighted for you; but the Los Angeles Times quotes some new reports that claim you’re not paying your fair share toward aviation safety. Some highlights:
Interestingly, the authors of these studies don’t seem to like so-called “rich people” very much — as you’ll see if you keep reading. |
One of the reports’ authors says, “The super-wealthy, private jetset are shifting the costs of their highflying indulgence on to the rest of us.”
That description of the rich seems a little harsh — after all, being rich doesn’t make you evil — or good. It simply makes you “different” (according to Scott Fitzgerald) — to which Hemingway notably replied, “Yes, they have more money.” Indeed.
And they contribute to congestion at the big airports that should only be for passenger planes, and they pay less to park their jets than to park a car. [finger wag]
Comment by bryan in sf — June 26, 2008 @ 12:39 pm
Not to mention the carbon emissions from those private jets…
It seems that the rich are encouraged to spend more and more on luxury travel (which is often more wasteful and less sustainable). The rest of us are encouraged to go green.
No wonder those reporters were bitter! But I guess it’s like Jane Austen said in Pride and Prejudice: “The very rich can afford to give offense wherever they go.”
Comment by Beth — June 26, 2008 @ 2:33 pm