Old charges are new again. Wall Street Journal reporter Thomas Petzinger’s book on the business of the airline industry carries an interesting story about Norm Mineta (p. 93 of the hardcover). Mineta was a swing vote to deliver airline deregulation in the house. So far, so good — you’d think I’d admire the man! However, it seems he sold his vote to Ted Kennedy is exchange for Kennedy headlining a fundraiser for him in California.
Even TAPPED gets
Even TAPPED gets into the act — linking to Instapundit who links to me on this Mineta thing…
An otherwise excellent
An otherwise excellent USA Today piece on the air traffic control blow-by-blow of September 11, 2001 perpetuates the myth that Norm Mineta was decisive in grounding all the aircraft in the country. The decision had already been made by Monte Belger, the no. 2 official at the FAA. Mineta spreads the myth, but it rings false.
USAirways filed for
USAirways filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. They got a $900 federal loan guarantee and employee wage concessions. They still need to wriggle out of aircraft leases and other obligations. As far as I can tell, this bankruptcy is not a death knell. Frankly, I’ll keep flying them. First, because their partnership with United will help them going forward. Second, because not only did they get $500 million debtor-in-possession financing, but they got a new $200 million equity investment from Dave Bonderman’s Texas Pacific Group. In exchange, they pick up 38% ownership. This is a shrewd LBO firm. They turned around Continental Airlines, and won’t be sinking $200 million down a rat hole. N ow, it’s possible that USAirways will never prosper, and Texas Pacific Group will just make all or most of its money in…
Just click here to purchase
Just click here to purchase an “Impeach Norm Mineta” bumper sticker:
Two new sweepstakes.American
Two new sweepstakes. American Airlines – win a Lincoln Navigator or 2 coach tickets and $1,000. Delta – Fort Lauderdale travel package
Hyatt is offering
Hyatt is offering 50,000 points in their Gold Passport program for meeting planners (book 10 or more rooms, have a catered event, hold a banquet). If this would be of help to you, e-mail me and I’ll dig up more info.
I’ve broken down and done
I’ve broken down and done it. Impeach Norm Mineta bumper stickers are on the way. I should be shipping them by the end of the week. Just $2 covers the bumper sticker and domestic U.S. shipping (via USPS first class mail). As you can see, I’m out to make a point, not to make money. As a result, I need to keep this as simple for myself as possible. I’m accepting payment only via Paypal (send money to gleff@gmu.edu). All sales final. Get them while they’re hot! (Edited to say: Welcome Instapundit visitors! I’d appreciate it lots if you would check out the front page of my site I’m even giving away free first class upgrades and airline drink coupons. Check it out.)
I called for
I called for the impeachment of Norm Mineta back on 7/18. Instapundit thinks we need bumper stickers. A quick search suggests they can be had quickly and inexpensively: 250 @ 50 cents apiece.. or one at a time for $4.95. Any bloggers out there want to take up the challenge? If not, I may do it.
Check out the
Check out the War On Drugs Clock — and see just how much we’re spending and how many people are being sent to jail for a product that’s only harmful when the government criminalizes it. Time to shut down the prohibition-industrial complex.
