When did the United States government become the helicopter parent of America?
Do we really need to be told what’s right and wrong, and can’t we make decisions for ourselves?
Why do we need the Department of Justice to tell us who can and cannot merge?
Recently, JetBlue Airways ended its Northeast Alliance with American Airlines. Much of it was because of the United States government, which found that the airlines were in violation of antitrust law. This decision does not bode well for JetBlue and its proposed merger with Spirit Airlines.
The court ruled that there would be a monopoly on travel in the northeast portion of the country. Airfares would skyrocket, they said.
Why can’t we decide that for ourselves?
It’s almost like we are children who still need to be told what to do by our parents. Or rather, parents who feel the need to tell their children what to do.
Helicopter parents. The United States government.
There doesn’t seem to be much difference between the two.
Look, let’s say that everything the government has said about this case is true. Let’s say the alliance caused a spike in airfares. And? It really comes down to a simple decision for the consumer.
Pay it, or find an alternative. It’s called having a choice. We make them every day...athe grocery store or even at the gas station. The gas station near your home might be more convenient, but it’s pricier - see how easy it is to make a choice?
The government might be right. Prices might go up because of a lack of competition. Shouldn’t we be able to see that first? Shouldn’t we decide for ourselves how much we want to pay? Instead, a so-called higher entity is not even giving us the choice. A merger between JetBlue and Spirit is either going to thrive, or it’s going to fail. We should let the consumer decide.
Not a helicopter parent.
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