THE NORTON TTELEGRAMELEGRAM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013 OpinionOpinion PAGE 4 What will happen the next time a bailout is needed

Compounding its mistakes of the last few years, the Justice Depart- ment has allowed American Airlines to merge with US Airways into yet another giant company. Perhaps it was inevitable, given the fact that Delta Air Lines had been allowed to swallow Northwest, followed by United gobbling up Con- tinental. Now the U.S. has three mega-airlines, each one too big to be allowed to fail. Business interests assure us these mergers are “in the public interest,” creating stronger airlines more capable of serving the public. Bull, we say. The public will wind up paying ever-higher ticket prices, and when one of these giants gets into trouble, who will be big enough to “save” it? Only Uncle Sammy, of course. So the government, by allowing and encouraging these giant mergers, is setting us up for more expensive fl ights and for giant bailouts down the road – just like it has in so many industries, from autos to railroads to banking. An enlightened antitrust policy would aim at preventing this kind of consolidation in any industry. It cannot be good for the economy or the health of businesses as a whole. The airline industry has seen winners and losers since most of the old-line linear carriers failed to adapt to the “hub-and-spoke” world. Venerable names dropped out of the sky – Braniff, Trans World, Eastern Allegheny, Pan American, Western, the list seems endless. No right or wrong, just an opinion Low-cost carriers rose in their place, led by Southwest, a company which always seems to be profi table despite its smaller size. Texas Air took over the old Continental and made a success of it for a time. Now, There are not many times I have words before? Perhaps only over who little US West has come out on top, taking over fi rst US Air, then bank- agreed with , but this week Phase II gets to ride in the front seat, but never- rupt American. I felt empathy for him when he said, theless a point taken. But the government does not seem to get the dangers of bigness. The “It’s always been dealt with within Mary Kay The downside of Mary Cheney’s re- same Justice Department that once spent years breaking up the original the context of the family, and, frankly, mark is the red stop sign it puts on com- AT&T has since allowed one of the resulting “Baby Bells,” Southwest- that’s our preference.” He was allud- Woodyard promise. When we announce someone ern, or SBC, to gobble up two of its siblings and its one-time parent ing to his daughters’ public spat about is wrong, we have created an air of to become the new, ever-larger AT&T. Airlines swell with routes and same sex marriage. The Cheneys’ combativeness not conducive to prob- planes. Banks are encouraged to “save” struggling brethren. daughter, Mary, is married to her lem solving. In Liz’s defense, her view partner; the other daughter, Liz is run- on same sex marriage is her party’s But what happens the next time the airline industry gets tough? The button she could have clicked and the next time banks get out on a limb? And don’t tell us these consolida- ning for a Senate seat in Wyoming. Liz general rule. Liz and Mary Cheney are announced on Fox News she does not message would have remained be- in the unique position of being daugh- tions don’t affect competition, even with the relatively minor conces- tween the two sisters. sions the government fi nally got out of American, US Air and other support same sex marriage. ters of a former vice-president; of be- Although most of us aren’t public Ruth Benedict, the early 20th century ing sisters with differing sexual orien- merger partners. anthropologist, once said, “The trouble What next? fi gures, no doubt most of us would tations, and at least one with political like our family disagreements to be with life isn’t that there is no answer, aspirations. They had an opportunity Why not go back to a policy that makes sense, that keeps business it’s that there are so many answers.” competitive, allows for winners and losers, exit and entry? And protects dealt with quietly and privately. For to reveal an open conversation on an is- the Cheneys, this very public debate is Mary and see different sue that is not just a personal issue, but us from price gouging and mega-failures? answers. From Mary Cheney’s stand- Where is Teddy Roosevelt when we really need him? – Steve Haynes personal and when played out publicly, a public one, as well. uncomfortable. point, Liz’s opposition is wrong and I On the other hand, maybe Liz Cheney I have to take exception with Mary would venture to guess that works vice should have told Chris Wallace, “I be- Cheney when she announces on Face- versa as well. lieve marriage and relationships are a CITY OF NORTON ELECTED OFFICIALS book to her sister, “Liz – this isn’t just Each sister is well within her right to private matter, and the female or male an issue on which we disagree – you’re say her sibling is being unfair, not lis- box on the marriage application should Mayor: David Corns just wrong – and on the wrong side of tening and not on the right side. Who be removed.” mkwoodyard@ruraltel. history.” There is a private message of us as parents haven’t heard those net 785-202-1305 [email protected] Challenging another’s perspective or opinion WA R D 1 WA R D I I WARD III Jerry Jones Roberta Ryan Ron Briery Social media is fun, but can get one in The news release came from (pre- 785-877-2170 785-877-2182 785-877-3807 a lot of trouble. I would like my friends This Too pare for a surprise) PETA! Harriett Gill Donna Foley Jeff Urban to know, if I challenge a post you make The person who posted this runs a 785-877-3051 785-877-3585 785-877-5535 it is only an attempt for dialog. fast food restaurant. It is not a vegetar- [email protected] Shall Pass It may be heredity; my Dad loved a ian chain. So what exactly is her po- good argument. I have told this before Nancy sition? Surely she is not into animal but one of his most frustrating traits rights? would be to make me really mad; then Hagman I had not considered what Uggs were Call Dana for your next ad. defuse the situation by saying, “I agree made from but it makes sense that it with you, I was just seeing if you could would be sheep skin. Cold weather cia and Craig arguing about them fi ve defend your position!” is setting in. Sheepskin sounds cozy, years or so ago. His stance: Uggs are 785 - 877- 3361! I’ve been de-sensitized. Rather than comfortable, and warm. Sorry PETA, Ugly. Hers: they are warm and fashion- get hurt feelings, my fondest wish is your little rant just sent me shopping able. people would defend their positions! for Uggs. I can see both sides. They look re- Sometimes people post things that PETA also contends shearing sheep Letters to the Editor and Thumbs Up: ally cute on the right person with the are just wrong. If I post something is cruel, as is docking their tails. right clothes in the right situation. But wrong I want to know. I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings e-mail [email protected] it’s confusing when they are worn with It is surprising how many people but are people really this dumb? shorts???? And nothing says I’ve giv- do not seem to realize you can delete The sheep are not skinned alive. en up like Uggs and pajama pants! Or or to write 215 S. Kansas Ave. posts. Or edit, add disclaimers, apolo- They were slaughtered (or murdered anything and pajama pants! gize and give the correct information. if you are into animal rights) for their It’s hard to hate on Uggs too much Oh well! meat. Using the skins for boots seems when you own a pair of Crocs, as I do. THETHE NORTONNORTON OFFICE HOURS: How does that Serenity Prayer go: sensible. Why waste what God has giv- There are a lot of great things about 8 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Thur. accept what I cannot change, change en us? Or replace it with some sort of Crocs. Still every time I wear them in 8 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Friday what I can-----wisdom to know the dif- chemical substitute that causes all mat- public I do feel like I’ve given up! Phone: (785) 877-3361 ference? ter of harm to us and the environment? TTELEGRAMELEGRAM Thinking Uggs were something we Another thing: I only challenge peo- I remembered the Serenity Prayer. I Fax: (785) 877-3732 had mostly forgotten, it was a bit sur- ple I respect! They say never get into a backed away from the keyboard. E-mail: prising to fi nd an extensive expose’ of battle of wits with an unarmed man. If It’s been said journalists “Comfort [email protected] STAFF them on . it seems I’m picking a fi ght it’s because the affl icted and affl ict the comfort- The shocking revelation: Uggs are Dana Paxton ...... General Manager I fi gure the other person can defend able.” made of sheepskin. Not just wool but Advertising Director/ Managing Editor himself. Sadly the list of people on my It’s obvious I need a similar rule for ISSN 1063-701X skin! Just so we are clear about what email: [email protected] why bother list gets longer and longer! Facebook. It may be the same one that 215 S. Kansas Ave., Norton, KS 67654 this means: they skin sheep to make Dick Boyd ...... Blue Jay Sports Which brings us to Uggs. Uggs are applies to wearing pajama pants or Uggs!!!!!! Published each Tuesday and Friday by [email protected] a sort of boot. I seem to recall Patri- crocs in public: “I give up!” Haynes Publishing Co., 215 S. Kansas Ave., Michael Stephens...... Reporter Norton, Kan. 67654. Periodicals mail postage Society Editor/Area Sports paid at Norton, Kan. 67654. [email protected] Thumbs up to Jeremy Wetter. Because of his skills and dedication as Norton Theatre Manager, Postmaster: Send address changes to Norton 1,092 people attended the Norton Theatre from Monday, November 25th through Sunday, December Telegram, 215 S. Kansas, Norton, Kan. 67654 Vicki Henderson ...... Computer Production Offi cial newspaper of Norton and Norton Marcia Shelton ...... Offi ce Manager 1st. Thumbs up to the volunteers who made the record breaking week possible and to all the theatre County. Member of the Kansas Press Associa- patrons who support our local recreation. Our community is blessed indeed. Emailed in. tion, National Newspaper Association, and the Nebraska Press Association Thumbs up to Morgan Olliff for going out of her way to invite an elderly gentleman to join her at her table at Dairy Queen when he had no place to sit. You made his day. Not many teens would Nor’West Newspapers do that today. Brought in. Dick and Mary Beth Boyd Publishers, 1970-2002 Remember there is no charge for rendering a Thumbs Up. Thumbs Up are meant to give recognition for a positive person or event in the community. Also remember all Letters to the Editor must be signed.