tedtim:The arguments have to be made in perspective. I suggest that comparing accidents to keeping people on an aircraft on the tarmac is also a false analogy. OTOH, implementing a bill of rights is a very heavy handed response to a relatively small problem. I define "small problem" in relation to all of the flights that depart "on time" and experience no or very short flight delays.
I think you're correct, but the bill of rights is such a political winner that politicians can't help but embrace it. It lets them pat each other on the back, get reelected, and defer dealing with the real issues that currently, or will soon in the future, truly endanger safe, convenient air travel.
These feel good measures that do nothing to deal with the real issues are merely populist hand waving, designed to impress people like, well, people like Pilot fish who get their information, and form their opinions, from sound bites.
I do think though, that the people who care and will work to make a difference (both in the government and the industry) will create and implement solutions that aren't just feel good, do nothing measures. Hopefully, I'm not too optimistic
