United Airlines Overbooks Flights - and Beats up a Paying Passenger

[pellius]

i have to call bs on the bolded.

the US is probably the most authority controlled society in the western world. they tend not to travel internationally and have little knowledge of what's going on in the rest of the world.  the only thing they get uptight about it is the threat to take away their guns. and that's only because it's been drummed into them that giving them up would lead to armageddon. lol

It's a sad truth that American are far more parochial and insular compared to Europeans. There is a stinging lack of sophistication and "broadness" I feel in myself when meeting others from another country. We only know and care about our own back yard. But that is a separate issue. Americans still (thought it's changing) value freedom and very willing to fight injustice and stand up to authority.

[pellius]

Who knew there were so many babies on Getbig. hahahhaha

So often we attribute intelligence, or lack thereof, to those who disagree or agree with us. Many Dems/Libs believe that Repub/Conserv are just stupid and vice versa when in reality both sides are armed with very, very intelligent people. To argue that William F. Buckley or Christopher Hitchens are just dumb people is beyond moronic.

It's a matter of perspective. Our world view. Carter believed that Communism, though bad ("in his opinion"), was an alternative political ideology and who are we to tell them, force them, otherwise? Reagan believed Communism was evil and they are to be fought at every turn and destroyed. Remember his strategy when he was asked to articulate it? "We win. They lose."

You see a person fighting back on an renege, mutually agreed upon, agreement as a cry baby. I see you as an obsequious sheep letting others push you around under the color of authority.

Again, being bumped from a flight is one thing. It's quite another being asked to leave after your ticket was accepted and you are seated because United has decided at the last minute that they would rather have someone else sitting in your seat and willing to use force to get their way and violate the agreed upon transaction.

[Conker]

Of course not all. I knew I was on shaky ground to make that claim but it's just been my experience in issues like these and how they polarize. It's kind of ironic, but telling, Conker scolding us "yanks" -- meaning those Americans who allow themselves to be bullied when we go on about freedom and our rights.

I don't want to diminish those in Europe who fight tooth and nail to prevent what is happening there. That small but growing movement in Germany fighting those who have literally surrendered their country without a fight is very encouraging.

this kind of statement proves my point to a great extent. americans in general have a skewed opinion of the world because they don't travel anywhere.

i just got back from visiting cologne in germany a few weeks ago. what a great city. the people are very open and friendly and it's not the falseness you get in a lot of places where its just put on for tourists. they actually interact with each other in the same way.

cologne is probably the most diverse large city in germany with the highest concentration of muslims. yet the people in general seem very happy, there is no apparent tensions and they mix freely with each other. it's not culturally segregated like in the states.  

yet your average american thinks germany is in a state of civil unrest. lol

[Rambone]

The internet isn't boiling over about any of the other injustices in the world.  This just became a big deal because people hate airlines and all the bullshit of flying.  The chinaman isn't the issue.

[pellius]

this kind of statement proves my point to a great extent. americans in general have a skewed opinion of the world because they don't travel anywhere.

i just got back from visiting cologne in germany a few weeks ago. what a great city. the people are very open and friendly and it's not the falseness you get in a lot of places where its just put on for tourists. they actually interact with each other in the same way.

cologne is probably the most diverse large city in germany with the highest concentration of muslims. yet the people in general seem very happy, there is no apparent tensions and they mix freely with each other. it's not culturally segregated like in the states.  

yet your average american thinks germany is in a state of civil unrest. lol

 

So you have no problem with Merckle's open border policy and the social climate is the same say, 7 years ago?

[Conker]

 

So you have no problem with Merckle's open border policy and the social climate is the same say, 7 years ago?

what open door policy? germany has pretty much identical immigration levels(per capita) to the US.

the thing the idiots are generally up in arms about is the number of refugees merkel is allowing in.
and if they had a brain between them they'd realise they should be blaming those responsible for the destruction of iraq/syria/libya for that.

[Waller]

It's a difference of perspective. I hate to paint with a broad brush but Europeans are far more comfortable yielding to authorities than Americans. Still having a Monarchy, who live in unimaginable opulence at tax payers expense, is something beyond the comprehension of Americans. Europeans are far more comfortable with Socialism. Giving more of your money to the government and letting them determine what is best for you. You're much more tolerant of savages invading your country without a fight.

Don't all former presidents receive  $250,000.00 per year plus secret service agents for life? Or that bullshit?

[_bruce_]

It's a difference of perspective. I hate to paint with a broad brush but Europeans are far more comfortable yielding to authorities than Americans. Still having a Monarchy, who live in unimaginable opulence at tax payers expense, is something beyond the comprehension of Americans. Europeans are far more comfortable with Socialism. Giving more of your money to the government and letting them determine what is best for you. You're much more tolerant of savages invading your country without a fight.

Americans in general are not impress with a badge, a medal, a crown... Where else can a Joe the plumber get right in the President's face and tell him he's wrong?

He paid for his ticket and was seated and now United tells him the deal is off. We have the right to protest and defy authorities who has changed the rules in the middle of the game. We have the right because we make it our right. We fight back and don't automatically cower to authority.

He's already won. Got put back on the plane and United has a PR nightmare. No jury will side with United no matter how much of a scumbag the "doctor" is. United has been bullying passengers long enough. Americans have a natural sympathy for the little guy because most of us are little guys who has been pushed around.

United should have just paid whatever it took to get volunteers but they thought they could just strong arm the little guy.

 
#Not all Europeans

[Conker]

Don't all former presidents receive  $250,000.00 per year plus secret service agents for life? Or that bullshit?

tbh the amount the monarchy costs the uk taxpayer in this day and age is negligible. they no doubt pay for that tenfold in the value they add in terms of tourism.

[SuperTed]

tbh the amount the monarchy costs the uk taxpayer in this day and age is negligible. they no doubt pay for that tenfold in the value they add in terms of tourism.

Do you think tourism to the UK would be affected if the monarchy was abolished? I doubt many tourists visit the UK specifically because of the monarchy. Whatever happens, London will always be a major destination.

[Parker]

i have to call bs on the bolded.

the US is probably the most authority controlled society in the western world. they tend not to travel internationally and have little knowledge of what's going on in the rest of the world.  the only thing they get uptight about it is the threat to take away their guns. and that's only because it's been drummed into them that giving them up would lead to armageddon. lol

Its in Euro's history. Euros are used to being taken care of. That's one of the reasons why socialism has taken hold in a lot of Euro countries.

Also, many Americans travel abroad, far more than you know. Many Americans on this site travel abroad. It's just that Euros traveling between Euro nations is like Americans traveling to another state. You go through the Chunnel and are in France. Then one could drive from France to either Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Italy, Monaco, or Spain, etc.
The thing that you don't get, is that with America, it's so big, that each state is like its own country, with its own "constitution", governing bodies, legislatures, etc. And you have different American cultures, dialects, etc.

[Conker]

also its a myth that europe is so more "socialist" than the US

UK total tax revenue is around 34% of GDP in the states it's around 26% i believe

but when you consider that tax in the UK more or less covers the entire population's health care costs whereas in the US health care encompasses 17%+ of GDP, you really not better off, probably worse.

but as long as a large chunk of your income goes to a combination of the government and huge insurance corporations this makes you happy cos you still feel you're "anti socialist". even though the combined total is likely more than tax being paid in most western european countries. lol

[Conker]

Do you think tourism to the UK would be affected if the monarchy was abolished? I doubt many tourists visit the UK specifically because of the monarchy. Whatever happens, London will always be a major destination.

yes i think all the tradition around the monarchy and palaces etc is a draw for tourists. not saying london would stop being a major tourist destination without them but for the pittance they actually cost they are good value.

[bigkid]

tbh the amount the monarchy costs the uk taxpayer in this day and age is negligible. they no doubt pay for that tenfold in the value they add in terms of tourism.

Negligible is what the impact on tourism would be if they go rid of the monarchy.  It's about the history.

[Conker]

Negligible is what the impact on tourism would be if they go rid of the monarchy.  It's about the history.

what's "about the history"... the tourist appeal?

[bigkid]

what's "about the history"... the tourist appeal?

Yes.

[Twaddle]

It's an economic transaction. When a buyer and seller agree and commit to that transaction, often exchanging money and services, then each party has the right
that the other will honor the agreement.

Unless there was a specific clause stipulating that a passenger can be removed from the plane to make room for other passengers arbitrarily deemed more deserving then his rights has been violated.

X2

His situation is no different than if a person paid for a hotel room, checked in, unpacked, and went to bed.  Then, the hotel staff comes and knocks on the door and says, "Sorry sir, but we've got some employees who need a room for the night.  You have been randomly selected to give up your room.  Please pack your shit and GTFO!"  My response who be, "Tell your employees to fuck off and find another hotel, I've already paid for this room, and I've got an early meeting in the morning!"

[Conker]

Yes.

and the royal family doesn't add to "the history"  

[Griffith]

Hope this airline gets boycotted.

He bought a ticket and was in his seat, and then they try and force him off to give his seat to staff.....?

[Don_Dada]

Hope this airline gets boycotted.

He bought a ticket and was in his seat, and then they try and force him off to give his seat to staff.....?

imagine if this happened to a paying customer in a room at the Mirage!

[The Ugly]

The internet isn't boiling over about any of the other injustices in the world.  This just became a big deal because people hate airlines and all the bullshit of flying.  The chinaman isn't the issue.

 


UNITED: Jesus, screwed the pooch. How goddamn stupid can a mothereffer be.

SPICER: Hold my Pepsi.

[Antonio fella]

https://www.reddit.com/r/videos/comments/64vz8b/jiujitsu_master_teaches_few_defensive_tricks/?st=J1EZGRZH&sh=830b2af0

[Dave D]

I have to agree with everyone on this.

The gentleman was very lucky to be able to purchase a ticket. At any point the airline should be able to discriminate against its clients.

This man should have caught more of a beating, just to ensure this behavior doesn't happen again.

I wish airports employed more enforcers, let's not forget you can over power a whole plane with a box cutter.


BeThere didn't you work for an airline? If so what is proper protocol when beating a customer off a plane?

[bigkid]

and the royal family doesn't add to "the history"  

The history is there already imo.  What has the Queen done in the last 60 years that anyone cares about?  I think people go to London to see Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster abbey, tower of London, Picadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace etc.  I don't know how much would change if they didn't have a current monarchy anymore.  I mean, I don't live there, so it doesn't  really matter to me or concern me.  Just an opinion.

[illuminati]

and the royal family doesn't add to "the history"  

Of course they do.
France doesn't have a Royal family any more & Plenty of History
France has more tourists visitors Than We Do in The UK.

Not having a royal family would be a massive step forward for the UK
& Likely have Negligible affect on Tourism.