Flying the Not-So Friendly Skies

[n david]

By now everyone's heard about the United flight from which Dr. Dao was forcibly removed after refusing to give up his seat. It's been interesting watching the development of this story, from where it began to where it is now.

Had you been in Dr. Dao's position, would you have given up your seat willingly or would you have refused as he did?

[n david]

[Amanah]

http://nypost.com/2017/04/11/doctor-...drugs-for-sex/

The passenger hauled off a United flight is a lung doctor with a taste for gambling, a history of angry outbursts — and a conviction for trading narcotics prescriptions and cash for gay sex in motels.

http://thenewdaily.com.au/news/world...eo-apologises/

the flight was not in fact overbooked, but that the four passengers were removed to accommodate four crew members needed in Louisville the next day.

[n david]

Originally Posted by Amanah

http://nypost.com/2017/04/11/doctor-...drugs-for-sex/

The passenger hauled off a United flight is a lung doctor with a taste for gambling, a history of angry outbursts — and a conviction for trading narcotics prescriptions and cash for gay sex in motels.

I just posted about how the narrative has changed. Since you posted the link above, could you explain what the Dr's gambling, conviction for drug violations and (this is new) alleged cash for gay sex has to do with his being assaulted by airport security?

[n david]

Originally Posted by Amanah

http://thenewdaily.com.au/news/world...eo-apologises/

the flight was not in fact overbooked, but that the four passengers were removed to accommodate four crew members needed in Louisville the next day.

This is really poor service by United, and could end up in a big payday for Dr. Dao, unless United is able to use these past issues (or find other skeletons) to force Dr. Dao to drop it. Even this article makes sure to mention the tawdry details of Dr. Dao's past.

The airline wasn't overbooked.
Allegedly these four crew members were from a partner airline, not United.
Airport security should have followed protocol and requested the police to assist, instead of assaulting Dr. Dao and dragging him off the plane.

Were I in Dr. Dao's position, I doubt I would have voluntarily given up my seat either. Especially if I was needed at work the next morning. It's not as though Dr. Dao was opening the drive through window at McDonald's the next morning; he has patients who had scheduled appointments.

[n david]

So at first, there was outrage at United. Everyone was shocked at how the airline security personnel brutally assaulted Dr. Dao and just dragged him off of the plane.

Then "journalists" did what they do and some newspaper from Dr. Dao's home state decided it was relevant to point out that over TEN years ago, Dr. Dao was forced to stop practicing due to charges against him for sexual harassment of a former employee and prescription drug violations. After paying the penalty for his crimes, he was allowed to resume practice in 2015 and, thus far, seems to be on the straight and narrow.

The story wasn't relevant at all, had absolutely nothing to do with him being assaulted and dragged off of the plane, but, again, journalists will be journalists: they love to create controversy and dig up old issues.

After that newspaper broke the story, other stations and newspapers began including it in their stories, as though it was relevant. National news, when talking about the incident, didn't fail to mention the crimes committed by Dr. Dao in 2004/2005.

Then I noticed comments on social media beginning to change. Dr. Dao wasn't a victim anymore. He was belligerent and it was all Dr. Dao's fault for refusing to leave; he was a criminal, after all.

This is the best thing to happen for United. The narrative has been changed from outrage against United to questioning and blaming the victim, Dr. Dao, who, if you didn't know already, was a criminal and had his license revoked for several years.

[Amanah]

I posted the link, but I also voted that United was wrong . . .

[n david]

Originally Posted by Amanah

I posted the link, but I also voted that United was wrong . . .

I just hate that the man's past convictions are now part of the story. I've never committed a crime, but I did some stupid things growing up. I would be incredibly angry and upset if any of those things suddenly became part of the story about me being dragged off a plane by overzealous security personnel.

The guy paid for the crime. Sure, he's not a model citizen, but neither is the POTUS!

[Amanah]

Originally Posted by n david

I just hate that the man's past convictions are now part of the story. I've never committed a crime, but I did some stupid things growing up. I would be incredibly angry and upset if any of those things suddenly became part of the story about me being dragged off a plane by overzealous security personnel.

The guy paid for the crime. Sure, he's not a model citizen, but neither is the POTUS!

God loves and forgives and wipes the slate clean; people for the most part might forgive but never forget.

And if you end up in the spotlight, all the dirt will come up.

I don't expect POTUS to be a saint, I don't believe you can be in politics and not be corrupt.

LBJ was a great politician because he could wheel and deal with the devil himself, and likely will spend eternity in hell.

[Jermyn Davidson]

Originally Posted by n david

I just hate that the man's past convictions are now part of the story. I've never committed a crime, but I did some stupid things growing up. I would be incredibly angry and upset if any of those things suddenly became part of the story about me being dragged off a plane by overzealous security personnel.

The guy paid for the crime. Sure, he's not a model citizen, but neither is the POTUS!

This is done OFTEN and I agree with you in that it should NEVER happen unless the past is DIRECTLY connected to the present.