Just a side note to the issues accompanying the spread of COVID-19. Have you noticed how quickly the nation’s airlines are seeking federal aid, billions of dollars, so they can stay in business? These are the same airlines who have ballooned their fees in order to collect ever-more money from passengers?

These are the airlines who have in recent years gouged their passengers to an extraordinary extent in all sorts of ways, even charging outrageous fees should anyone want to try to change their flights? Some airlines even make you pay for those peanuts (looking at you, Spirit).

They’ve tightened seating, pushing in additional seats and lowering leg and back room, to make flying more uncomfortable and unhealthy. Sure, you can skip all of that but you’ll have to pay a lot more.

Thee are companies whose concerns for their passengers – and let’s exempt high-paying, first class passengers, of course – have been minimal as long as their bottom lines have stayed up[. And now that they’re falling, the airlines want help from the taxpayers. Does that make you happy?

Yes, the airlines are a vital part of our nation’s transportation system and owe cannot do without them. But can we take a little more serious look at their business models before bailing them out – again? Can we offer some quid pro quo’s – we’ll help you and in turn when things get better you’ll eliminate some of out worst mistreatments of passengers?

And, by the way, while making that plea please be assured it won’t happen. We have an administration and a Republican-led Senate who could care less about anything other than the wealthy and wealthy corporations. The airlines will get their help, as they must. And the rest of us taxpayers will continue to get screwed – as it seems we must.

Please do try to remember that when we get to November.