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October 01, 2001
Please forward to a colleague. You can also have Leasing News delivered to your e-mail address. Included in the signaturex is “This Day in American History.” written solely for Leasing News ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Headlines--- Parker Leasing---Looks like a Scandal American Express Busienss Finance---Story getting complicated CapitalStream Announces New Vice President
of Client ServicesFBI, computer industry launch bug prevention program Help Wanted is now on Line at Leasing News Tyco Makes it Official: CIT Tyco Capital Multistate Tax Commission (actually it should be CIT Tyco International Capital so it could be CIT-TIC ) Reactions to Friday and Sunday’s Leasing News ### Denotes press release
___________________________________________________________________ PacBell Users Notice All the users of PacBell are not receiving Leasing News. Started last week. I don't even know if this will get through, as I tried to notify so users and it never made it. Louis
Funston (I can receive, but I cannot send to any PacBell user, either as an individual or as a group. Some PacBell users tell me they cannot send to me, and it has something to do with “relay.” We are looking into this with our ISP provider, as we do not understand it, nor do we have a way to contact readers who are using PacBell. Editor) Parker Leasing
Dear Mr. Menkin! Thanks for your information. It really looks to become a scandal. I also heard that there are investigations against Parker Leasing by the Police Department in Fort Lauderdale (Detective Ron Hood). Thanks and best regards Walter Unterweger NEWS The Austrian soccer club FC Tirol is in business with Parker Leasing. The club is very close to bankruptcy but has announced to receive 150 million US-Dollar from Parker Leasing in the next three weeks. For me it is hard to believe that an American Leasing company gives so much money to an Austrian soccer club. Leasing News has this company on our Bulletin Board as having received complaints for holding advance rentals, on some large leases, too. We are asking readers for help. editor ___________________________________________________________- American Express Business Finance We are receiving reports that RW Professional Leasing has filed bankruptcy, and the principal(s) have started another leasing company. We are looking forward to verifying this, and we also understand the $750,000,000 MidAm portfolio may have “bond insurance” or other protection, and may not be as serious as the RW Professional portfolio. There are also other lawsuits pending in this matter, and with other former directors who have suits and cross suits with American Express including the news that Thomas Deppings “right hand” and alleged closest confidant, Sandy Ho, “the accountant,” has been hired by American Express. This is not new news, but it shows the person who knows where to look is on the payroll. Amx has a mess. No one is talking to us at American Express, as you can expect, as they like to issue “safe” and “promotional” press releases. We expect to have a complete story this week, and may be able to legally name names, too. Editor __________________________________________________________________ On the Net: Sans Top 20 Web site: http://www.sans.org/top20.htm FBI's
National Infrastructure Protection Center: http://www.nipc.gov NIPC's computer security tips: http://www.nipc.gov/warnings/computertips.htm FBI, computer industry launch bug prevention program
by: Ian Hopper, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) The FBI is teaming with the computer industry to help American companies and regular Internet users prevent the 20 worst computer threats from the Code Red worm to the Melissa virus. The FBI also announced Monday it is putting computer security tips for home users on the National Infrastructure Protection Center's Web site with the intention of making it a one-stop shop for home users confused by most security terms. ''The challenge right now is that (home users) either go to a vendor, or they go to a site that's too techie for them, so they give up,'' said Alan Paller, research director at the Sans Institute, working with the government on the project. ''This is a site that's designed for people that are regular users, and it isn't trying to sell them anything,'' he said. The tips include using updated antivirus software and being suspicious of e-mail attachments. All the recent Internet viruses took advantage of well-known program vulnerabilities, and the government hopes to get users and companies to patch them before the next virus appears. The list, compiled with the help of over 50 computer security experts, addresses software bugs in Unix and Microsoft Windows operating systems, as well as many common mistakes. These include using simple passwords and not backing up critical data. The all-purpose fix will help counter the thousands of hacking tools that scan through the Internet looking for vulnerable computers. ''It lets (computer administrators) know the things these scanning programs are looking for, and it will protect them the instant they put the machine on the Internet,'' Paller said. Both the list and the fixes can be found on the nonprofit Sans Institute Web site. The institute's Paller said the Top 20 scanner can be obtained for free by sending an e-mail to the Center for Internet Security, using instructions found on the Sans Institute Web site at http://www.sans.org. Paller said the fix eventually will be distributed on a CD-ROM as well. Security experts long have said computer users should download regularly new software fixes, known as patches, but the practice is frequently overlooked at large companies and universities. Many individual users are unaware of vulnerabilities in their computers and find installing software updates tedious and difficult. In July, the FBI and industry groups joined in a campaign to tell computer users how to protect themselves from the Code Red worm. Their project helped blunt the effects of the worm, which could have slowed the Internet. The list, and the single fix, answers the problem of lack of user awareness. The program will be updated periodically to scan for and close new holes, Paller said. He said it also is a step closer to protecting computer users against the many vulnerabilities in complicated computer software. ''Because there are a thousand potential vulnerabilities, there's no way to be successful,'' Paller said. ''With this, you can have success on the first 20, then move on to the next 20.'' On the Net: Sans Top 20 Web site: http://www.sans.org/top20.htm FBI's
National Infrastructure Protection Center: http://www.nipc.gov NIPC's computer security tips: http://www.nipc.gov/warnings/computertips.htm _________________________________________________________________ Whatever Happened to Hal Hayden http://www.leasingnews.org/whateverhappenedto/Hal%20Hayden.htm Just wanted to say hello, hope you are doing well. After the deluge of emails Hal has received in response to the newsletter article, I thought I'd say thanks for providing this 'groupie' news service...its obviously needed and appreciated throughout the industry. I remember the warm hospitality from you and Sue so long ago and it always warms my heart when I think of it...hope all is well with you and those 3 beautiful girls. Take care, Cathie Cathie Hayden ‘~~~~ I'm not sure how you got on the topic of Hal Hayden, but I wish this business had more people like him . He helped me mature and focus my energies differently so that I worked smarter. It was a great feeling to win with Hal vs. our competitors and work clean ......unlike so many others in our business. Best Regards, Tony Peck Sunday Sermon Reaction---“What is a Muslim?” Controversial? I think not. You obviously did a great deal of work to put this together. Congratulations. Wish that more people in this world would take the time to understand and accept the ways of others. Jerry Withrow ~~~ The bottom line is that all religions seem to have their extremists who corrupt their faith in order to do terrible things to others. Time will tell if the world's Muslims not only distance themselves from such actions, but offer direct help to the rest of the (Western) world to help bring the (past and future) perps to justice. I enjoy your newsletter. Keep up the good work! Steve Fix spfix@leasesourceinc.com LeaseSource,
Inc. Equipment, software, and website leasing for business Tel: 770 395 0140 or 800 422 8328 _______________________________________________________- Phil Dushey: Our Man in New York City I was really touched by Phil Dushey's commentary in leasing news. His commentary regarding the fears expressed by his daughter, reflect my concerns as to how the world will change for my children as they grow up. One other thing really hit home with me. It was Phil's expression of anger over the use of diplomacy rather than military action. While I do not want to see one more American hurt over this I think that diplomacy, in this case is useless. The reason that I have come to this conclusion was due to a documentary shown this morning on the ABC (I think) morning show. There was a young reporter conducting an interview with a group of Bin Laden's followers who were being held by the Northern Alliance. When a man was asked if he would kill a school bus full of American children, he laughed and said that even our children are the enemy of "God". He said that the "Holy Scholars" instructed him and his comrades to kill younger and younger Americans. The man said he would do this unequivocally, if his "Holy Scholars" told him to. He went on to state that he is prepared to die and that it would be an honor to die and send as many of his enemies to "damnation" as possible. It occurred to me, while listening to this interview and seeing the reaction of the man's friends that their thinking was entirely "one dimensional". They were not interested in a dialogue of any sort. They had a single mission and a single purpose which was to "Kill Americans". The statement was said in a cold, unemotional manner, as if "Americans" were not human beings just vermin that had to be exterminated. I don't know if Phil Dushey saw this, but if he did he would be even more livid that we are going to try to use "diplomacy" here. Trying to use diplomacy in this situation is kind of like bringing a knife to a gun battle. It is useless and ineffective. In addition, the US is trying to rally the "friendly" Arab nations to our cause. In that case I am afraid that the wagons will circle and all of the arrows will be coming from inside the circle. Guess who's in the middle of the circle? After the interview I heard today, and after what I have seen of the way these " Taliban Mujahaden abuse their women, keep their daughters ignorant and uneducated, torture anyone who opposes the way the Koran is interpreted by their "Holy Scholars", stone people in the streets, and keep control by oppression fear, and public execution, there was no other conclusion I could come to other than the fact that the Taliban, literally, need to be exterminated. I can see no useful contribution that they make to the world society and they present a threat to our national security that could easily be classified as a "clear and present" danger. Like Phil Dushey, I am starting to wonder what the hell we're waiting for. If the Taliban are so anxious to see "God" I think we should accommodate them and let the US Special Forces, and Navy Air be the travel agents. "Don't Tread on Me" Bob Rodi, CLP President LeaseNOW, Inc. drlease@leasenow.com www.leasenow.com 1-800-321-LEAS (5327)x 101 __________________________________________________________________ Multi-State Tax Issues Thanks for the updates regarding sales tax issues (lease or rental). It's going to be good information to have once new policy is put into place. As a direct lender and funding source for middle market deals, I know first hand how tough it is to follow all of the sales tax reporting rules. Keep up the good work! Darryl Kushner Tri Counties Bank ( Thank you. Credit should go to Equipment Leasing Association Dennis Brown. editor ) Multistate Tax Commission (MTC) Conference Call (Possible meeting dates for delegates to the new governing states organization includes the first week of December in addition to the week of November 26 (week after Thanksgiving). Such ambiguity will remain until the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and National Governors' Association (NGA) are able to finalize a date.) The Multistate Tax Commission (MTC) conference call to discuss a proposed rule for determining priority of sales tax credits when leased equipment moves between taxing jurisdictions originally scheduled for September 11 has been rescheduled for 2:30 to 4:00 PM Eastern Time on Wednesday, October 10. The Streamlined Sales Tax Project (SSTP) will subsequently adopt this proposal. To participate dial 800/888-4012. When prompted, enter access code 5083816. You will be connected to the teleconference. The Sales and Use Tax Subcommittee of the MTC Uniformity Committee is conducting this teleconference. There will be a public comment period during the conference call. Please let me know if you plan to make comment so industry members can coordinate. As seen throughout the Streamlined process, work products of MTC committees are implemented by the Project. This MTC proposal has been revised to specifically include automobiles before it is adopted by the SSTP subcommittee writing the uniform definition of leasing. The following is taken directly from the official MTC notice sent to state departments of revenue for the conference call originally scheduled September 11. It explains the purpose of these proposed rules and provides text of the proposals. STATEMENT OF BASIS AND PURPOSE: Establish standard rules for allowance of sales and use tax credits [insert your state statute] on leasing transactions where, after lease origination and at least one month of use, the leased property is moved from one state of the U.S. to another state. The rule shall be applied transaction by transaction, and no excess credit may be applied from one transaction to the tax due on a different leasing transaction. The result should avoid double taxation of the same transaction, provide a basis comparing states that apply tax at different points of the transaction and allow a tax collection where a higher tax rate would be applicable in a state property is moved to. These rules are intended to apply to all leases of tangible personal property, including, but not limited to, automobiles as well as other types of mobile tangible personal property. Proposed Rule 1 "RULE WHERE LESSEE HAS PAID SALES OR USE TAX UP FRONT ON LEASE VALUE" "Where sales or use tax is paid in full on the total rental due under a transaction that leases mobile tangible personal property and the taxpayer subsequently moves the leased property to another State, the state with the subsequent taxing jurisdiction shall allow a credit, not to exceed the amount imposed by the subsequent taxing jurisdiction, against any sales or use tax liability up to the amount of the sales or use tax previously paid to the State with the first taxing jurisdiction, regardless of whether the first tax imposed a vendee (retail) sales tax or a vendor sales tax". Proposed Rule 2 "RULE WHERE LESSOR HAS PAID SALES/USE TAX ON PURCHASE AND PASSED THE COST THROUGH TO THE LESSOR LUMP SUM OR AS PART OF THE LEASE PAYMENT." "Where a lessor has paid sales tax on the purchase of tangible personal property intended for subsequent lease, and has billed the lessee for that tax or has included the tax paid in the lease price; credit, of the amount of tax paid by the lessor but not to exceed the tax imposed by the subsequent jurisdiction, will be available to the lessor or lessee for the sales or use tax due to a subsequent jurisdiction on the lease of such property. This provision shall not apply to intrastate lease transactions." Rule 3. DIFFERENT POINTS OF TAXATION BETWEEN TWO STATES. Where the tax application to leased property of two affected states differ between tax on periodic payments versus full tax at the origin of the transaction ("up front") the above credits shall be negotiated as follows: a. Where the second or subsequent state collects at an origin or "up front" point, credit shall be allowed for the sum of all the sales or use tax paid on monthly or cap cost reduction payments, regardless of rate, against the sales or use tax which the subsequent state would impose based on the original transaction values. b. Where the subsequent state collects taxes when periodic payments are made and the original (first) state collected sales or use tax on the full lease value "up front', the second, subsequent state shall only be entitled to sales or use tax to the extent that the rate imposed by the subsequent state exceeds the rate imposed by the origin state. The portion of the rate in excess of the first state's rate shall be applied monthly to the lease payments made after the property is moved into the subsequent state. Please answer the following only if you have voted NO to Proposed Rule 2: Is your objection based on the belief that there is no double taxation involved? Yes No If no, is your objection based on the difficulty in administering this rule? Yes No If no, do you propose alternative language? Yes No If yes, what language do you propose? Dennis Brown DBROWN@ELAMAIL.COM ------------------------------------------------- __________________________________________________________________ Help Wanted is Now on Line at Leasing News Sales: Sales person for equipment financing company. Company has 10 years in business with a good reputation. Commission split 50% - 60%. Office suplies: Desk, Phone, Back up staff and telemarketer to assit in sales. Tustin, Ca. bgriffith@socalleasing.com http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/classified.htm ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- United Association of Equipment Leasing San Antonio Conference Our current count of attendees for the Annual Conference & Exposition is at 305! For those of you who have not yet registered, we have extended the Early Bird Registration through the conference. Also, the Hyatt Regency San Antonio on the RiverWalk has extended our group rate through the conference. Now is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of fantastic rates on both United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, our preferred partners for ACE 2001. Support your association, industry and national economy by taking part in this year's UAEL ACE October 25th-28th. Following is an article written by our Opening General Session Keynote Speaker, DJ Harrington, CSP God Bless America Watching the sympathetic American people react as they became aware of the hellish chaos that was unleashed on the Washington and New York City on September 11th made me feel proud to be an American. I saw thousands of people answering a call of conscience, putting aside their personal safety, to help other fellow Americans who were wounded or dying. Many of the men and women, particularly the men and women of the police and fire departments became casualties themselves because they answered a call to duty. That September morning light brought business as usual. People scurried to work, meetings and school, but it was not going to be a normal day for long. As soon as the Pentagon and the World Trade Center were bombed, countless men and women of the disaster recovery forces answered the call to help the people of New York and Washington. The people (and I use that term loosely here) who did this to those innocent Americans could not have had a heart for other people. The desire for freedom and everything that it offers was created in the hearts of our forefathers first and passed down to us through other self-sacrificing generations. Veterans and civilians who lived during the WWI, WWII, Korean and Vietnam wars have been responsible in great part of raising us to the great nation we are today. We can not let the hatred of evil and total disregard for the value of life stop us from going forward now. At the time of this writing, our country is on the verge of war, and we need to be prepared to help physically or emotionally in any way that we can. It's time we rally behind President George W. Bush, his cabinet, and our congress as they make the most important decision that we will probably hear in our lifetime. Seeing the members of congress standing on the steps of the capitol after the WTC and Pentagon explosions, singing "God Bless America" moved me to tears. Really the only thing that matters outside of our relationship to God, is our freedom. If we do not have those things, we have nothing. God bless America, the land that we love. Let's stand beside her and with each other, through the night with God's light from above. From the mountains, to the prairies, to the ocean white with foam, God blesses America, our home, sweet home. When Irving Berlin wrote "God Bless America" in 1918, he tucked away the song until 1938 when he altered parts of it to reflect popular sentiment of the day. Berlin did not know that America would be struck in such a heinous way on September 11, 2001, but his words still ring true to what happened that day. His introduction to the lyrics trumpeted his personal feelings of liberty. It went like this. "While the storm clouds gather far across the sea, let us swear allegiance to a land that's free. Let us all be grateful for land so fair, as we raise our voice in a solemn prayer." It was a wake up call for America in September. The gray clouds of death may have surrounded the citizens of New York City and Washington, but the families of the victims saw that America, as a nation is willing to stand in the ashes with them and bear their burdens. Are you personally willing to stand in the ashes with your brother and sister? You may be thinking, "DJ, I have a business now," or "I'm past the age of serving in the military. What can I do to help?" There's plenty of ways you can help. Every time you hear someone bashing the United States in a negative way, say, "May God Bless America." Every time you hear America being criticized for decisions it has made, pray for providential guidance for all decision-makers. That's where you start. Volunteer in your own area. There have been several requests for citizens to donate blood. Even if you do not like needles, donate blood. You'll receive an unforgettable moment of sacrifice. My daughter was saying the same thing the night of the tragedy. She has never liked needles and before now would not have ever offered to give blood, but when she offered to give anyway, the seriousness of her voice made this father proud. I believe her seeing other people freely submit themselves to the danger of locating innocent people in the rubble on September 11th convinced her to put aside her fears. If you won't do this because you do not personally know the victim then do it for yourself. A feeling of helping others in trouble is quite satisfying. Many of you are located in close proximity to the disaster sight, and helping out in this way would be easier for you than others who live several states away. No matter what way you volunteer, maintain solidarity. Show the rest of the world that you stand behind our president and congress as they make swift and careful decisions. May God continue to bless America, and I hope to see you in San Antonio on October 25th – 28th. DJ Harrington is an author, journalist, seminar leader, international trainer, marketing consultant, and CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) through the National Speakers Association. He works primarily with customer service personnel, and his clients include world-class companies such as General Motors, DuPont, Caterpillar, and Damon Corporation. He may be reached at 800/352-5252. Along with invaluable one-on-one time with a sold-out room of exhibitors, the educational sessions and networking opportunities will make this year's event "Stepping Stones To Success". For a complete agenda and to register online please visit www.uael.org or call us directly at (510) 444-9235. See you in San Antonio! Joanie Dalton - Managing Director UAEL - United Association of Equipment Leasing 520 Third Street, #201 Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-9235 x27 (510) 444-1346 fax joanie@uael.org www.uael.org ### ################## ######################## #### Tyco International Ltd. Renames CIT Tyco Capital
PEMBROKE, BERMUDA / -- Tyco International Ltd. (NYSE: TYC, LSE: TYI, BSX: TYC) announced today that its financial services group, CIT, has been renamed Tyco Capital. "CIT's rich history, long-term relationships, and reputation for industry expertise will be enhanced through its association with the Tyco name," said L. Dennis Kozlowski, Tyco Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We are proud of CIT's history of nearly a century of lending and leasing to businesses, government agencies and consumers, and as Tyco Capital, we can leverage Tyco's global presence, record of success, and reputation for exceptional customer service." Albert R. Gamper Jr., President and CEO of Tyco Capital added: "Since Tyco closed the transaction with CIT on June 1st, we've moved very quickly to reduce over $150 million in costs from the CIT organization and position the business for significant growth by creating strong relationships between CIT, CIT customers, Tyco and Tyco customers. Among other things, this has already resulted in a complete vendor financing program for ADT; a pilot program for sales of home equity loans to 25,000 ADT residential customers; syndication and project financing advisory services for EarthTech, TyCom and M/A-COM; and, vendor financing programs for Tyco Healthcare." Mr. Kozlowski concluded: "The name change to Tyco Capital reflects this strong momentum and our commitment to build a stronger market presence in the industries that CIT and Tyco collectively serve." Tyco Capital will continue to operate independently, with its own credit ratings on its debt securities and commercial paper. Tyco International Ltd. has not guaranteed Tyco Capital's indebtedness. The CIT Group, Inc. is changing its name to Tyco Capital Corporation and will continue to file reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a separate registrant with respect to its registered debt securities. About Tyco Capital The Tyco Capital family of companies are subsidiaries of Tyco International Ltd. Tyco Capital is a leading, global source of financing and leasing capital and advisor for companies in more than 30 industries. Managing more than $50 billion in assets across a diversified portfolio, Tyco Capital, formerly known as CIT, empowers many of today's industry leaders and emerging businesses offering vendor, equipment, factoring, consumer, and structured financing capabilities. Tyco Capital operates in the United States and Canada with strategic locations in Europe, Latin and South America, and the Pacific Rim. About Tyco International Ltd. Tyco International Ltd. (NYSE: TYC, LSE: TYI, BSX: TYC) is a diversified manufacturing and service company. Tyco is the world's largest manufacturer and servicer of electrical and electronic components; the world's largest designer, manufacturer, installer and servicer of undersea telecommunications systems; the world's largest manufacturer, installer and provider of fire protection systems and electronic security services and the world's largest manufacturer of specialty valves. Tyco also holds strong leadership positions in medical device products, financing and leasing capital, plastics and adhesives. Tyco operates in more than 100 countries and has expected fiscal 2001 revenue of $38 billion. #### ######################## ############# CapitalStream
Announces New Vice President of Client Services Commercial finance automation leader names industry veteran as head of client support Seattle,
WA –– CapitalStream (www.CapitalStream.com), a Seattle-based provider of a patent pending, commercial finance
automation technology for banks, financial institutions and manufacturers, today
announced the promotion of Carole McCluskey to the position of Vice President
of Client Services. McCluskey brings more
than 17 years of project management, software development, implementation and
consulting to the position. “CapitalStream’s
outstanding client services are key to providing unequalled value in today’s market
place,” said Stephen Campbell, president and CEO.
“Carole provides the necessary leadership and experience to effectively
manage successful implementation and ongoing customer support that will clearly
strengthen our client services team and our market position.” Over
the past two years McCluskey has served as the Director of Client Services at
CapitalStream working with customers like Bank of America, Siemens Financial Services,
Textron and Mellon Bank. She has provided
leadership and direction, promoting outstanding customer support and integration
to the CapitalStream – FinanceCenter ä solution. Prior to joining CapitalStream, she worked throughout the high-tech industry for such diverse companies as the Seattle Times, Digital Systems, Attachmate and SpaceLabs Medical. McCluskey holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology from Fresno State. About
CapitalStream Seattle-based
CapitalStream automates and streamlines commercial finance processes for banks,
finance companies, and manufacturers. CapitalStream
– FinanceCenterÔ, a patent pending technology,
reduces processing time, lowers costs, and enables companies to cost effectively take advantage of new business opportunities
by automating manual processes for leases, loans, lines of credit, and credit
cards. CapitalStream, an established industry leader for more than five years
with deep knowledge about the inner workings of the financing world, has helped
hundreds of financial organizations increase their competitiveness, customer service
and profitability. For
more information visit www.capitalstream.com ### #### ######################### ###############
Airline Bail Out This airline bailout issue is literally history repeating itself, albeit at a different time, a different industry and a different cause. My partner and I both worked as accountants at Continental Bank when it was blown up by a few irresponsible cowboy bankers operating out of the tiny Penn Square Bank in Oklahoma City. As employees, we were furious that our so-called bright managment team could mismanage such a fiasco. The only people more furious than us were the independent bankers who the fed's would let fail in a heartbeat. It seems the same rule applies to the airline bailout, the bigger you are the harder it is for the fed's to let you fail, particularly in a regulated business. Speaking from experience and after becoming an entrepreneur I have a much more objective perspective. Bailouts are still for companies that are too big to fail. Lets face it, as far as I can tell, it is no coincidence that only one leasing association is leading the charge for the bailout. Most of that association's members are big-ticket lessors that have aircraft portfolios at risk if the bailout is not provided. I don't recall seeing any small ticket leasing association leading the bailout charge, but I doubt their members funded many 747's. Dale Kluga Cobra
Capital ~~~ AS TO THE "BAILOUT" OF THE AIRLINES I remember seeing an advertisement by American Airlines - printed in 1947 or so - in which they listed their fares. If I remember correctly, a roundtrip from NYC to LA was $650 - in 1947 dollars. A lot has happened since then to the airline business - deregulation, for example, so that now everyone EXPECTS airline travel to be fast, safe and cheap. There really is NO alternative for long-distance travel. An hour on a plane will get you as far as a day in the car. Amtrak is a joke, other than in the Boston-Washington corridor. I believe that it is very proper to spend taxpayer dollars in support of the airlines - to make flying fast, safe and cheap. The government builds and maintains the roads you drive on and the cops that police them. The same goes for the aerial highways and airports we use. The FAA needs to do a lot more work on the air traffic control system - and government dollars should pay for that. Terrorism is not the airlines' fault. The events of September 11th involved the airlines, but it just as easily could have been truck bombs or an anthrax virus. What happened is the blame in no small part on the failure of our intelligence/police system to detect and prevent the terrorism. We are all more alert now. Because the airlines were badly hurt by the attack, I believe the government should bail them out. Because security is a GOVERNMENT function, I believe that a Federal Airport Security agency should be set-up, and every necessary dollar should be spent by that agency to keep us safe when we fly. I don't fly all that much, by I expect to fly to San Antonio at the end of October (the alternative is two days in the car each way) and also to Puerto Vallarta in November, Cabo San Lucas in February, and possibly New York State in December. I expect my government to keep me safe on those trips. Again: The airlines didn't invent terrorism - it shouldn't be their job to prevent it. An Hour on the Plane is the same as a Day in the Car. Think about it. Charlie Meaker Lease Financing, Inc. 800-478-2330 - 520-398-2650 - Fax 520-398-2652 Since 1987 - Financing for Business Equipment and Modular Buildings
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