RE: America West incident

In the late 80’s, Manx Airlines went through a spate of collapsed nose gear incidents upon landing. The aircraft were all early version BAe ATP’s.

RE: How old are you?

25 from the Isle of Man.

RE: Again, please don’t spread misinformation

I don’t go along with this “rich countries must help poor countries” rhetoric. The US is under no obligation to give aid whatsoever.

In reality, countries like the UK tie a lot of aid in to industrial projects – we’ll give you some aid if you spend it on a contract with a British firm…

Aid which is not given in this manner tends to either hit personal bank accounts or be squandered by incompetent and inefficient regimes.

Malaysia made a success of independence because it had the ambition, the people and even the leaders to do so. Zimbabwe had lots of advantges too, but a combination of a downright evil leader, yes-men in the government and a population who didn’t give a damn until a few years ago is the difference between these countries – not preferential treatment from former colonial masters or other Western nations.

RE: I say forget about Iraq….it’s pointless

That’s somewhat childish P2. Geforce would be equally silly and equally incarruate if he called you a redneck, but I don’t think he has done such?

RE: Iraqi Invitation (Part2)

Innocent until proved guilty.

RE: Heathrow Visitors center.

If you stand outside Hatton Cross, you can see and hear aircraft landing or taking off – v. close!

You can go for a quick wonder and end up outside the chain fence separating the pavement from a bit of apron. I walked about 25 feet away from no less than 6 757’s about a year ago.

RE: New Newark Name

I don’t know about the patriotism bit. A few of my friends joined the Royal Marines and I reckon they’d die for their country if they really, absolutely had to. But you wouldn’t catch them signing the anthem! With the exception of occassions like the Proms or an England match, there is virtually no flag waving here.

The US is certainly perceived as being a nation of die hard patriots, but as before, maybe this is only partly true, as you say GD.

In terms of the airport, don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to be critical. It makes bugger all difference to whether I use it or not!

It’s just that from my own perspective, it appears to cheapen things. To me, it’s comparable to naming any other airport after a local tragedy. Say, “Honolulu Pearl Harbour Int’l” or “Dresden Fire Brigade Int’l” or “London Blitzkreig Memorial Airport” or more relevantly, “Munich Manchester United Airport”.

Sorry to keep making my point by way of examples, it’s a funny idea to explain! Some of the above referenced disasters are comparable to 11/9, some are not in the same league. But the principle is the same: Anything with a commerical edge will be viewed in a cynical light. A better memorial would be a park, or a folly, or even a national holiday.