I have a lot of friends working at Southwest. I fly on Southwest when I travel. I think Southwest currently has the most viable business model in the industry. I think their work ethic, service, management, and style are examples of what EVERY industry in this country should attempt to emulate.
That being said, I am disappointed in Southwest Airlines' attempt to repeal the WA.
It's kind of like hearing a child tell his or her first lie. You still love them but are a little disappointed at the same time. The WA was an AGREEMENT that the cities of Fort Worth and Dallas, as well as Southwest Airlines and Herb, agreed to.
Those conditions having been met by the closing of the two old commercial airports, bonds were sold, guaranteeing their purchasers -- in writing, on the good faith and credit of the two cities -- that there would be no commercial passenger flights at Love, Greater Southwest or Meacham.
There was never any inclusion in the ammendment to set a time frame or a cut-off date. If there was ever any intent for such, Herb and Southwest Airlines management at the time would have asked for it, along with asking for the right to fly to the adjoining states. They did not.
It was well understood by each and every party, including Southwest Airlines, that this was an agreement that was to put this issue to rest once and for all, that all parties would abide by it and that none would attempt to unravel it.
So why should this agreement, signed off by Herb himsef, now be repealed? Like the above post stated, a deal is a deal. Southwest Airlines, asking to repeal the WA, is attempting to break a deal. And this, in my opinion, goes against all the claims to fairness and honest business practice that Southwest Airlines is known for.
I know you guys that work there have a vested interest to see your compamy prosper, as well you should. Well, your wish has been granted over these many years through your hard work and dedication to your company and it's customers. So why do this with the WA?
To continue with this campaign, to me, is a sign of greed and breaking your word. And if it continues, it will blemish an otherwise stellar image of a great airline.
There was a time in this country when a persons word was their bond. Two men could simply look each other in the eye, make a verbal agreement, and shake on it. Unfortunately, our society today is based more on what a person can get away with, regardless of their word. Even written legal contracts today are worth little more than the paper they are printed on.
I would never teach my kids to go back on their word or break a deal, regardless of the potential monetary gain. Some things, like integrity, are worth more than money. And lets all be very honest here. That is EXACTLY what the repeal of the WA is all about, breaking ones word to make an extra buck. Not safety, not better service, just greed. Sorry, but thats JMHO. Flame away.
Besides, a deal is a deal.
