> 
> Alaska Airlines plans to provide in-flight wireless broadband

One wonders what Bible verses will appear on their login page:

http://www.geocities.com/closetatheist/opinion20.htm

Or what content they'll filter?

-Bob


On the one hand, I would like to strongly discourage this discussion as it
is religious in nature and there for inappropriate to the PICList.

On the other hand, this is really about the legal question of religious
expression in the USA. 

Anyone who knows me well is aware that I am pretty strongly for the
separation of church and state. (some may wish to change "pretty" to
"rabidly")

My main point there is "One nation under WHOSE god?" 

Some will answer "what ever god you like" but that still excludes atheists
and agnostics, not to mention religions that do not use the word "god" to
refer to their deity.

Given the separation of church and state (which is after all the current, if
often ignored, law) then the point must be made that it does not apply to
private or public non-governmental bodies. 

As long as American Airlines receives no funding from the US tax base, I am
happy for them to print whatever religious message they like. As many
Christians as there are in the USA, it probably is effective marketing.

And, as it happens, I think they are one of the better airlines in the
industry. I've flow them all over the place and to Alaska a few times.
Although I personally would rather not see bible verses on my flight, when
flying into Juno, you need all the help you can get! While watching the
pilot SLIDE the aircraft over the ice onto the runway for takeoff, using the
engines to change direction since the wheels were completely broken free of
the taxi surface, I won't begrudge them any saying they wish to post.

Another example is "In-n-out burgers" which makes one of the better fast
food meals one can eat. Better in the "probably won't almost kill you in 30
days" sense. (see the film "Super Size me" if you don't get the reference)
They print the words "JOHN 3:16" on the bottom of their soda cups and
"REVELATIONS 3:20" on their burger wrapper. I don't mind buying from them
any more than I mind buying Hummus from my local Iranian food store, where
Raj makes a killer homemade hummus and flat bread, and displays a little
prayer to Allah.

Diversity is a good thing.

Now, if they receive one drop of federal funding, they need to clear that
crap right off. 


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