How about the media get all the facts first instead of seeing what sticks to the wall ?





Ally

 

Congress?

 

To clarify, I posted this because of my own pet peeves with regards certain aspects of Saudi. I am disappointed that their airline would be let into an alliance like SkyTeam. I wanted to get different perspectives and that I have. Thanks everyone for your input.

The article that I posted is not the root cause of the post. It just inflamed an old abscess, if you will.

I don’t believe that I can delve too far into what has formed my opinion of Saudi Arabia without running afoul of some TOS for this site, but let’s say my interest piqued after 09/11; something about 15 of 19 attackers that day. I won’t post links, but use your favorite search engine and take a look around. They systematically abuse migrant workers, confiscate travel documents and other forms of cruelty. In one case 24 nails were driven into a maid by a husband and wife team. When confronted, they claimed that the maid did it to herself and the authorities accepted their story. People everywhere do bad things, but in this country it’s systemic and condoned by the authorities. In 2011, this wealthy state actively supports modern day slavery and human cruelty.

gloopy,
I didn’t mean to come across as making light of your points; they are valid and relevant but can’t be discussed at the appropriate depth in this arena. Though most of your points could be discussed purely on scientific merit, the sad part is that they have been politicized over the years and that tends to blur and complicate rational discussion. I meant to highlight that something as simple as driving is not made available to a significant portion of the population.
I am not able to boycott their oil, unfortunately. However, I have a heightened awareness of the impact of doing business with some countries (Saudi, Pakistan and China included). I try my utmost to minimize my usage of their products.
I’ve heard my views called many things, but populist is a new one for me. Like I said elsewhere, this article is not the sole basis of my views.


Check Essential,
I’m not promoting an economic boycott of them. I’m just disappointed that they gained acceptance into SkyTeam. I recognize that it’s somewhat irrational on my part, as I don’t even work for any of the carriers involved, but it still bugs me.

Wingnutdal,
I’m not in the US and there is no uproar about this where I am. I came across this article online and it just aggravated my abscess that was already there. My opinion of Saudi formed long before I saw the link that I posted above. I only mentioned that I’ve flown quite a bit internationally because you mentioned it; I’m all too familiar with the varying requirements depending on nationality, religion and even sex.

CE750,
I’ve read your posts for years. It’s disappointing that you think the racial segregation and subjugation of the majority of South Africa’s population was just drama. Luckily, there were enough people that didn’t see it this way or that drama, as you say, may still be in production today.


Again, thanks everyone.

 

woe, woe... lets set the record straight... maybe I misunderstood something, or maybe you misunderstood me... I was NOT referring to the plight of the blacks in SA (South Africa) .... I was referring to Saudi Arabia (SA) and the recent over blown accusations of Delta being "Anti-Semetic".... just to set the record straight. Ok?

 

btw, how do you feel about Evergreen International Airlines flying ACMI for Saudia on their only 747-400...? heck they even pained it in Saudia colors.. shall we boycot them too? and kick their pilots from ALPA? Or here's a question.... shall we stop brining oil in from Saudi Arabia and watch prices rocket to $200/barrel?

Seriously... it's not that big of deal.. it's 99% media hype, and 1% substance.

 

Looks like we got our wires crossed- it seems this story has a different connotation in the US. The link I posted was the first I heard of it, but the journalist's points are not the main reason that I am bummed.


Thanks for clearing that up.

 

I specifically said no boycott. Why would we kick them from ALPA?

We can't go cold turkey on oil, it's kinda like heroin. A gradual weaning and some methadone would be nice though.

 

allright, peace brother.