Steven Slater

Steven Slater, the frustrated Jet Blue Airlines steward, threw a tantrum. He'd had it with crabby, nasty, rude customers. They cussed and swore at him and walloped him on the head with a carry-on, intentionally or accidently who knows, but apparently as a result of anger.

I've had to deal with such frustration on the job. It is not easy to take. People can be so rude and nasty! I've actually asked for time off (right now!) to deal with it. But if you are in the air, where do you go to chill? You can't even step outside. I definitely sympathize with him.

The angry tirade over the sound system? A reprimand. A suspension. I'd agree with that.

Deploying the escape chute? That was over-the-top. He had worked around airlines long enough to know that deploying the chute could have injured people had they been in it's path. That, I think, deserves a stronger reaction than a suspension. And though no one was injured, I'd even agree with firing.

But, glory, state officials are after him. The Feds want at him. He'd attract less official rabid furosity if he were a true bomb-attempting Islamic terrorist. They'd immediately lean over backward to give him every citizen right, deserved or not. Kid glove treatment. Velvet blanket wrap.

Hmmm. Are the authorities so frustrated with having their hands tied that they go over the top when there is no racial, religious, or other barrier?

Apparently Mr Slater has become an over-night American Idol. People are sympathizing with him, even donating to his cause, I understand. Why? Well, though he's not grotesque, he isn't a particularly handsome man.

No, I believe it is the old-fashioned American tendency to cheer for the underdog. We can sympathize with his plight. Many of us are probably using an old-fashioned phrase in our minds when we think of Mr Slater. You know the one: there, but for the grace of God, go I.

OofDah!