... for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." ----- Edmund Burke (1729-1797)

Pete: You're absolutely correct that it is wrong for either our government or our citizens (airline employees or otherwise) to single out ethnic Arabs for discriminatory treatment.

You are also correct in saying that we each have a DUTY to speak out against such discrimination (and to BLAST it if that's what it takes), especially if it sanctioned or implemented by our government.

The answer to your bottom line question: "Is this acceptable ... that a man should be refused service because of the color of his skin?" is NO.

Rich & Mike: don't be good men who do nothing.

Bob: You are partially right that this is about fear, rather than outright bigotry or racism. But, it is a fear rooted in both of those characteristics. Did we immediately fear the presence of all white men after we learned that Timothy McVeigh had bombed the Murah building in Oklahoma City? I doubt that many of us did.

Unfortunately, there is no "instant remedy" to remove the fears of airline personnel and passengers. However, the airline people have an obligation to act in a professional manner. If any pilot or other flight crew is "uncomfortable" with any passenger or "don't feel safe flying with them", they should turn the flight over to other airline employees rather than refusing service to the passengers. If it was up to me, the flight personnel involved in these incidents would be terminated.

As for other passengers objecting, THEY should have been offered the alternative of either flying in spite of their concerns or taking a different flight. There is no justification for the removal of any innocent person from any aircraft because of the "fears" of others.

Kerry & Terry: Thank you for your perceptive observations -- and for speaking up. Terry is exactly right: "... being fearful of additional terrorist attacks is no excuse for not caring about the feelings and rights of every other citizen here." In fact, this kind of internal dissension is part of what the terrorists were trying to accomplish.

And, in a small way, they seem to be succeeding right here on the ChipBoard, too. Very sad.

----- jim o\-S