While some corporate funds are being used for the "
Set Love Free" effort, (the vast majority of support is provided by the flying public. (Take a look at this consumer-sponsored anti-Wright website:
www.FightWright.org as an example of what individuals are doing. None of the creators of this site are affiliated with SWA in any way other than being ticket buyers.)
There are basically two options for Southwest to grow its dwindling Dallas operation:
1) Move to a non-Wright-Restricted airport (not necessarily DFW) or
2) Get the Wright Amendment repealed.
In the course of analyzing the alternatives it is much, much less expensive to persue the elimination of the Wright Amendment and thus be able to continue utilizing existing infrastructure than to move and have to rebuild from the ground up. It's a good business decision.
Additionally, and perhaps more telling, is that this is an opportunity for the US Government -- our representatives -- to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt whether or not they truly support free business competition or want to continue to endorse protectionist measures. (I believe the perimeter rule in effect at DCA should go away, too!)
In history, many laws have been put in place then later rescinded. That's part of the process that allows our legal system to adapt to changes in societial practices. SWA is simply asking for a chance for the Wright Amendment to be re-evaluated based on the current light, not just on historical reasoning. If the rule has enough support to be repealed at this time, it will. If not, it won't.
(BTW, I am very well versed in the history of the building of DFW, the '68 Bond Ordinance, Wright Amendment, etc. so if you want to go down that road just let me know. I'll get out my water-cooled keyboard and we can start a new thread!
😀 )
-- C
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