I won't bother rebutting those points I have already addressed. But I do have two glaring ones I just can't leave untouched:
Originally Posted by
JSteele
Next, he admits that he works in the airline industry. As we know, it is virtually impossible to convince someone of the truth when his or her livlihood depends on him not understanding it.
Where have I admitted that I work in the airline industry? I used to work in the airline industry. Past tense. The only interaction I have with it now is as a customer. So not only does my livelihood go unaffected by airline profitability, but in fact having learned most all of the tricks of the trade, I could probably do pretty well joining your merry band of ticket fraudsters. But I don't. Why? Because I thought it was wrong before, I and still do.
Originally Posted by
JSteele
Finally, no company or contract can dictate their customer's intent or even their usage of a legally purchased product or service. Could Ford sell you a car if you only agreed to use it for business or personal use? Could they bill you for a different price if you were caught doing otherwise? The notion is absurd.
This may be my favorite. Really, really a softball. So let's begin.
Is it absurd that electric, gas, water and telephone companies charge one rate for residential usage, and another for commercial? I mean, it's the same water after all. Same power. Same telephone lines. Would it be ethical for you to tell the telephone company a phone is being set up in your home, when in reality it's a business line? Would that not be fraud?
Is it absurd that museums give free admission to professors? Or discounted rates to students? I mean, it's the same museum ticket after all. Would it be ethical for me to use my old faculty ID to get into museums for free?
Is it absurd for car rental companies to restrict where their cars can be driven? I mean, so long as it comes back in good shape, what do they care? Why should I have to pay more if I drive to Mexico. Nothing wrong with telling them you won't leave the country, then doing just that?
Is it absurd for software companies to offer an academic rate? I mean, Microsoft Office is the same product whether you're a teacher or a business. So nothing wrong with me using that faculty ID again, this time to purchase a bunch of software for me to use in my business?
Would you like more examples of businesses conditioning the use of a product based on the price paid? Reduced fare subway tickets for students? Car leases restricting the lessee to private, non-commercial use? Disneyland offering a discount to Southern California residents?
So really, who's the absurd one here?