You raise some intelligent points, and I'm not really prepared to respond right now, but as to the idea that the taxpayer should not subsidize large businesses - you are SO right. That's exactly why I oppose this second airline bailout. This is a capitalist system, not socialist. Sink or swim. Also, they've had plenty of time to put their houses in order, but they haven't done so. Why should we all then have to subsidize that type of foolishness? Makes NO sense.

Having said that, big corporations usually get what they want from the taxpayer using well-paid lobbyists, and this time will be no different I'm sure.