<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Doppy:
The gist was, as I said, that since we all pay the same fee, we all get the same services. If the airlines don't kick in extra money for elites, and the elites don't pay more than the standard $2.50 fee, there's no justification for the federal government to discriminate for elites and against other citizens. Elite status is conferred by the airlines, private companies.
The minute the feds start discriminating in the security lines without justification (i.e. more money), ever civil rights group will be filing suit in federal court.
With the exception of INSPASS (which is a trusted traveler program, not an elite program), tell me one situation where everyone pays the government the same fee, but some get better/faster service. I've never seen it at the post office or DMV. Or, explain to me how the government could justify discriminating for "elite" flyers, without any additional money being involved.
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Here's a very easy one right in your own backyard. EZPass. Granted the parameters are somewhat different but what we've got there (thanks to the quasi governmental Port Authority of NY/NJ) is basically an elite line for the bridges and tunnels. I'm sure there was some limousine liberal cry about how only people with credit cards had access to it, but in the end convenience wins over "what's right".
I'm not sure why you set yourself up for absolutes. We could sure come up with plenty of examples of government preference. Face it, our government is not non-discriminatory. Just looked at our whacked out tax policy. If you fit some social class your taxes are different. To decide that elite frequent flyer lines represent some line in the sand is not realistic.