For those of us who suspected that the airlines — or at the very least, the airframe manufacturers — were evil, now there is proof. Or something close to it. The Bishop of London has declared that air travel is “a sin” against the planet, and likened it to murder, adultery and stealing.
Richard Chartres said air travel is damaging the environment and urged his followers to stop taking endless flights and to live a more ‘eco-friendly’ lifestyle.
“There is now an overriding imperative to walk more lightly upon the earth and we need to make our lifestyle decisions in that light,” he is quoted as saying. “Making selfish choices such as flying on holiday or buying a large car are a symptom of sin.”
I agree with the bishop.
There’s plenty of evidence that gas-guzzling cars and aircraft are damaging the environment. And harming the planet is morally wrong.
But I also think Chartres missed an opportunity to talk about other ways that the airlines are evil.
For example, he could have taken a swipe at the recent price-fixing scandal involving British-based airlines. How evil is that?
And while he was on the subject, he could have talked about cruel and unusual treatment that passengers in economy class get, with their DVT-inducing seats and substandard service.
Or how about taking a shot at airline ticket refund or transfer policies? Or outsourcing customer service calls to places where English is neither their first or second language, but a distant third, at best.
Oh, I’m on a roll. I should have gone to seminary.
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I can’t believe the arrogance of that b*stard!
Who is he to proclaim that something is a sin? Isn’t this the sole domain of his boss?
Why is it that the religious zealots feel it necessary to dictate that their way or what they say is the only way?
Granted, flying isn’t as much fun as it was in the 70s and 80s, but itn’t it this Mortal’s Coil to suffer?
People like this bishop really make me angry and just steel’s my belief that people have far too much time on their hands…particularly meddlesome religious zealots!