I always thought Ben Stein was an intelligent, funny-looking guy with a nasaly voice.  I had no idea of his background:  speech writer for presidents, a poverty lawyer, a trial lawyer in the field of trade regulation, actor, economist at the Department of Commerce, a university adjunct at several universities, a columnist and editorial writer, contributor to Barrons, commentator for CBS Sunday Morning and Fox News, writer of over thirty books, done work in unconvering TV’s concealed messages, host of his own TV show and a judge in a reality show.

He has some credibility on which he speaks … here’s his esteemed opinion on the current dismal-looking business aviation situation:

 Fury in Washington

Let’s start with the fury in Washington over the fact that executives of the [formerly] Big Three Automobiles flew to DC in private planes to plead for government aid.  Much was made of this, as if it were a great and unforgivalbe extravagance.

This is not true. A private plane is really a flying office.  It is a way for a busy executive to get from one place to another as efficiently as possible, to get as much work done as possible on the way, and to avoid down time.

The executive of an important company has immense responsibilities.  His or her time is precious.  To waste that time in an airport security line or dealing with flight delays is, quite frankly, a sin against the stockholders.  Flying on a private plane is not a decadent act — it is just a way to move a very valuable asset around to maximize its productivity.  To keep executives from using these planes is as foolish as not allowing them to use cell phones or computers.

And I certainly never see the president, his cabinet members, or key members of Congress flying commercial jets.

To find out more about exactly what he is talking about, visit www.noplanenogain.org