COMMUTER'S BILL OF RIGHTS

As we learned in grade school, all people are born with rights that cannot be denied them.  Respect for their bodies and minds are one of those rights. 

Unfortunately, as our world becomes more crowded with people, those rights are beginning to erode.  We can see that in parts of the world that are seriously overcrowded – China and India come to mind.  But even in the more economically developed, comparatively less crowded countries – America, Canada, England, France, Italy – more rules, fewer rights and more constraints on those rights is happening each year. 

Animal studies of overcrowding show how individuals suffer and taboos break down.  Even cannibalism, a taboo within many species, is shown to occur. 

I’m certainly not implying that humans are on the road to cannibalism, but there is no question in my mind that rights are eroding in subtle and not so subtle ways.

I think this is a worldwide concern and one that needs to be addressed in many ways.  But in this issue, I wish to address the rights of the commuter, how those rights are eroding and what can be done about it.

Last month’s snow storm which grounded JetBlue Airlines brought the focus on a problem that has been touched on several different times, but never resolved.  Passengers of Flight 751 were required to stay in the airplane on the tarmac of JFK Airport in New York City, for eight hours during a snowstorm that grounded many planes.  JetBlue Flights 351, 850 and 1060 were also stranded for hours.

Is there a person who flies that has not faced a long delay?  We all know that it takes patience and humor to fly these days.  But eight hours on the tarmac?  No food or water was provided for at least the first four hours.  The lights didn’t function and the door had to be opened periodically to bring in fresh air.  People lost their patience and humor and still nothing was done to meet their needs and rights. 

JetBlue has apologized for this fiasco and offered recompense, but what made this possible and has that been addressed is the broader question. 

I think that what made this possible is the view that business and earnings are more important than the individual.  We have each been trained over the years to comply with the rules of the companies that we do business with.  We talk to machines, no one says “Hello,” we’re simply instructed to state our credit card number and respond to the questions asked.  More and more civility is lost and we have simply complied with these little changes that grow and grow.

This is the way it is with government and with big business.  The individual is being lost.  “Rights” is more a marketing ploy than a reality.  And so, when JetBlue states it will develop a “Passenger Bill of Rights” or Congress resurrects their own long laid- to- sleep rights bill, do we feel vindicated or appeased?

I think we should feel wary of another marketing ploy on the parts of Congress and business.  Not until individuals pool their resources will change happen.  There is no incentive otherwise for your representatives in Congress or business to make these changes.

I do hope you consider joining the Coalition for Airline Passenger’s Bill of Rights, which has a site where “Airline passengers fed up with being treated by the airlines as "obstacles" are given a place to vent anger and frustration while exploring the means to enact changes in airline policies.”  http://www.strandedpassengers.blogspot.com

This is a new group organized by Kate Hanni of Napa, California, who has suffered the indignities of being considered an obstacle.  You can read more about her and this group at http://ellipses.elliott.org/archives/001996the_truth_about_1.php

But that’s not the only or even the primary thing to do as a commuter wanting to limit the negative effects of long commutes and make a good life filled with pleasure and success.

We all must take responsibility for ourselves and how we handle difficulties that we face.  Expecting “them” to do something about the problems we face leaves us infantilized.  Doing something for us and for our group – participating in the organization above, for instance – develops confidence, skills, and a strong self-image.

So what rights do you think you have as a commuter-passenger and what can you yourself do to implement them?

There were at least two diabetic passengers on the plane. They suffered when it was stated that, per FAA regulations, no food or drink need be provided until four hours into the delay. Rather than expecting that food and drink would be provided, why not pack a couple of 6 ounce cans of orange juice and some candy bars along with necessary medications?  It may take a prescription to get these things onboard, but seems to me that’s easier than being stuck on a tarmac with no food for hours and having a diabetic incident.

This is not to place blame on either party, but to show how taking responsibility and planning can avoid complications.

What can you do to avoid more problems in emergencies?  The emergency may still occur, but even being in charge of one aspect of it can make things immeasurably better for yourself, and maybe others, as well.

Go back to the “Five Steps to a Better Commute” that you got when you signed up at Commuter-Assist (www.Commuter-Assist.com).  There you can review techniques that will help in commuting, including the relaxation technique that is simple and tailored to commuting.

But, by all means, have in mind what your rights are and how to attain them. 

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Have you gotten your copy of “Conquer the Commute:  Tools for the Road and Life”? 

“Dr. Mastria's book has practical ideas for making the commute more bearable, but also goes beyond it by suggesting ways to improve your life while on the road and at home. She "gets" the issue of fatigue and putting life "on hold" during time we commute.  I would recommend this book to anyone who commutes as a way to begin to improve the life quality.”

 J. Erikson, daily automobile commuter in the Midwest

Go now and have your copy downloaded to your computer at:
> www.ConquertheCommute.com <

About Dr. Marie Mastria

Dr. Mastria works with wellness and health issues. Call or email to discuss working with her.

Get “Conquer the Commute: Tools for the Road and Life” at
www.conquerthecommute.com. A complete manual and workbook to make the commute easier and your life better.

Dr. Mastria is founder of Commuter-Assist.com, which publishes e-books, CDs and cassettes to help commuters get the most out of their commute and life in general.  Dr. Mastria speaks, offers workshops, and consults to businesses.  She also provides life, wellness, and executive and business coaching to groups and individuals.  To contact Dr. Mastria email info@Commuter-Assist.com or call 570-839-6394. 

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