Political Quotes

“I include for the Record two editorials from Midwest papers: [From the Chicago Tribune, July 3, 1997] Phasing in Open Skies With Japan O'Hare International Airport is the world's busiest in terms of passenger volume, yet it ranks only 30th in international business. Its overseas volume is less than half that of New York, Los Angeles and Miami--the top three international airports. A broad-based, clout-heavy group of Midwest businesses and civic leaders--headed by Gov. Jim Edgar, Mayor Richard Daley and former U.S. Rep. Robert Michel--wants Washington to do something to help O'Hare. The administration should take the group's advice and act accordingly. Specifically, the Midwest-Asia Aviation Coalition wants United States negotiators to reach a deal with Japan that would adopt a phased-in approach to competition, gradually allowing more flights between the two countries and permitting marketing agreements between U.S. and Japanese airlines. A bilateral pact that immediately establishes open trade, or 'open skies,' would be preferable and should be the first, and ultimate, goal, but the Japanese government so far has refused, arguing the U.S. won't open its domestic market to foreign airlines. Japan, however, would accept phased-in competition. United Airlines and American Airlines, which operate hubs at O'Hare, are coalition members and favor a phased-in approach like that taken with Germany and Canada.”