Open Letter to the CEO of Delta Airlines – Sent on 8/5/2016

Read about the incident

Nazia (right) and Faisal Ali were kicked off a Delta Air Lines flight from Paris to Cincinnati on July 26.(Photo: Liz Dufour)

 

Mr Bastian:

Today you made me ashamed to be an American. Your US-based employees removed paying passengers from a flight from Paris to the US because the lady was wearing her choice of clothing according to her religion and beliefs.

Perhaps even worst was the fact that her husband said the word “Allah” while on the phone.

 

I have some questions for you. In light of the fact that your Airline keeps “good” records, I am sure that you will have the statistical answers handy.

i) Please let me know how many passengers were removed from all Delta Airlines Flights during the last year for wearing head coverings required by certain religions and/or cultures such as: Christian Head Coverings (Corinthians 11:7, 11:10 and 11:11), Jewish head coverings for women (Talmud: Tractate Kethuboth 72) and African Head-wraps worn by women all over the US and Europe (example: Dhuku).

ii) To my list please  add how many were prevented from flying on Delta for wearing a  kippah (mostly, but not exclusively,  worn by men) and cow boy hats (women and men).

iii) Also include how many of your passengers, who were cleared by security to fly back to our beautiful Country, The United States of America, were removed for saying words such as God, Jumala, Dieu, Deus, Dios, Goft, Gud, God and many more referring to the Devine. And these are just the ones I can remember. There are many more!

In the hopes that you have the detailed answers to my questions, I will be expecting your reply in a timely fashion.

Delta Airlines prides itself in being an American airline, does it not?  In fact, you do not represent America at all. Your Board is paying you over 7 million dollars per year to market and keep your Brand. You are doing a contemptible job. Your airplanes do not deserve an N tail.

I have the following suggestions for you:

First that you immediately fire the pilot of that plane since he did not take his responsibility seriously. Indeed, he and/or his co-pilot did not even get out of their seats to check on the situation and/or  interview the passengers personally.

Did they think that the victims were cargo and not human beings? Did they forget  that the couple had been through Delta’s security and are legal residents of The United States of America and as such, should be treated like any other?

They left the egregious decision to a flight attendant who is likely uneducated, ignorant about world customs and has, it would seem, not received sensitivity and/or cultural training.

Second, and this from a person proud of being an American and  small stock holder, you should resign immediately. Ultimately, you as the CEO, bear full responsibility. I am hopeful that you have the integrity and honor to do so.

Third, I suggest you find it in your heart to donate some of the 17 Million dollars that your stock holders paid you last year, to a non profit that fights Delta’s type of discrimination. My personal favorite is the ADL. In case you need clarification, it stands for Anti Defamation League.

You are not fit to run a US Carrier. Delta’s actions in this matter are a disgrace to our Country. We, as a nation, can only gain respect at home and overseas by showing how we treat our own citizens. You have failed to do so.

Finally, I just want you to know that my skin is fairer than yours. I am a Christian and, above all, I AM A PROUD AMERICAN who respects and lives by our Constitution.

Do what is right and save Delta by resigning forthwith. That is if you have one shred of dignity left within you.

Charles Crawford

P O Box 256

Great Falls , Virginia 22066