Business fines do more harm than good

Just curious. How, exactly, does the traveling public benefit from The Department of Transportation fining Southwest Airlines a potential $1.6 million for "tarmac delays"?

I can understand the airline compensating the passengers who were inconvenienced, but who does the DOT think ultimately pays those fines? The customers, in higher fares, the shareholders in lower dividends or share price, and probably the employees.

Just what do these ridiculous fines accomplish? I ask myself the same question each time someone in government bludgeons the private sector into outrageous fines.

Who gets the money and who, ultimately pays it? Is this just one more way for the government to fund its activities?

Barbara Neuman

Grayslake