Random Thoughts From Marybeth

Presumed Guilty

Air New Zealand and Qantas have banned men from sitting next to unaccompanied children on flights, sparking accusations of discrimination.

The airlines have come under fire for the policy that critics say is political correctness gone mad after a man revealed he was ordered to change seats during a Qantas flight because he was sitting next to a young boy travelling alone.

Adults who prey on children are the among the lowest of the low but presuming that any random man who is seated next to a child is dangerous is just plain wrong. As a woman, it's not offensive, but certainly unappealing, to think that I could be placed next to children to be an unofficial babysitter.

If airlines are going to accept unaccompanied children as passengers, it's up to them to care for the children without discriminating against or placing a burden upon other passengers.

Unless they want to upgrade me to first class. Then I'll be happy to watch over the little darlings. I'll even bring a book to read aloud.