Rules SHOULD provide boundaries for all

Last week, Alec Baldwin discovered that celebrity doesn't count when you interfere with an airlines' rules. The actor discovered that he was subject to the same policy that applies to other passengers. Because of his failure to comply with the directions of airline crew, he was removed from an American Airlines flight.

American Airlines said its flight attendants followed federal safety regulations regarding electronic devices.

"He loves [the online game] 'Words with Friends' so much that he was willing to leave a plane for it," the actor's spokesman, Matthew Hiltzik said.

Personally, I have no problem if he wants to continue playing the game -- provided he leaves the plane.  That wasn't the case, however. Mr. Baldwin had no intention of leaving the plane to continue playing...he got upset and even locked himself into the lavatory, spewing irate phrases at flight attendants, according to reports.

So, now Mr. Baldwin is ticked off at an airline that merely expected him to follow the same rules that apply to ordinary non-celebrity passengers. For myself, I applaud the airlines.  I'm tired of "status" being the determining factor on whether or not rules apply.

There are so many examples of special treatment when it comes to celebrity -- Lindsay Lohan is one recent (and continual) example. I mean, the girl does 25 seconds of jail time for her repeated violations of DUI/probation/community service. There's no meat to her punishment and so her bad-girl behavior goes on and on. In some cases, violating rules meant for our protection can not only be harmful, it can be deadly. Michael Jackson was able to use privately drugs that normal individuals would never have access to...and that ultimately led to his death.

The point is, generally speaking, rules are there for a reason (ok, don't get on me about the DUMB rules, of which there certainly are many). But, if it is a "rule" then that boundary should apply to everyone, not just the "ordinary" and "un-special" ones. Celebrity, money and status shouldn't buy your way out of a law or rule, particularly if it exists for safety of others. Sure, if you are a big deal celeb, and you want to do something stupid that doesn't affect others...well, fine. But, truly, most things DO affect others and you should not be exempt from those boundaries and consequences for violating them just 'cause you're "all that."

In the case of Mr. Baldwin, he has now promised that he will never fly American Airlines again because of their treatment of him. But, that's ok. I'll feel safer knowing that there's one airline that won't bend their safety rules for one celeb's overblown sense of self and entitlement. I'm sure he'd expect me to obey the rules; I expect nothing less from him.

Interested in more? You might want to check out http://corinnegregory.com/blog/2011/03/08/the-perils-of-rewarding-bad-behavior/