QuantumFog

January 19, 2007

Drawing lines at the curb

Let's say you're blind. Somehow, between using your cane and a seeing eye dog, you manage to find a taxi at the curb. The cab driver refuses to take you anywhere.

"Whyzzat?", you ask.

In London and Melbourne, Muslim cab drivers consider the dog "unclean". You can get in, just leave the dog on the curb.

Passengers leaving the Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport sometimes stop by the duty free shop to pick up a bottle of wine, or they may bring in the limit from another country. Too often, they don't get a ride with Muslim drivers either. A stewardess was refused by five cabs in a row because she carried two bottles of wine.

So, what's the next twist on this theme? Refusing to allow women passengers because they're not fully clothed? What other surprises should there be for US citizens attempting public conveyance? Could Muslim bus drivers choose their passengers?

An Islamic cab company owned by Muslims can run things the way they want. The difference is, we approach Yellow Cab with a reasonable expectation of a ride, whether we're blind or returning from Miami beach.

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