It is you who didn't read the article you posted, or, you are so “not smart”, you can't read and understand what Abbott said about opposing that merger IN THAT ARTICLE. Abbott's office said:
“His office explained their rationale in a statement, saying the state was concerned “about the potential for reduced airline service to several of Texas’ smaller airports that are currently served exclusively by American Airlines and American Eagle flights.”
The strategy of eliminating low-producing flight routes has followed other airline mergers and already is part of U.S. Airways business plan, the attorney general said.
‘If this strategy is continued when U.S. Airways’ executives take over leadership at the new American Airlines, some areas in rural Texas could see their travel options reduced as a result of the merger,’ the statement said.”
From Abbott’s oped:
“The legal action is based on evidence such as internal emails, investor presentations and other comments by top executives of the airlines. Those documents reveal their thinking about how shrinking competition in the airline industry — and, hence the merger — will allow the airlines to pile even more bag fees, ticket change fees and increased fares on customers. American and US Airways compete directly on thousands of heavily traveled routes. The merger would allow the new company to shed that competition and distort the marketplace — while harming competition for nearly 200 Texas routes.”
From the DOJ:
“In recent years, however, the major airlines have, in tandem, raised fares, imposed new and higher fees, and reduced service. Competition has diminished and consumers have paid a heavy price.”
Both party’s reasoning are nearly exact.
Shouldn’t he let the market decide prices and competition rather than government? Aren’t mergers a part of the free market process which conservatives should support?