Carl, I acknowledge - that was a bad use of words. What I meant to say was one was at the helm right up until the time DAL entered bankruptcy; then a different MEC Chairman was elected. How those two approached the job is a function of the circumstances each found themselves in.

The entire Delta pilot group had rose colored glasses on right up until the time bankruptcy was declared. The pension was heading down the toilet for several years while thousands left yet nothing was done. We kept getting contractually negotiated pay raises, while the corporation was losing billions. Disabled pilots have their disability payments for life, and even got their benefit plussed up when the pension terminated.

Bankruptcy was a bucket of ice water thrown in our faces, and in my opinion, the true wake up call. The new MEC and MEC Admin made the most of it, despite the horrible circumstances. Labor definitely loses, and loses big in every bankruptcy, but to somehow lay the blame on where we are at the feet of the union, is also to deny that 9/11 is the real reason.