Marx is many times associated with the "workers movement," but that wasn't his overriding philosophy. If you're arguing that "It did not work and it never will" as to Marxism, that theory really just explains how capitalism oppresses those that produce the goods and services (the worker or proletariat). That has certainly been true in the airline industry. I agree capitalism is needed to encourage an efficient market, but unbridled capitalism is a different beast all together. AA came after the workers seeking concessions because the other shareholders weren't willing to give a dime (the bourgeoisie), and that lead them to plead to the workers to "save the company." The fact is, the other shareholders will do fine through AA's bankruptcy, it's the workers who will lose. Look at TWA, UAL, CO, NWA, and DAL for evidence of this.

If you want to draw anything from what is going on in society that is doomed to be repeated, then I would point to the previous revolutions (French, Russian, whatever). When the divide between the have's and the have-not's gets to great, a revolution equalizes things. The occupy wall street gets slammed for their tactics, compared to the tea party, but look at history again. The Roman Citizen didn't need to act out to be heard by the ruling class like the allies or socii in Roman society.

I've been at 2 bankrupt airlines, and my heart goes out to those at AA. I can only offer that things will look different in 2 years, and so just hang tight. I can't recommend being on the forum or watching the news. Just go to work and do your job... enjoy your family and friends.

Can you tell I'm on reserve with nothing to do?