Hi Carl and bar, long time fan.

Bar to answer your earlier question I simply don't think alpa had this future envisioned when they signed off on the outsourcing. I think they, as well as the membership were just trying to preserve what little they had left. I don't think alpa envisioned the regionals growing to this size and amount of power. So much power in numbers, that in fact, the only reason moak is the president is to appease one of only two majors left at alpa. (We're the piggy bank). From my own personal experience at the alpa board of director meetings there were always mainline guys grumbling "the regionals are taking over!". And rightly so, the regionals grew and as a result the political structure had to change to keep them grouped together and retain a high level of vp's for the majors so that they could always overpower the regionals in the voting process.

But....you can only do that for so long. With three or four majors it was easy...now with two it is very difficult. One election, perhaps the next one, and we could see a regional mec chair as alpa president.

Now that Im thinking of it, once they realize their power and band together they'll give US the boot! They would lose the money we bring to the table but would gain complete control. But as I've stated before in my previous post there's nothing inherently wrong with that. The regionals need representation and someone to represent them. There is a lot of pilot pushing at that level of flying that many of us are not aware of. Simply put, right now we get to have the alpa president position because they are too afraid of losing the money. That wont last forever.

Back to delta pilots...the average age of our group is 53. It makes sense that many of our mid to higher seniority pilots would want instant satisfaction of pay rates during their last few years of employment. I completely understand that. In fact, although I don't always agree with what Carl says, take a look at this picture. Here's a guy who should care less about scope. At his seniority level he would most likely be looking for a pay increase before jumping ship and shouldn't be the slightest bit concerned about the profession or perhaps helping to build something new to sustain our profession for another 30 years. Unlike the previous quarter century of pilots who pulled the ladder up, Carl, through a lifetime of voting, striking and observation, GETS IT. It's about US, not about ME.

I support better retiree medical benefits for those retiring. Would that help me? Perhaps a few guys would jump ship a little sooner but perhaps not. I think...what if I was promised something for my entire career, only to have it yanked from beneath my feet?

So again I rant a little to long when I should be walking the dogs or studying for CQ. Here is a question for discussion and rhetorical sake....are WE the rouges for having NOT joined CAPA yet? Most of our major airline brothers are waiting on US.