And you believe we do not have that? You think it is a bunch of rank amateurs that go into each and every contract negotiation, completely unarmed and completely clueless? Your lack of any kind of faith in those that are representing you is amazing, but what is even more amazing is that you think paying someone who has absolutely nothing to do with this, and does not have to live with any of the results will give us a better product. I really do not understand that mindset. Hired guns don't are about you or me. They care about their paycheck. And when it's done, it's done. As a matter of fact, when you think about it, they have less incentive to deliver a timely superior contract because that way they can stretch it out and make mo money.

The contract is what it is. I have 12 years left if I stay until 65. I might.. might not, it depends on whether or not I am still having fun. A big part of that decision is going to be what health care looks like and the availability of decent coverage at a decent price. Pretty cheap here, so why leave to see that cost go thru the roof?

For PD. No, I don't think we should have to make it up in the stock market, but depending on your paycheck for your retirement... and only your paycheck is foolish and shortsighted. 88Driver, while we have our disagreements, is onto a system that works for him, and I would venture that he is banking his retirement in the process. All I ever hear from you is how lousy our contract is, how woefully underpaid we are you never offer any insight as to what you are doing to mitigate it. Nothing. I can only draw one conclusion.