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Old 02-09-2015 | 05:47 AM
  #177687  
GunshipGuy
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Permanently scarred
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Originally Posted by LeineLodge
^^^This is a good example of the biggest reason (excuse???) I hear guys give as to why they won't support the PAC. I have to believe it too, because I can't believe there are any Delts pilots out there that can't afford to shell out a cup of coffee twice a month - especially when 1/2 of all Mesa pilots contribute to the PAC, and we all know how underpaid they are...

Back to GG's point...I'm not asking anyone to sacrifice their personal beliefs/politics. I'm certainly not willing to do so. However, it's naive (not direct at GG) to believe than ANY politician is aligned with all of one's principles. Once you can accept that, it becomes a matter of recognizing that it takes money (and the threat of not being re-elected) to have any influence in DC. That is where the term pilot partisan comes in - Carl's conspiracy theory notwithstanding.

The PAC's entire purpose is to provide us with a voice. No voice = the opposing viewpoint goes uncontested. Like it or not, we sometimes/frequently have to engage with politicians that we may personally disagree with, yet that wield enormous power over issues that will directly affect our industry/careers.

They WILL sell us out if we don't lobby for our interests.

When I donate to the PAC I do so to support the Government Affairs pilots that are lobbying on my behalf. I am not doing so to support the "far left" or the "communists." I'm merely purchasing access. Whether you like that or not, it is the way the game is played. I still have a (hopefully) long career ahead, and can't sit idly by and watch our own government sell away our industry/careers.

If you're under 55, your career will be negatively affected by politicians that will sell your job if we don't constantly push back. $5 a month does not make you a communist

The link again, since we're on a new page:

https://www.alpa.org/AlpaLogin/tabid...2fDefault.aspx
But back to the hypothetical. If the PAC supported a communist, would you donate knowing you're efforts supported that candidate/incumbent?

If not, then that's your limit and a line you won't cross. For me, it's not as flexible. If you're still willing to donate even if they support a communist then your principals are different from mine and I just can't bring myself to understanding yours, and you not understanding mine.