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Old 02-09-2015 | 06:03 AM
  #177689  
OldFlyGuy
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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
I support the PAC. I re-thought my views (which mirrored GG's) when EAL went down. I looked at all the political shenanigans and Frank L's affiliations and donations and realized we have to have a political voice. We can't and won't win every battle, but with no voice we stand zero chance especially vs deep pocket "Foreign Invaders." IMO our political system is grossly distorted to benefit the massively wealthy (individuals and nations) which doesn't include us. As organized labor the right does view us as communist. They don't generally like us. We have to protect ourselves. The Brothers K aren't spending all that money to promote anything except their personal interests. The ME carriers aren't trying to do the world a service with aviation any more than they did with $147 oil. I have only a few years left: career nearly over. The young folks especially need to choose the lesser of two weevils and defend themselves thru the PAC and emails, calls, and letters to their governmental reps. JMO OFG