FR8,

I was a huge NC supporter. I don't think there is a grand conspiracy. I do think some of the senior MEC guys have gotten a tad insulated from the masses.

I am trying to encourage smart guys with the energy, time, and (generally) MEM domicile availablity to consider running. Blocks 2, 5, and 7 are up for graps this spring. I don't want block 7--I got a horse farm to run--but if nobody else I like steps up I'll run. I've already been arm-twisting Huck and Tony C and Gooch and others to step up.

Complaining that some decisions were made ina vacuum is not the same as saying the intentions were malicious. What I WILL say is the pattern of decisions on scope payouts, contract 06 gains, and the age 60 debacle all paint the IMPRESSION of a union concerned primary with the top 20%. I was one of the guys screaming for recall of DW. The fact is our ALPA bylaws protect those guys from the masses. So--change will have to come more slowly--but I think it will come.

I think TonyC has his head up his @ss on a few points. (Said with affection--Tony can back me up on that...) I also think he is a moral, thoughtful guy who will do his best to do what he thinks is right for all of us. I expect him to communicate to a level not seen by MEC reps in the past. I do think some of the other guys have confused loyalty to ALPA and to our cause with loyalty to an individual. I'd like to see Jack Anzur or someone else get the chance to lead us sooner rather than later--if only to placate the junior guys who feel disenfranchised.

The fact is nobody can get "voted out" without a tremendous hullaballo--the recall process is built that way for a reason. On the other hand--some blocks are coming open soon. There will eventually (likely) be a Hong Kong and CDG rep. I think change is coming.

Please don't take frustration with being disenfranchised as meaning we won't support the bigger picture. I bought a hat. I didn't fly extra. I cajoled and lectured my bros on various issues and spewed the party line a long time. However, earlier this year some decisions were made that certainly have the potential to hurt a lot of us. We listen. We vote. We network. New blood will step up. DW, Arco, the comm and SPC guys--they aren't evil. But they have been doing the same thing for a long time. I expect some new blood to flow into the mix in the next year. That doesn't diminish even one percent what those guys have accomplished so far--but sometimes to do the position justice the individual must step aside and let someone else have a turn at the helm.

I'll bet if somone would RESIGN, we could get some new talent in there in a week. Until they do that--those who want to serve must bide their time and be patient. Your admonishments to "do something then..." are sort of N/A until we have some elections.

All of this said with as much respect as I can convey....