It strikes me that I view the purpose of this board far differently than most contributors. For me, it is an opportunity to create a public record of strategic ideas. Just as with our two box stuffers in 2005, I see this as a source of personal credibility over the long term.

The points we made then have proven accurate. It is not surprising that many pilots could not identify with them at the time, for most simply do not have the political experience to draw from. What is definitely surprising, though, is that members of our MEC still would not grasp the inevitable right up to the day that ALPA national essentially instructed them to: "Change...or we are destroyed." Is it pride? Is it fear of change? Both? They had the facts before them, yet, for some reason, just would not act.

One MEC member forthrightfully said to me, "I do not want to be considered a renegade." I appreciate his honesty but if this is a primary motivating force (which I believe it is, for some), then nothing will ever get done. The situation we are in calls for renegade activity, and not, I might add, against the company; they are to blame for nothing. We need renegades to fix our own house.

In reading this board over the months, I have noted only about three comments that could be described as truly "strategic," that is, of important long term impact. One was by someone named "Huck," one by Mr. Irizarry, and I cannot remember who wrote the other one. There are a couple of other writers who, I believe, could be strategic contributors if they were willing to become "renegades" and take some change-inducing risk (Note: anonymous name-calling does not constitute renegade behavior).

The American people have overwhelmingly rejected traditional unionism, and this rejection has, in turn, greatly weakened our profession. Until union officials are willing to set a new standard of behavior and creativity, you can plan on more of the same or worse. I don't see the mystery here.

Bob