Achieving colonel in any branch of the military is an impressive accomplishment. The MBA is as well, and yes they are essentially equivalent and are probably the same person. The tone of the letter is the issue. We are not troops or airmen to be commanded. We are all accomplished individuals or we wouldn't be here. The role of representative has become less about representation and more about elitist autocratic command. That attitude needs to change. The will of the group supersedes the will of the individual.

I have a tremendous respect for a man with a high school education who drove a truck and taught himself to fly when airplanes were as dangerous as car racing or firefighting. That man never mentioned his accomplishments and lead by example. That man was always defending his neighbors and family. That man became a teamster when working conditions needed improvement. He taught me the heart of a good union is the people who selflessly devote their time and talent for the betterment of the group. That attitude now has a name most MBA's are aware of. It's called servant leadership.

Its not about the level of achievement or the degrees you hold. Would the colonel expect his constituents to march to his drum beat? Or would he forgo his own pride and suspend judgement to defend a fellow pilot that he thought was a sick abuser? That pilot deserves the best representation available as would you or I. It is not the 99% that test and push the boundaries to ensure our contractual rights. It's that 1%. Unless he is willing to wholeheartedly defend every pilot he is not fit for the job. You never know when you will need a good advocate until you do.