Originally Posted by
awax
. . . Hawthorne's repeating theme throughout his work is the burden of secret sin and the elusiveness of atonement.
. . .
Originally Posted by
cadetdrivr
Bingo.
This is not the first time, nor the first forum, where Sunvox has advocated his position.
I believe Sunvox’s heart and mind are in the right place but a critical flaw exists in the argument and it’s almost so fundamental that it’s easily overlooked.
I am keenly aware of how unpopular my thoughts are amongst the online members both here and, as mentioned, on the other forum, but I will add a couple more thoughts before I end my remarks and allow others to form their opinions on this subject, and the thread to get back on topic.
First, I think the reality on the line today does not jibe with the comments here. For the last decade I have flown internationally in 3 and 4 man crews. I have also flown many, many flights with scabs both in IAD and now in EWR. Never, not once, has the other pilot or pilots with whom I flew evinced a sentiment that they would not be "friendly" with a scab captain even when flying with individuals whom I, myself, disliked terribly. The line pilots, especially younger line pilots, really don't care or even know who the scabs are. I, having started in ORD, have the means to know when I fly with a scab. Now this is not an argument for or against my position. That I recognize, but I put it out there merely as a fact.
Second, as to the flaw, I put in the line about "reprehensible" scabs because I would most definitely agree that there are some if not many individuals who are the same selfish pilots today that they were 30 years ago and this behavior stands clear.
Finally, The Scarlet Letter is a favorite amongst college professors, or at least it was back in the Dark Ages when I was in college. They use this book to foster debate in class because the themes are not actually clear. Inevitably the central debate becomes whether or not Hawthorne is writing about society's sins and it's lack of ability to reconcile or the individual human sin and the individual's inability to achieve reconciliation. I believe he was speaking about society's sin and inability to reconcile because I think it is a theme to which he speaks through out his lifetime. Hawthorne doesn't really think Hester sinned at all, in fact, we the reader know she did not. The sin and the need for reconciliation lies in society. At least that's my opinion
The good news is in a few short years there will be no more scabs at United and my point will be moot if it isn't already moot today.