Again...I think our LEC design has some outstanding qualities. Having a system with a cross section of members SHOULD make for a well rounded organziation with a wide cross section of inputs. That design can work to everyone's benefit. With a strong cabral of block reps at either end of the spectrum, however, it can, as LAG pointed out, dilute the effect of a particular seniority block. (joke disclaimer here...) I'd like to help dilute the senior block, thank you very much...

But in all seriousness, the fact is if you are in block 7, Tony Cutler in block 5 and Vic, Mike, or (first name?) Anton will ALL have a direct effect on you. You notice I have never have been too critical of the current block 7 rep...if you go to the web you'll see why...I've gotten zero letters/emails from him. While I'm sure he's available if you call for info he doesn't PUSH info out individually for block 7. Instead, the LEC 22 letters are signed by all 3 guys... So--from my perspective, Arco and Tony have 2/3 of the pull on issues affecting my block, good or bad. Hence--I'm pestered poor Tony probably a LOT more than he deserves on some issues--especially the LOA vote earlier this year. (Also--let's remember he had a whopping one day in office before it got presented to the membership...)

So--in my mind--Arco's positions and record, Tony's positions and record, and the previous positions of anyone seeking blocks 2, 5, or 7 are all fair game. It ain't a personal attack--look--these guys AT LEAST stepped up and have tried to do what they thought was best. I just happen to vehemently disagree on a few points on HOW to get the best deal for everyone down the road. I also will point out I honestly do think ALL of those guys DO want a solid package for our expat pilots. How we get them that, however, is where the urinary jousting takes place.

Now--another point. Worst case for me is I am the ONLY new blood on the MEC and eveyone else is an incumbent or party line successor. So what? In a fighter debrief, if mistakes are made--they are (generally) addressed honestly and with the emphasis on lessons learned for future battles. Saying the MEC "missed its sort" or "hit the wrong DMPI" is needed to fix things before Contract 2010. A bad mission doesn't mean we rip a guys wings off--it means we go back and fix things. Sometimes, however, a new IP or flightlead in the mix can improve everyone's performance. That is what I am after. I don't want to burn down the house. I don't want to embarrass anyone or make this a vendetta. This is about fixing a few things and getting back on track.