You know I think the world of you, and 99% of the time we are on the same page. The thing is, you weren't doing this job on 9/11. You were out doing Captain America stuff and saving the world. I was doing this job, with a different paint scheme.

I was 1,149 from the bottom of a pilot group of 6076. Roughly 20% from the bottom.

After I hit the street in March of 2002, they kept right on furloughing until 1800 pilots hit the street. 30% of the pre-9/11 total.

Granted there were some differences. They took advantage of the situation to obliterate the scope clause and start flying an armada of RJs under a variety of contract carriers. Passengers were scared to fly, so they reassured them with armored cockpit doors, air marshals, FFDOs, and TSA window dressing. In a few years the passengers started coming back, but then age 65 blew that up... before we knew it we had been on the street for the majority of the lost decade.

This time the enemy is invisible and it isn't just impacting airplanes, they've also shut down everywhere people want to go from sporting events to business conferences to Disneyland.

So is my glass half empty? Sure it is. Because I feel like I've lived through this kind of travel recession before, and those twenty year old memories are still crystal clear. RJ can post all of the Eeyore memes he wants. When all is said and done I think this is going to have been worse than 9/11.

Still think the world of you though! You're the funniest guy there is and I wish I was you!