"In other words, pay your dues or shut up."

I have seen this approach many times over the last 28 years, and it is simply counterproductive. It's easy to hate the wistleblowers and kill the messengers, but if you will focus on the principles rather than on the personalities, you will have a good chance of coming to terms with the important issues.

I would suggest that you take up your arguments with FedEx pilot Bill Berman. Bill resigned from ALPA on the 35th anniversary of his membership. Or, captain Chuck Henry, former 27 year member. I am sure that they will accomodate and appreciate your desire to learn.

Or, call Jim Sullivan. He calculates that it cost each former CAL stiker approximately five hundred thousand dollars to stay out for two years, and start over on behalf of the profession. This is many, many times more than most pilots will ever pay in dues and assessments in an entire lifetime. Yet, you suggest that that they have not paid their "dues." Please consider how this comes across to people with serious experience in this business. Who do you think is going to fight the battles for you? These are the true, proven warriers of the profession.

Herein, lies the difference between the big and little leagues when it comes to union players. Pilots really need to grow up beyond the emotional level exemplified in your comment if they are to be respected.

Please talk to my experienced friends and let me know how it goes.

Bob