Nu and ACL +1

On another note - the Labor Day Parade down 5th Avenue was most impressive. The trades went out of their way to give to the people in attendance. The Baker's Union made breakfast and served lots of yummy treats. The display of generosity made their "stop outsourcing our jobs" message more poignant. Having kids and wives there also sent a powerful message that these are American Families.

Out of the thousands of workers on the streets, there was not a single Pilot. Why? We share the same issues with our AFL-CIO affiliates. Scope, pay, retirement, medical ....

I'd like to retire the blow up Rat. If we decide it in our interest to make a statement in advance of Contract 2012, I'd hope we look around and see what works. Drum Corps, Family involvement and charitable work all seem like good ideas. The Electrician's Union had a 9 foot, 400lb, monster of a guy leading a drum corps in front of 3,000 or so. Kinda makes us in ALPA look like Brownies at a Bake Sale in comparison.

If ever I again don the uniform to walk in circles let me suggest hiring a marching band, or three, to blare the Battle Hymn of the Republic and beat their drums loud enough that every politician in DC and even Richard Branson can hear it in London. More fun than the inflatable Rat in any event.