Here's a point I'd like to see made to the company IF they choose to furlough.

Other airlines have managed to squeak out a profit during these hard times, yet, they've not furloughed. Even with all of our "synergies", why is it that DAL needs to furlough?

Personally, I'm at the tail end of the a very long list of DAL pilots. Do I want to see a furlough, no. Am I prepared for a furlough, somewhat. Do I think we are going to furlough, you can count on it.

There is no way we can lose another 5-8% of our flying when they mesh the schedules (results of efficiencies in SOC) and expect DAL to carry us along.

The ONLY way I see us not furloughing after SOC is if the economy comes roaring back. And it is't. In fact, it is getting worse. Just read last Thursday in USA Today that the number of banks in August who defaulted on TARP paybacks DOUBLED over the previous month. And the government is warning that some of those banks (AIG was one of them) may go into bankruptcy. If that happens, the government doesn't get paid back. The problem is, the banks are still dealing with increases in forclosures and other troubled assets.

I know, right now I'm being a doomsayer, but, is there anyone out there in their own day to day life and among their circle of friends that can say that things are getting better?

I can't. Just last night, not exaggerating, one friend was laid off, the other is losing his house and has no where to send his family. The week before that, another friend lost her job. She is pregnant and has another newborn. Her husband still hasn't found a job.

I'm sorry for this thread.