The last time I was "downtown", the President and other officers occupied the ALPA portion of the 8th floor. This is what I was referring to. The President, and selected "special" others have offices both downtown and at 535 Herndon Parkway.

Yes, it is sad and it's going to get worse,financially, for ALPA.

In my view, if enough members get to the point that "we're tired of this %$#&^ and we're not taking it anymore" and vote with their feet, there will be real trouble in River City. I realize that takes drastic measures and talk is cheap; however, the Tim Martins fiasco only exposed a portion; the tip of the iceberg if you will, on what's wrong with ALPA today. Being addressed in a separate thread under the Major category, is a movement from the Delta guys to de-certify ALPA. Will it work, probably not, but this has been done at United and if the "movers and skakers" in the officer group at ALPA don't wake up and realize that the organization in many areas is completely dysfunctional, they may have to sell the remainder of the 8th floor.

Change isn't going to come from the "Good Ol' Boys Club" (Prater, Rice, Wycoff, Couette and the BOD). It has to come from the grass roots; the LEC's and the MEC's. Standing together, they can and will make a difference. Change within ALPA will certainly not come from the top. The GOBC (Good Old Boy Club) is very powerful and Prater is no fool. He knows how to kiss the BOD's rear and keep his $485,000 yr salary plus expen$e$.

If the line pilots don't demand change and effect that change, maybe ALPA can lease back the rest of the 8th floor. To give up Prater's office would be a real shame. It's closer to the Hill than Herndon and there are some great restaurants and cocktail lounges right around the corner. Just check expenses accounts and thanks line guys for the martini lunches with fresh lobster salad !! Keep the dues money coming...the Old Ebbitt Grill needs your business.

Just my thoughts on a bright sunny Saturday.

Have a great day Mates