Carl,

You have my complete agreement that ALPA needs reforms. Most of the time my posts debate Sailing, Slowplay and Alpha on the reforms I think are needed. But, more now than ever, I am optimistic those reforms are beginning.

Even with its warts, we are better off trying to fix ALPA than to go with an alternative that divides our profession further. It is the best tool available to us.

Sir Fudd,

What you write resonates with a lot of people. I'm a numbers guy who tends to be politically deaf. Until the numbers and the rules hit an objective result, it sounds a lot like the plot for tonight's Glee. I can't make sense of it.

A representational vote will show management exactly how divided we are. If 51% vote for ALPA, our representation will remain the same, but management will know 49% do not support us in our Contract 2012 negotiations.

The timing for this is really poor. But then there is never a good time to weaken your bargaining agent.