An apologist is one who defends an idea or institution.

In many tangible ways, ALPA is broken and indefensible. However, like some churches, they are in a grow or fail mode. If they don't grow they wont have the "leverage" to do what they think is important. Problem is, ALPA has grown, but they have not leveraged their size to do the right things. The things we pay them to do. The things they said they were going to do when they got big.

I have a couple thoughts about alpa: 1. The ALPA leadership must be prepared to take action on behalf of their constituents which may require them to go to jail. 2. ALPA lawyers need to take a back seat to recovering this job to a better level (If LaHood can play games the way he does why not ALPA?)

Like a failing church, it isn't the doctrine that is the problem it is the practicioners. Are we just promoting the wrong ALPA people?