Originally Posted by
scambo1
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?
I beleive that the biggest issue is that the rank and file prefer to fight each other than to unite behind a common goal(s). It is easy to throw stones, but quite another to volunteer to do the work that needs to be done. Getting involved is the biggest thing any pilot can do. Do not like the answers demand change, and the best way to do that is to make sure that there are people that are like minded working with you.
Like you have said, the dogma and doctrine are not the issues, it is the interpretation. Find people that interpret it better. We are the people that will be involved with DPA. Our pilots are now predominately in the lead ALPA positions so the it is more than likely that the same people would filter to the top here. We are not ALPA Leadership. If we end up not liking them, the same will be true for DPA in a few cycles.