I went to the Council 44 meeting today and heard TO speak. I will say that I left convinced that he is aware of the scope threats to our profession. It was emphasized that a large threat (and he's right) are the gov't subsidized, soon-to-be MEGA middle-eastern carriers.

He did not infer or even approach re-capturing RJ scope. The presentation was more of a "let's look at the biggest threat going forward" [quotes mine] vs. spinning our wheels working for something we already have: a limit on large RJ's that is almost met, albeit frustrating and far too generous.

Don't get me wrong. I'm sick everytime I see a 175 at a mainline gate; both for us and for the crews stuck flying there that would prefer to be here. We certainly need to shore up some of the language regarding allowing ANY more RJ's regardless of the mainline fleet count. However, I DO want my elected reps to be looking over the horizon for the NEXT threats, which the new guys seem to be doing so far.

I'm rambling, but my point is I don't want to be so focused on the left hand (RJ's) that the right hand (JV's, Codeshares, Cabotage, younameit) slaps us without even seeing it coming. Unless we relax RJ scope, at least it is where it is for now. If we can tighten it up, or recapture, so much the better.

This is not to say we shouldn't work towards insourcing OUR flying by convincing mgmt to stop signing/renewing these DCI contracts and let them eventually expire, but we shouldn't let the RJ issue cloud our awareness of some of these other very big, very real threats to our job protections.

Also, I hope we eventually acquire/merge with Alaska, because that's whole 'nuther problem that noone but the west coast guys seem to care about.

Oh yeah, and the Midwest situation was/is a f*#&ing travesty! That is all