Elected officials draw out disagreements until they maximize contributions to their coffers. Then they insinuate they're "heroes" because they saved us from the other, bad politicians. They are masters of creating drama and taking credit for everything good. You won't know if they're on your side until the very end. They will only be so if they think they can spin it into reelection.

The PAC may often work but we should also wield a hammer. Something like a veiled threat that we will actively campaign against them if they hose us. Problem is everyone is making the same threat. Considering that the carrot may be the best leverage we have in Washington right now.

I believe ignoring them would be a great way to lose out big time. This is a dangerous time in Washington. Too many things will end up on the chopping block in the coming year.

 

I appreciate everyone's replies here, even jungle who always spices up whatever thread he participates in with his interesting and mostly contrary views. The reason I anted up now is the game is different and I think there will be more lobbying needed on both sides. Previously, ALPA PAC gave to the party that supports labor for the most part and not to the one that was more management friendly. Now that party also wants to take away a lot of our financial gains, which means the other party needs to be courted as well. We can all hang on to things that we didn't like in the past as a reason to not participate in trying to protect our future. The losses we incur will likely far outweigh any contribution you may have provided to try and keep gains we have fought for previously. Anyway, one poster recommending contacting FI, who is our Rep with ALPA PAC. He has always had a sterling reputation among the crew force and here. I am sure he would talk to you about any concerns you may have in regard to your contribution and it's how it will be used. If you still think it is a waste of money then thanks for considering it anyway. In the end, it may not be enough to keep our low hanging fruit from being smacked by both sides, but at least you will know you didn't just lie down and take it..

 

So it will be different this time? Many are holding out carrots, and that is the real problem. Purple has placed dollar offerings on both alters as a matter of normal activity, it doesn't buy much.

There are many things we can do besides lie down and take it, but throwing dollars to the gods in hopes for a good harvest or clutching amulets of hope against the dark of night hasn't worked out very well.

We have devolved into a third world scenario, we court honor among thieves, pay tribute in hopes they will do it to someone else, and try to gain advantage at the expense of others. Not my idea of what this country is about, but if that is the way you want to play it, best of luck.

Good times for those who enjoy the idea of living in a medievil fiefdom.

 

Such as????????

 

Gandhi comes to mind, as does 1776, at some point the customer base reaches a tipping point and gets tired of paying for things they already own, or having to fight for rights that have been taken. It may sound farfetched, but it has happened on a fairly regular basis throughout history.

Not quite as easy as writing a little check and calling it a day.

Just say no.

 

Just curious, did you major in English Lit?

 

Medieval English Lit...

 

I see you understand how our system works.

There will be many losers in this debt crisis. More than usual. Congress will be more error prone due to how swiftly this deal wil be struck. They will apologize later and blame the hardly thought out compromise on the time crunch "imposed" upon them. Pay to play or pay dearly for sitting it out.

The President and Congressmen are grand standing trying to position themselves for reelection. They also want money for same. Seems to be the worst display by them I've ever seen but I might be getting old and cranky. For the most part, I lost respect for them some time ago.


Good luck charging those windmills Mr. Don Quixote.

 

Good luck to you my friend, for we are both tilting at windmills, and the most likely outcome is that we will both get a lance up the wazoo for our efforts.