Abu Dhabi prescreening
01-25-2014 | 04:59 AM
#42
Gets Weekends Off
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From: Phoenix
You might want to look at the traffic that comes in and out of the U.A.E., it certainly isn't locals or people from the Middle East. A reason why Dubai and Abu Dhabi are perfectly centralized for a hub and spoke system to everywhere in the world. A lot of Indians and Asians.
01-25-2014 | 05:06 AM
#43
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From: Phoenix
I am not paranoid, but I do find it odd that the US gov't would choose Abu Dhabi as a site in which to open a preclearance facility...I only have to ask why.
I've done the desert. I don't hate it and I'm not "afraid" of "them", but all you guys flying in the desert are there because the opportunities weren't here at home for you. That is a huge concern of mine going forward...I have an 8 year old. I don't want him to have to expat in order to have opportunity. Back in my expat/diplomat days, there was a line DIA/CIA/NSA used to feed us "don't go native" because if you go native you lose perspective on what your actual goals are.
If you are defending the Abu Dhabi preclearance facility, gents, you've gone native. Now, I don't care if you are a sellout and love living over there. Just realize, this is a brick in the wall keeping you away from good options in the states.
I've done the desert. I don't hate it and I'm not "afraid" of "them", but all you guys flying in the desert are there because the opportunities weren't here at home for you. That is a huge concern of mine going forward...I have an 8 year old. I don't want him to have to expat in order to have opportunity. Back in my expat/diplomat days, there was a line DIA/CIA/NSA used to feed us "don't go native" because if you go native you lose perspective on what your actual goals are.
If you are defending the Abu Dhabi preclearance facility, gents, you've gone native. Now, I don't care if you are a sellout and love living over there. Just realize, this is a brick in the wall keeping you away from good options in the states.
01-25-2014 | 02:06 PM
#44
No longer cares
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From: 767er Captain
01-25-2014 | 02:07 PM
#45
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From: 767er Captain
It is business, plain and simple. The unions can throw up their arms, you can scream terrorists and Muslims, but this is business. Why is anyone surprised? The 11-1 expat ratio here is wonderful, and it is an eye opener. I think some on here should visit, and maybe they would understand how ignorant they sound. I am just counting the days to get this Administration changed, and turn America around. Cheers guys.
Glad you like it there. And thanks for resurrecting this thread. You reminded me to finish my letter to rubio.
01-25-2014 | 02:16 PM
#47
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From: 777B
IMO, it was a justifiable expenditure, but, you are certainly onto something... It highlighted an gross inconsistency. The PAC isn't there just to win, but to lobby for our interests.
I wonder how much Abu Dhabi money was thrown at this and who it went to.
I wonder how much Abu Dhabi money was thrown at this and who it went to.
01-25-2014 | 02:52 PM
#49
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From: 767er Captain
Exactly. I'm guessing there are many congressmen that got a little cream.
01-25-2014 | 03:31 PM
#50
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From: right for a long, long time
No PAC money was "thrown at this", that isn't how it works. The omnibus spending bill was "closed" as part of the agreement to get it passed. A congressman on the rules committee was able to have a vote called to open it for this issue, but failed on party lines. Over 150 congressmen signed a letter to DHS supporting the stoppage in the spring and there are over 140 co-sponsoring HR 3488, the most recent House effort to stop it. The bill is bi-partisan, sponsored with one Dem and one Rep, and the co-sponsors are split roughly 50/50. It has momentum right now and it is VERY IMPORTANT that all ALPA pilots complete the call to action on this issue. We can and will win, but you've got to do your part!
You have to care, your career will be lost without a little bit of effort.
It is an election year and PAC contributions can and will help put pilot partisan members in office and keep pilot partison members in their seats. $22/month-Capitol Club ($11 per paycheck) by every pilot would give the PAC amazing muscle in DC to fix what we need to fix.
That could be 53,000 x 22 x 12 = $13.99 million per year!
ALPA PAC currently does about $1 mil per year and is one of the top 50 PACs.. ALPA PAC could be in the top 5 and better funded than the NRA if we had full participation! Get involved!
You have to care, your career will be lost without a little bit of effort.
It is an election year and PAC contributions can and will help put pilot partisan members in office and keep pilot partison members in their seats. $22/month-Capitol Club ($11 per paycheck) by every pilot would give the PAC amazing muscle in DC to fix what we need to fix.
That could be 53,000 x 22 x 12 = $13.99 million per year!
ALPA PAC currently does about $1 mil per year and is one of the top 50 PACs.. ALPA PAC could be in the top 5 and better funded than the NRA if we had full participation! Get involved!
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