I just have to say - I really do like where this thread has gone...far from the usual bashing, I actually think there's a bit of understanding going on here. Though unfamiliar (LoL), it's refreshing.

Right on. I was over by the hospital, then moved over towards city hall. Small world.

My mother sent me back to Ohio, becuase the gangs in inglewood where recruiting big time. It was the best decision she made for me. Alot of my friends from there are either dead or in jail. I guess we where lucky, in alot of ways.

Yeah I knew alot of guys and gals who ended up dead. We moved to Westchester after a while but even that became bad for a while.

It's always good to talk. IM all for it. For those of you at airlines that are treating you well with the schedule and pay. IM happy for you. I hope it gets even better.

Yoda was a very wise little green dude. I offer that all of the reactions we have been discussing are ultimately tied to our fear of that which we do not understand. We are tribal and creatures of habit. Generally, we fear change.

Definitely an interesting topic. I am also a black male (26 years old), and a Mesaba new hire. Reading the posts from "Mach" you can definitely see some of the frustration that he was expressing. None of us were there so we really don't know what happened. However, no one just "pulls the race card" just for the heck of it. Could it have happend in this situation? Possibly or possibly not. I think his frustration comes from possibly dealing with those same type of issues growing up, and then having to deal with them (possibly) when he was turned downed from getting the job he really wanted. I think that it is unfair to label him as a "toolbag" or just someone who just "pulling the race card" for the sake of the argument.

I'm glad that he was able to get a job at Mesa, which is what this thread is all about. Hopefully they can improve things over there one day. Were a few of his posts angry? Yes. Could he have calmed down a bit before posting them? Yes. But please, these types of posts and threads (about racism, equal rights...) dont happen often. So when someone (of color, minority or whatever) says something about it and how is has affected them, its not fair to just assume that they are just bitter for not getting the job and are using race for the sake of the argument. The world would be a better place if these issues didnt exsit at all.

Jesse

You know whats screwed up. I used to live in watts, and when we moved to Inglewood, I thought it was like Berverly Hills! Can you believe that? My younger brother stayed behind and got caught up in the madness.
Westchester! I wanted to go to high school there. It seemed like the place to be back then anyway. I eneded up wresltling in High school in Ohio, and getting a scholarship to college. Thats how I could afford most of Aviation. Had I stayed in Inglewood I would have ended up in jail or worse. LOL maybe that why I can tolerate MESA so well. Mesa is like watts! LOL You gotta laugh at that!

Hahaha, Mesa's more like Compton!! Although Watts was pretty rough. Westchester High was no picnic either!! I envied all of those cats over at St. Bernards.

Compton! I thought compton was laid back. :) St. Barnards? wasnt that a private school.? All the schools in La are bad news.
I will be out there in Inglewood in a week to visit the folks and make sure the bars have good beer in Santa Monica , and Redondo Beach! It's a pilgramage that must be made. I will poor alittle bit of beer out on the ground for all the pilots strugling right now:p.
Seriously though, it's always good to hear that folks make it out of some tough situations early in life! You persevered and now look at you! ballin in a jet! LOL