Anyone who thinks that President Bush and "his big business ideas" caused the current economic mess is really out of touch with reality. Let's take a look at handpicked Board of Directors, the "it's all about me philosophy" that CEO's have mastered and just plain basic greed as perhaps starting points.

As for Glen Tilton, good for him. He was smart enough to hand pick a Board of Directors that serve as "yes men" and the banks just went along with him. Whenever the banks and other lending institutions have had enough, the music will stop and we'll see who gets a seat. BTW, thanks Glen for taking a great airline and running it into the ground. Doesn't take much talent to do that and you certainly have shown you don't have much talent or the ability to lead !

As for Spoolin', you nailed it buddy. Dumbest post on this entire website.

G'Day Mates

The Trillion-Dollar Bank Shakedown That Bodes Ill for Cities by Howard Husock, City Journal Winter 2000

Try reading this!

The problem with all of America's problems is lack of accountability. Those who bought into the sub-prime mortgages blame the lenders, those who spill hot coffee on their pants blame McDonald's, CEO's who run companies into the ground and line their pockets blame unions, oil prices, pilots, FAs, and so on. If people would take responsibility for their actions, and be held accountable for their bad decisions, maybe we would see a change in this country's direction.

Who remembers the definition of learning from CFI training. For those that don't, it's a change in behavior as a result of an experience. I don't see much learning going on lately. Especially from those who hedged fuel at $144/barrel.

Thank you and good day.

BINGO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well stated !!

So, since you appear to have a crystal ball and seem to be up on hedging, where will the price of oil be in a week? How about a month? Maybe next year? Are you willing to bet your job on it? Kind of a harsh statement. I don't think ANYONE has a clue where oil will be. Things are changing too rapidly. Just look at the stock market. One day it's down 600 points, then up 500, then down 700.............NO ONE KNOWS.................. If you hedge at $130 and it goes to $180, you're a winner, but conversely, it can go down just as easy, and then you're an idiot for buying too high. No rhyme or reason for the dramatic moves, that's just the way it goes.......

In my opinion, Tilton has accomplished his objectives perfectly. Enrich himself and his cronies handsomely, and to hell with United Airlines. This is the manta of what CEO have turned into in this country. The financial industry is currently a prime example, only instead of betraying the company, those scum betrayed their country.

Poll was done last week and over 40 percent of French citizens would prefer to live in the USA so what does that tell you?

Hey Splanky schould,nt that read TILTON PAY ? lol

I agree 100% well said!

Brave Americans have always fought for Freedom against Tyranny and Greed.

Even for France and China. Please see Lafayette Escadrille and Flying Tigers for a history lesson. Ignorance and bigotry are not American traditions - yes they have always existed here, but at least we have never embraced them as ideals to strive for. (Perhaps until recently.)

Our economic system, is not now, nor has it ever been a completely unfettered capitalistic free market system. Out economy is in fact inspired by and attempts to reach the free market ideal. But the economic cycle has shown time and time again that it causes too much damage, pain, and suffering to real people, if it does not have proper regulation. Without a healthy dose of social insurance, we would not be as great a nation as we are.

Do not confuse Capitalism with Democracy. They do not go hand in hand, though they do work well together. China has become an economic giant by allowing capitalism in. But it is no Democracy and freedom is not tolerated well there.