Like -I- have said before, I'm not accusing you of being anti-SWA. I'm accusing you of being anti-Southwest pilots. Which is ironic, because it was SWA, not SWAPA, who didn't "treat the Airtran merger" as you thought would have been proper. But for some reason, you continually bash SWAPA and its pilots as if they contrived to do all of this. Trust me, the overwhelming majority wanted no part of this to begin with. However, it's a reality now, and ALL sides are trying to deal as best as possible.
Can Southwest pilots (and SWAPA folks) say stupid or insensitive things? Of course. On the other hand, so can Airtran/ALPA folks. So can United/Continental guys, so can Alaska guys, and certainly so can Hawaiian guys. Why is it you never take anyone ELSE to task for stupid/insensitive remarks besides Southwest pilots? Why is that, Dan?
In this case, Texman made a positive comment about Airtran guys and used the term "newhire training," without it occurring to him that it might offend anyone. Then a few Airtran guys pointed out that they're not newhires. And then of course, YOU were all over it like stink on you-know-what, as typical "Southwest pilot arrogance/mentality." Jesus, Dan, give it a rest. I was just in Dallas for training, and the Airtran guys I talked to called it "newhire training" themselves. Maybe you should give them a hard time too. No offense was meant. Relax, man! Stand down from Defcon 1!
I'm not sure if it's just your idea of fun to stir up trouble among other airlines' pilots (I dunno--does Hawaiian pay you extra for that?), or if maybe a Southwest pilot dorked your girl or something. Regardless, it's pretty clear that you only jump on Southwest pilots' words and no one elses. Talk to a professional, Dan. Please. For all our sakes.
Bubba