ALPA/Kerry the paradox continues

[Rez O. Lewshun]

After speaking with Republican Airline Pilots I've learned a couple of things;

People, not just pilots, are trying to bundle thier politics into a customized package.

People, not just pilots, use branding to build and define thier identity.
I am who I am because;

I drink Coke not Pepsi.
I drive Ford not GM.
I am a pilot not an office worker.
I am a republican not a democrat.
I am an American, not European or Asian or......

This, of course, can box one in and limit thier resources......

Thoughts?

 

[EagleRJ]

I consider myself a Republican, since historically, the Republican candidates have been much more closely aligned with my personal values and opinions on the country's direction. Pigeonholing a candidate because of their party affilication is not good enough. I look at the candidate individually, as I hope all Americans do. As an American, and as an airline pilot, I think George W. Bush is the better candidate in this particular election.

That said, I was disappointed by ALPA's recent endorsement of John Kerry. It was no surprise, since many people active in labor mindlessly support the Democratic candidate, since in their eyes the Democrats are more labor friendly.

Unfortunately, that thinking only alienates part of ALPA's membership. I will no longer contribute to the ALPA Political Action Committee because of this. They may think that they need to endorse one of the candidates to remain relevant as a labor union, but this will only end up costing them income.

 

[FL000]

I vote Republican to improve the broader picture. Keep the dam*ed governments out of everyone's pockets and business will prosper. Less tax means more disposable income, more business, more growth...period.

Dems tend to dig deep into the pockets of hard-working Americans, who then have to hoard their leftover dollars like a starving squirrel guarding his nuts.

I don't vote on union-specific issues. If ALL aspects of the business prosper, then we ALL benefit, pilots and management alike. You have to look at the long-term, not the quick grab.

 

[Eagle-ista]

What?

As civil as I can, I must reject some of the arguments posted here.

I vote Republican to improve the broader picture. Keep the dam*ed governments out of everyone's pockets and business will prosper. Less tax means more disposable income, more business, more growth...period.


Reagan's "trickle-down" theory proved this wrong. If corporations make more profit, it tends to go to the CEOs and not to the worker bees. The "broader picture" here lead to the reduction of the middle class, growth under the poverty level and insane opulence for the Golden Parachute gang. Remember the days of 1% of the population controlling 90% of the money?


That said, I was disappointed by ALPA's recent endorsement of John Kerry. It was no surprise, since many people active in labor mindlessly support the Democratic candidate, since in their eyes the Democrats are more labor friendly.


While acting as Governor in Texas, Bush signed a "Right to work" law. This is the most vicious anti-labor thing a politician can do. It eliminates the constitutionally guaranteed rights of a group of workers to organize so they can protect their livelyhood, or as it has been said, those nuts you scurry to hide away. Under this law, any schmuck can walk in off the street and offer to do your job for less, and he can have it. You get axed, story over. You have no recourse under the law. Imagine someone walking onto your flight deck telling you he undercut you by $5/hour and the Chief Pilot wants your badge. He might even be nice enough to escort you out of the SIDA.

It's not just the "appearance" that the Democrats are more labor friendly, they are. There is nothing "mindless" about it.

I drink Coke not Pepsi.
I drive Ford not GM.
I am a pilot not an office worker.
I am a republican not a democrat
I am an American, not European or Asian or......


I don't drink cola, I drink Sam Adams Boston Lager, I drive Toyota (American made in Indiana), I am a pilot and a democrat, and most important, I am a citizen of the United States of America.


The fact that I can hold an English and an Irish passport is irrelevant...