I completely disagree. But then again I think of economics as a supply side system and not a welfare driven system.
Capitalism works, socialism doesn't.
Further, GWB doesn't have the power to line item veto commerce laws in regards to pension plans. That Sir, lies with the Congress. If you think it lies with the POTUS, then you must think we elected a king. If I were you I'd bone up on Government 101.
In order for some airlines to survive mismanagement, rising fuel costs, lowered yeilds, increased competition, etc, one of the ways was to reduce or discontinue payments to pension plans. This is a way for some airlines to continue paying workers rather than liquidating under the burden of funding pension plans. Yeah it sucks to lose a pension, but would you rather continue to get a paycheck, or would you rather force an airline to make pension payments to the point the airline has to liquidate?