I was hoping you'd reply. The only reason Bush hasn't had the opportunity to "shoot down" a strike is that the people that he's appointed to the NMB are doing it for him.
A presidential order that states employees should return to work or not strike is similar to a Governor's pardon- it's a last minute executive intervention.
So to put it simply, this administration's NMB is doing all the dirty work for him. They're that good. None of us can be released, therefore Bush doesn't have to concern himself with overturning an NMB self-help ruling. At least with a Democrat in office, we saw Comair strike in '99. Can you name a pilot group that's been released into self-help since 2000?
One last thing: I completely appreciate your comment about our government being by and for the people. I absolutely agree. Now, take that one step further. When it came to a redressing of issues, namely pilots versus big business, you were completely defeatist about it. "Nothing we can do about it," you said. Shouldn't there be the same feelings about having guns in your home and the powers of collective bargaining? They are, at heart, the same. Each help restore the balance of wealth, power, and dignity from those who would steal and exploit it from you.
Have more faith in the union. Recognize the ones who want to steal your dignity from you.