NTSB wants to monitor flight deck conversations

[SlumTodd_Millionaire]

Not semantics at all. Further, your implication that I sit behind a desk is way off the mark.

I wasn't implying that. I do sit behind a desk, so I certainly wouldn't try to attack someone by implying that they do the same. My point was simply that if you're working for the company rather than the Asssociation, that pilots should take note that your interests are not necessarily the same as theirs. I'm sorry if you take offense to that, but I simply don't trust pilots that work for the Association and then jump ship to work for management.

Further, it does not change my basic point that you have yet to make a logical argument, instead you choose to just attack me as your way of "proving" your point. I submit that such an approach only demonstrates that your position lacks merit.

I let the safety experts speak for me on this issue, and they're doing a fine job proving that our position has plenty of merit. Your position isn't even supported by the ATA, for heaven's sake!

You seem to have a problem with free speech ("private thoughts should not become public disagreement"). Do you also feel that no American should speak out against their own country in a public manner? I would submit that if the leadership is wrong (which they ARE in this case), then those with more expertise SHOULD speak out.

The rank and file should always have a right to speak out. However, if you're in some sort of official position within the Association, then you speak for the Association. Personal opinions should remain personal, or at least behind closed doors. They shouldn't be argued publicly as long as you hold an official union position. But since you work for the company and not for the Association, then that's between you and the company. I have no idea what FedEx's position is on this issue, although I would suspect that they'll side with the ATA and disagree with you.

I would also venture that you would do the same if you did not agree with an issue.

You would venture wrong. There are many times that I disagree with my MEC or with the Association as a whole, but as long as I hold an official position, you'll never know what my disagreements are. They are handled internally, just as they should be.