Mr. Wien's article is a thought provoking one, but points out a greater problem. It is the perception that we are "sky wh...." who would do anything to fly. I have had to make some difficult choices when being offered jobs. Sometimes the companies' offers are absurd when you see what the base requirements are, what the working environment is, what the upgrade prospects are, etc. The result is lower quality of life, more time away, divorce, etc. Unions often fail to represent anyone but themselves. Am I bitter? Not really, just wise. As long as the perceived "romance" of flying is greater than the truth, and people are willing to accept more responsibility for miniscule pay and dismal working conditions, this will never improve. One bright spot is that given the current level of training, someday these robbers will be hurting for experienced pilots; and the ones who survived will be in perfect position. I hope that when this happens, they do the other pilots a solid, and not accept crap for pay and working conditions. Supply and demand? Time for the dynamic to change.

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