It seems it all comes down to money. The airlines can't make it, so they're looking for an easy kill to put on the alter. That'd be us. The airspace system has always been there for them, as well as ATC, which as is well known, was originally begun by the individual airlines (until the demonstrated their inability to keep two airliners from running into one another).
Are we in this thing together as a group, as GA? Do we put ourselves in with the G550? Should we? AOPA seems to believe that we should based on the belief that if the people in that high tier are aligned with our wants and wishes that our chances for success in this increasingly divisive world are bettered. They could be right.
Does that mean I care for hearing about TBM850s and the latest Premier upgrade in the magazine? Nope, and I fly the brother of the former (it is neat, but I'd likely never be in one if not for the job). That's me, however, there may be an element that expects to see some free (as in beer) advertising that grace their covers. Ya think?
That seems to be the reality of dancing with the callous ellite to further our own cause, and it does seem to be the way things get done. I can hear Phil Collins...." Too many men, too many people, making too many problems..."
This community, shrinking as it, has paralleled the rest of society. It is growing more and more anonymous. When I was a kid driving down the country roads of Oklahoma with my dad, everyone waved a knowing hand of friendship at you as you passed by. It was the thing to do. Suspicion and hate have replaced that.
Doom and gloom!
That brings us to our group. I know the better part of the names of our participating group because of the vibrant personalities affixed to each post. I came to Clinton this year because I wanted to replace names and posts with the faces and voices of each of you. It is the close kinship shared that we so enjoy and hold dear that has been lost elsewhere. We happen to hold the 150 and 152 in high respect, but we know what is the heart, the mind, the bond. It is the intimacy of our diversity. Our fraternity.
Without that, we are lost.
