MoneyMan

You believe what you want, and I will believe what I want. The bill I have in front of me is the alternative proposal being discussed. It is one option. Your link above is a discussion of the general budget philosophy. Neither are law yet, but both are viewpoints with the same objective--removing the mortgage deduction.

My point was the deduction is one of the prime points of being removed. You have not argued that point--only the entry point ($175 or $250). My point is still valid that if it passes, it will affect pilots just like the 2% Misc. Deductions did when it was implemented several years ago.

So what if it's $250,000? Will that be an absolute never to change?

Again, socialist (redistribute the wealth) versus capitalist viewpoints.

MoneyMan

You know I don't mind having a discussion with people that know the facts, but those that just flame or cast out negative remarks because they don't like the viewpoints of a person are not worth arguing with. Reminds me of the coverage by MSNBC and the negative attacks on McCain with no proof.

You obviously have no clue at all on how the high 5 works. You work for 5 years here and you've got a high 5. So everyone has a high 5. Geez! Argue the facts and quit flaming.

Busboy

It's not proposed to eliminate it!!!!! Good grief man, read it.

The proposal is to reduce it to 28%. On $10,000 worth of mortgage interest, it would raise a 33% tax bracket person's taxes by $500/yr, at most.

That's the spirit!

Flying Boxes

I'm aware of this... IRS limit for high five is 260k last I checked!
just not adding extraneous info to the point.

OBTW, I'm not socialist, but I am in a union. Unity means everyone, my 2% is less money (obviously junior) but I'm still paying for the same 2% of representation that you are!

Flying Boxes

Where is the flame, I just stated a position that you don't agree with. I've not made any personal attacks or called you any names! In fact, the only name calling between us is you calling me a socialist. I'm more concerned with the next 5 months (financial survival), you appear to be worried about your mcmansion and retirement.

MoneyMan

I just got off the phone with a union block rep (not mine) who was very intelligent and had some great points. The block that has this guy as a rep is very lucky as this guy is honest and straightforward.

While many here have disagreed with my points, he said that the essence is valid. There are pilots that are hurting right now, as I've pointed out. That leads to the conclusion that NOT EVERYONE can share the sacrifice for an extended period of time. That was the only point I was making, and it would be better if the company/ALPA laid out a master game plan so budgets and plans could be made. The wait-and-see what happens over time attitude does no one a favor. So if you disagree, then that is your right. There are many that agree.

Second, the fact about some union leaders making considerably more than the BLG of any aircraft is a fact, and they are not sharing any of the pain. These are the officers we have representing us (some, not all).

Third, it is a fact that there are many pilots averaging 90-100 hours BLG each month from the "extra" flying, carry-over, and other factors. They are not sharing the pain.

Fourth, MOST pilots (and businesses) never budget for or plan for every contingency. I don't think any pilot planned on a 48/60 budget. The union has clearly stated that they didn't ever think it would happen, so if you did plan, Warren Buffett is looking for advisors. The cost of declining pay, reduced home values, increasing taxes, and increasing medical costs is putting a strain on every budget. You can, of course, disagree, but I would say that those not affected are in the minority.

Every post that flamed me all focused on the furlough. Fine. I take the hit for that because if the information was wrong, that is great. I'd still be willing to bet with any person out there that if the economy keeps going the way it is, that the company will always keep that option available. But hopefully all that has been put aside and that the comment that we are only 300 pilots fat is valid. So one of the five points has no relevance.

All those that flamed here that are complaining I don't see you addressing any of the other issues--like ALPA leaders pay, carry-over, age 60 pilots, etc. Go after me if you want, but it isn't going to make your pay go up, your job secure, or your taxes go lower. I just state the facts (except for my mistake on repeating furlough numbers which no one knows, even those that have said here on this board that it isn't going to happen).

Like I said, if you are happy with the status quo of just lumbering on with no game plan and no changes, then so be it. That's what we have. Other pilots in other carriers have repeatedly said that it is much better for the crew force to lay out a game plan so that all pilots can plan accordingly. But if you don't want it, then no need to bring it up with your union rep or on all the Wilson surveys. My point is I would like to know now if I need to plan on down-bidding, move, or whatever so I can make plans. That was all my point was in the letter.

MoneyMan

I'll re-read your post in a minute, but if you took insult to my comment, I sincerely apologize. It was not intended. It was intended as a general overview of society as a whole, which indeed is a fact today. It was not a slam or flame against you.

FDXLAG

Contract language is vague. The company does not feel bound to any restrictions on blg reductions. We are grieving it. I suspect we will cave.

Flying Boxes

I understand the stressful times. Never took insult, I'm living my life and others live theirs! No insult intended on my part either. Just different perspectives!

Point 1) As I said, I'm doing resume and apps. cause I don't need the company or union to hand feed me the obvious. I don't think any of the possible furloughees need it either!

Point 2) Of course pilots are hurting, that is all but those senior enough to hold the carryover lines and union elected officials. We need to focus the energy here from each other to our paid reps.

Point 3) But even they (90-100 CH pilots) are not happy with not being able to get 130 hours!

Point 4) Do you have the address to Warren Buffet? I'm just about done with the resume!

1st overnite

Moneyman, if you were the in the bottom 300, would you be eager to be furloughed and sacrifice any income so some widebody capt can do more traveling in his retirement? I doubt it. I don't mean to name call but you seem selfish. Sure there are guys out there that feel like you, and that is why our union is weak.