On your second point, your

kids are able to fly anywhere they wish. If Delta pilots strike, they

may choose another airline. I don't think anybody is acting like a child.

You would be forced to choose Fedex if UPS were not operating. Delta has

no monopoly.

As to your opinion, I applaud

you in supporting our right to strike. I also think, as does the law,

that Delta has the right to replace every single one of us should we strike.

They can "close out" the strikers.

That is the point. Fortunately,

Delta recognizes the value of their pilot force. That is why they have

paid us well and, I assume, will continue doing so. It is essentially

the same principle behind a good heart surgeon commanding very high pay.

Neither I, nor many pilots,

expect sympathy from the public. They do not understand the profession,

the union, nor the negotiations and will likely never do so. It does annoy

me somewhat that I constantly read about how I'm being overpaid by people

who know nothing of what I do. I don't presume to have an educated opinion

if a public relations manager or a tree surgeon in Peachtree City is worth

their salary. Maybe your all-knowing readers can tell me if these professions

are compensated adequately.

People should spend more worrying

and therefore writing you about things they know. I read your paper all

the time and I still have not found somebody who has the secret to growing

a good lawn in this Georgia clay.

Mark Deaton

Peachtree City

First officer

Delta Airlines