The air traffic control world was recently shocked to learn that our long time friend, advocate, sage and shaman, Jim Ward, aka Jim Bob, had succumbed to the various diseases ravaging his body.
Jim was one of a kind, a great writer and a spectacular observer of the human condition. He suffered greatly from Agent Orange during Vietnam, to the point of receiving a double-lung transplant about ten years ago. He rose from those ashes to enjoy the countryside with his beautiful wife Gayla and his open top sportster. Jim will be missed more than these few inadequate words will ever express.
On April 20, 2000 Jim wrote the following to his NATCA brothers and sisters. He was artful, teasing, taunting and gentle. He left a legacy of kindness, wisdom and brotherhood that will be hard to replace. He also left us the term, "ballbagger," which aptly fit any management stooge within spitting distance of this blog.
I am going to post Jim's work and leave it up a few days, then I'm going to take it---and The Main Bang---off the air. To those who enjoy The Bang, I am truly sorry. I know I am letting you down, and that pains me---joining a list of demons that would make Jack Nicholson in "Cuckoos Nest" blush. Please don't ask why.
I just can't.
Jim Ward, April 20, 2000:
TWIMC,
This post is directed to my fraternal peers who have expoused an anti-rehire mindset, rated themselves as 'the keeper of the keys' of all things ATC related, and who have an apparent lack of respect for the late and great union, Patco, and it's returning warriors. If the preceeding sentences raise hackles, well then this post is for you!
It's spring in the year 2000, nineteen years after 'the strike'..........and to me, there's a sense of deja-vu in the air. Why? A complicated answer,but I'll try to explain.
Most of our Natca members were pre-adults in the era before the strike. Many post '84/85 hires have no basis for relating to ATC in the pre-strike era, no sense of controller work enviroment history, no understanding of controller union struggle and history dating back to Mike Rock & F. Lee Baily. A test? How many of you that were hired after 1985 even know who Mike Rock was? How
many have read "Pressure Cooker" or "Cleared To Land"? More relevant, how many have read "PATCO, An Anatomy Of A Strike"? Other questions; Grand
Canyon?, NYC Air Carrier Mid-Airs?, CAA?, Dress Codes?, Sick Outs of 71/78?, Slow Downs?, Reagan's deal with PATCO?, PATCO history?, Hiring & Wage Freezes?, Choir Boys?, Free Flow?, Non-ARTS?, Broadband?, DF fixing?, ASR-3?, yada, yada, yada, for sure.
To many, PATCO is an abstract acronym. It's name conjures up sterotypical remarks/images in many minds. Let's try them out....... "Greedy", "Bad Timing", "No PR", "All they wanted was a $10,000 raise (see greedy)", "It was all Poli's fault" (do you even know who Robert Poli was????) There are other images, but these capture the sentiments I have heard expressed since I was hired in August 1981, leaving DOD behind.
Here we are in the Spring of 2000....... NATCA. The union that wasn't suppose to happen, NATCA. Do we recall the post 8/81 era of management's golden
opportunity? Do we recall the management-think of 1981-1985? Wasn't that the era of, good-riddance to PATCO... the seed of all things bad in the FAA?
Wasn't that the era of young (scab) staffers and rising stars, promising that they would lead us strike babies into the land of milk and honey, no unions, benevolent and wise management, no silly contracts, no renegade union lovers to spoil paradise? What happened to that? It's spring of 2000, and those young staffers & rising stars are the senior managers, branch managers,
500's, national project managers, AT-1.
Yes, all we had to do from 1981-1985 was run nightmare traffic free-flows (I was at D10... I remember, do you?), work up to 60 hour weeks, 3 hours on position with no hand-off assist, 5 minute breaks, combined positions, no
flow rates, deals-a-poppin', ash trays and coffee cups overfilled on position..... bring 'em on babyeeee! We did this for the thrill (we were young), for the ego feed of comparing ourselves to our PATCO predecessors (I
was guilty, how 'bout you?), we did it to "rebuild The System", we broke our backs pumpin', floggin', jammin' smokin' & jokin', max andrenaline joltin' and egos burstin'. And in the meantime our current FAA heads were crawlin upwards in career progression on our collective backs. The WTO would say;
"Corporate Utopia".
In 1985 something subtle, but transforming happened. It reshaped the ATCculture in both management, and the worker drone worlds........
On the controller side of the coin we were simply wearing out. Training blitzes never seemed to be increasing our actual "on position" staffing.
Management and Staff positions were full and an era of "movin' up" bidding orgies gave us several years of 1 year ticket punchers flowing nation-wide. We had to train these staffers, these supes, these stars...... and then they moved up and away a year later..... and then we trained their replacements in a seemingly never ending parade, the FAA Galaxy was bright, it's stars were
many. Those of us who were OJTIs then recall the 81-85 years with bitterness. We personally know the virtual FAA Office, Postion, and Career Charts, hell we trained 99% of them. How many of our own ex-peers ("peers" is used loosely here) jumped on that upward ticket punching? How many of us have stories about Joe/Jill Controller who worked at a Lvl 2 for two years of post hire journeyman time, then got a temp SATCS job, then bid to a Lvl IV Staff job, slid over to a Lvl IV supe job, went to the RO for a year, then came back as
a Lvl II/III ATM.... all before they had 6 years in the agency? That story goes on, we all know it........ and now they are the masters of the FAA universe.
I'll share a quick personal experience. I moved to the FAA in 8/81 as a GS-11. Two years later I was a GS-14 FPL at D10 (DFW back then). When I arrived at D10 there were only about 15 true FPLs. The positions were
combined and staffing was augumented by supes and staff. My check-outs were fairly thorough.... but the main attribute sought was nads and craziness.
That's what it took to belly-up to a position, put rollback chocks behind the chair rollers, and hang-on, in 81-85. The FAA hired and promoted to auguement
our staffing..... 50% washouts were the rates at C90, LAX, N90, ATL, Bay, and D10 from 81-85. Slowly we crept up to 35-38 FPLs in the Tracon and the tower
got to 17-20. Then a weird thing happened! Staffing flattened out! We were breaking our backs nationwide to rebuild our ranks, and the FAA was showing it's appreciation by bleeding our ranks with promotions, staff details, supe details, god-knows-what-details, and sucuming to ATA/Carrier/AOPA pressure by
opening up all the air traffic flood gates. I think NATCA was born in many hearts in 84/85. We defended ourselves at D10 by quietly, counciously, and
collectively resisting the training of anyone even remotely connected tomanagement. If they looked suspect... wash 'em, if they had a tie on.....
wash em, if they were just a bit to 'young republican-like'...... wash em. Fair? No. Critical to our survival? Yes.
We became brazen... and I'm absolutely sure C90 was doing the same. If you wanted to join our rag tag, but elite ranks you had better pass our little profile check. Incoming trainees thought we were brutal.... and we were. We turned FAB (oh, Fab.. I'm glad they put new Borax in yew....) into a weapon to air complaints and beat up the ATM with. I recall, do you? How many Fab
sessions turned into staffing, training, drug testing, whatin thehell is goingon venting feasts on our ATMs? Then the ATMs struck back in the spring of 85.... FAB mettings would not be done on OT, we fought back, a national Fab meeting was called in Chicago, the FAA cancelled it..... NATCA was born in many hearts. I was Fab chairman at D10 in 84/85, I recall, do you?
Yeah, 1985 was the Rubicon for Mgt. and The Trolls. We crossed the river, hung a right turn, and parted ways. There was a brief kiss and make-up from 92-94 with QTP.. and that failed to mend a shitty marraige......
Where were you when your facility or peers experienced their first post 81 mid-air, large crash, catastrophe? I recall, do you? In 84/85 D10 had two GA mid-airs with all deceased in contact/control with ATC. Freq congestion and mass data tag overlap put a ADS departing & climbing IFR twin together with a VFR single over D10's bermuda triangle, a spot smack dab middle in the tight ass airspace between DAL, DFW, and ADS... in a south flow it is as dangerousas taking a taxi in Saigon during rush hour. Months later, a north flow
straight in twin to DAL slung it's tag (no strips, no redundancy in 85) was put into the side of a single VFR vectored to base... the results dropped 1800 ft into a south Dallas schoolyard. Then in August 1985 we experienced our life/emotional/career changing event at D10.... DAL191, an L1011H came through a sudden storm cloud on 2 mile final (VFR conditions mass inbound rush/departure push on a sunny Friday afternoon), it slid through a major highway, ingested a Toyota and it's driver through a turbine, went airborne
again, missing a 12 story hotel by a quarter mile, hit again, slid close to 2 DC-10 cargos waiting for departure, hit a water tank and blew apart in
explosion and fire. Tower controllers looked on in horror as the few survivors ran down runways, clothes burned off, screaming...... In the Tracon contollers were quietly pulled off position.... PTSD would hit days later. I recall that day. Where were you when your facility had it's own wake up calls.....?
The party was over at D10... for 4 years we had been supermen, bring em on, they don't make enough airplanes, belly up boys, beers being iced in the
parking lot. For 4 years 36 FPLs in a Tracon that required 80 (at that time) had fought together, drank together, worked together.... well, in 85 we bled
together. DAL191 happened during the normal Friday afternoon/eve back then... free flow, 120-140 airplanes inbound for two runways in 1 hour (add a Stol
Taxiway/Runway), the usual deals made with ZFW... don't coordinate, stackem if you have to, just putem on my freq... let god and feeders sortem out. ZFW
departure sectors asked for the same courtesies in return, survival in the jungle. There wasn't position rotation in those days... we traffic hogs lined up at the troughs, and there were always empty troughs on Satelittes in the pre-oilbust days, they were nasty, bad vibe nasty.... but the show was always on the arrival sector, step up, belly up, showem what you got. Tower was the same back then... bad, real bad. On pushes two locals and two grounds wired up and then hit holes with 60-80 departures, 100-140 arrivals on two runways
(this is before the mega-runway DFW days).... two on the 'crete was a war story in virtual reality, hitting two mile holes with a plus 15 knot wind was required (2 1/2 if the wind was lighter), landline games between the two final controllers and locals, two departure controllers and locals helped ease tension.... I always opened with two landline bursts to local, "Lord
Forgive Me, For I Know Not What I Do" and then, "Let Me Apologize Now In Advance". The same games were and still are played at many facilities nationwide. But in 1981-85 it was meant. What was it like where you worked? The same? Probably.
Life changed 8/4/85. Liabilities were bared, Blame Game was not just a movie.... DAL191 wint down during the Friday afternoon/eve madness that plagues all Hub airports. A nice, but in over his head, supe was on Local
East, trying to make meal breaks and show 'em he was still in his 'Glory Days', the quartet on Feeders and arrivals were prime time players, the best on that shift. VFR, hot, some popcorn cloud buildups, typical Texas in
summer. Traffic was peaking when DAL crashed, the finals were 1 1/2 to 2 miles in trail, cept for the heavys which we graced with 3-4 miles, and the Air Taxis in Otters and Shorts... we put them 500' above and 1/2 behind traffic.... they took care of the rest. Legal? nope. Survival, yep. Then the storm broke, a popcorn cloud grew in size and intensity just north of the
field.... tower had 7 go arounds, freqs were Blooooooccckkkkkked, shit was hittin the fan.... but it was lkike that on Fridays.... except this one turned out different. And now Lawyers were trying to sort it out, the FAA hid it's own dirty laundry, an NTAP off Navy Dallas Radar was lost.... ZFWs wasn't exact enough????, and the D10 tap was suprisingly showing 3 miles
between Delta and the LR35 he was following, ahem' cough, 3 miles ahead. You all have been there before, haven't you? The 1981-86 hide a deal games. We
alll played, controllers for our careers, management for their careers... not FAA Careers either, AAL hired the tops at DFW and Ohare, regional boys, a few
supes.
But, when the show went to the NTSB, Federal Courts, etc.... a few controllers felt dangerously exposed. Mgt took care of itself and if that happened to cover controllers, well ok. In the fall an ATC union future at
DFW became a seed firmly planted in a backyard... three of us at a cookout, beer flowing, too many mgt types in erashot.... we found a quiet spot and
then whispered fears about possible sacrificial lambs if the hearings and trial went sour. Two of the three were directly, most directly involved in DAL191, two of the three would become Reps and Officers. It was the SW
Region, and such talk was dangerous.....
Thankfully the AGL and NEA radicals pushed forward after the cancelled national FAB meeting in Chicago. They created what is now Natca. After creation D10/DFW became one of it's legs in the ASW... we joined enmass, created a local and the rest is history. Management then saw us as the enemy.... life changed, rewind to Mike Rock and PATCO...... Bell & Spickler
led, the Bellinos and Krasners kicked ass... Natca became more than many of us could ever predict or dream..... Where were you? I know... I signed up as
the 6th member in the region, behind the core at DAL, (Hello McGee, Mullin, Palumbo and Co!). For those members who give so little respect to Patco's
rehires, just where were you in 81-85? Did you rush to sign up to NATCA in 86?
Management reacted like the wife beating, abusive husband... they acted betrayed and suprised that we used up controllers were leaving their camp....
going to set up our own camp. We were tired of the beatings, the lies, the abuses, while they promoted themselves.... That was the real legacy of the
strike! For all of you that besmirch PATCO......... look at what the FAA did to it's own when PATCO walked. They instituded dress codes, ran traffic up our asses, hired and fired without rules, hid bodies by details out of our depleted ranks, they worked us like mules, then told AAL, UAL, DAL, to bring em on... when we weren't even 7000 FPLs replacing 11,000 great Patco FPLs.
The FAA never learned did they? And guess what, they still don't get it!!!!!! After NATCA formed the FAA had a new battle cry.... it wasn't just Patco... it was the TYPE of person they hired that caused high paid folks to bite
their feeding hands and form a union... damn us, we were just ungrateful heathen, promoted too fast, brought up in the military ATC culture that had
fed the FAA for years, that culture that just made us ungrateful ATC junkie slovens. The culture that created PATCO and now NATCA became the FAA's new
focus on problem solving.
Where were you in 1987-1994, do you recall? The FAA's grand social experiment started then, they were going to "change the culture". Miltary ATC background
became almost a burden for FAA applicants, diversity, off the street, and co-ops were in. They FAA was going to change us by largely changing the background of many new hires. I recall, do you? I had a friend who wanted on then, a BA at OSU, CFI, twin, insturment, rated pilot, and 4 years of USAF busy RAPCON time, 105 exam score. A real catch? Not in the FAA's eyes......
he floundered on the list for two years before being picked up and sent to aLvl I Tower. Meanwhile the FAA was blitzing for recruits in Malls!!!!! If you doubt me for a second when I say the FAA was trying to defeat the union and employee rights by mass hiring many non-ATC types, well you are blind.
Nothing against the classes of 87-94. The experiment failed.... for ATC attracts the same personalities, whether we come from the miltary or the streets.... the FAA's experiment actually gave the union a boost... we now added former graphic artists, labor specialists, accountants, yada to our resources. And talent? The same. Attitude? the same. The FAA forgot that all
the sensitivity training, all the HR courses, all the diversity courses, all the off the street hires didn't change the common factor.... the masters, the
belly of the beast remained unchanged. If anything management just slicked up it's act with the Ramtha/CMD center. Assholes are assholes.... in 1982 they wore double knit cheap ass slacks, bad ties, and were arrogant... in 2000 they wear suspenders with cheap ass docker-like slacks, bad ties and a thinly
disguised arrogance taught at CMD. They are the masters, we are the workers... 1980 - 2000 no diff. Am I wrong?
So... Patco rehire haters...... did we turn out any better? Let's see PATCO was greedy...hmmmmmm, anyone out there rejecting their NATCA reclass raises!
DO YOU THINK THERE WOULD BE A MAJOR JOB ACTION/STRIKE IF;
1. The FAA had pulled out of reclass and refused to talk AFTER they agreed to a 200 million dollar funding? PATCO did much the same as we would now.
2. The FAA contracted all Lvl 9's down next month?
A fight will come in the next two years boys and girls. They are coming after your jobs, going to the lowest bidder, even if it's Walmart or HCA...(funded). WTO comes to ATC folks, look at Canada... watch closely. WTO is here for the FAA ATC goldmine too. What if, nahhhhhhhh. It's really happening folks, it's here. Corporate ATC is banging on our doors, ready to pilfer,
rape, and make oodles of money. FAA Management are whores, look at how many are with AAL, look at Australia......
Is that the point that you strike.....? After the war is over?
The next three years will be hard, NATCA will have to fight in new arenas (I hope for a war horse prez.... JTB). There will be selective traffic work actions at HUB Tracons, and key ARTCCs. There will be Sick Leave actions.... the battles are coming. You say, you don't believe me, that you don't want that? The fight is coming to NATCA, we will be on the defense, hell we are
TODAY! You won't have a choice in whether or not there will be battles....your hometurf is under increasing attack. I have no idea whether we will
prevail or not..... I pray so.
In closing.... in 1980-81 PATCO made some strategic mistakes, no doubt! But their enemy is our enemy... one and the same. These rehired warriors are slower, yes... they aren't the ATC whiz kids they were in 78.... yep. BUT, they are us in the future.
The year is 2015, in 2001 4,000 controllers were fired for a collective sick out and slow down after congress gave their ATC 6/7/8 jobs to an Airline funded shadow quasi corporate profit Inc. Another 5,000 were fired in 2003 when the ATC 9/10/11/12/13 and ARTCCs were sold. There was a full strike of all remaining NATCA controllers........ NATCA ceased to be in 2004....... a
nightmare. You are one of the ZME guys that walked out in pride, in defense, hoping your congress & flying public would care. Worldwide ATC Inc now runs most ATC in 2015. You've fought for 12 years to get your job back, you are 54years old....... and the corporate controllers look at you,
and___________________________? Fill this in SPUD@!
I'm a Nam Vet. Not ATC either, combat bred and bled.... I know what it feels like to be an outsider, a loser........ much like our PATCO brothers must feel. They are us 15 years from now.... they deserve better than I have read
and seen on this server! WE CANNOT BE GUILTY OF REJECTING OUR OWN..... and whether you all like it
or not, they are a part of us.
We need to pull together and quit ripping at each other. We have to win the 2001-2005 fights, or the scenario I painted will become many of our futures. Vote wisely, and pull your heads out of the sand..... the public will not cry for us when we go down.... we are greedy... look at our salaries........PATCO, NATCA......
Just My Fuckin Opinon SPUD HEAD!
WARD
I save Jim Bob for friends.
Wow...Thanys all...wow! Thanks.
Posted by: Whatshortage? | July 12, 2008 at 10:31 AM
John,
The ATC world has lost TWO giants--one to the ravages of the body, one to the ravages of the soul. I'd risk being spit on and called "ballbagger" just to get close enough to shake your hand and say "thanks for all you've done."
Posted by: Oxman | July 12, 2008 at 10:50 AM
John, I know you said don't ask. But I have read your blog for years, like the morning paper. And that's it..... Wow. Will there be future info from this? Or that's it? U quit; no questions, c-ya, bye.????!!! I think an appropriate way for me to end this post is ooohhhhkkeeeyyy. Doooohhhkkkeeeeyyy.. ???!! ...
Posted by: Atcadvocate | July 12, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Well said. I will miss the Bang but I can fully understand the emotional toll talking about the FAA can exact. Thank you for all your work.
Posted by: justplanefun1 | July 12, 2008 at 11:03 AM
I am sorry to hear about Jim Bob. Thanks for his post.
I'll also miss the daily Bang. Its become a regular morning box check for me. You will be missed. Please take care and enjoy your retirement. God bless you and your family.
Tom Thurston
Posted by: Tom Thurston | July 12, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Sorry to see you go, John. You've brought so many issues to light we'd have never heard of without you. It's hard to believe you'll be silenced. Enjoy your freedom from maintaining this site and your new-found time with the family. You won't be forgotten.
Posted by: JustATool | July 12, 2008 at 11:40 AM
John Carr, your work will be carried on, and carried forward.
Count on it.
John J. Tormey III, Esq.
Quiet Rockland
Posted by: John J. Tormey III, Esq. | July 12, 2008 at 11:44 AM
JOHN,
It is almost unfair to leave us with two messages this powerful at the same time. Where the hell does a Commenter start???
Jim Bob was always a force and will be sorely missed. His posting was SPOT ON, no matter where you pushed tin, and a walk down memory lane for me.
And I can't stop smiling for some damn reason. Maybe it's because I am retired and no longer have to feel the pain of the FAA? Or maybe, just maybe, I am happy to see our BULL move on in his life.
TheMainBang has been my first stop in the morning for a LONG time. Hell, I bought TheMainBang.com years ago just to make sure the FAA did not get their hands on it. (NATCA has since let it get away...what a shame.)
I have not always agreed with John, but I voted for him every time I could because I knew he would always fight for what was right....and he would fit like a PITBULL!
For those of you who read John's last post and feel a sense of loss......HIT THE CHIPIN!
What? You say you donated before? HIT IT AGAIN. Let's send our brother out with a BANG!
JTB....Love Ya Brother! Now go forth and "retire" my son!
Michael (Mikey) Putzier
Posted by: Michael Putzier | July 12, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Well John, before Ruth's little pep talk awhile back, I would have said good riddance. But after that post you seemed to atleast keep your distaste for the NEB private.
I have read this blog for several years with mixed feelings, sometimes your posts are spot on, and other times they piss me right the f**k off. Nontheless, as of late they have all been relevant to our plight with good information and entertaining to say the least. I hope you can put as much passion into retirement as you seemed to exert on here.
Posted by: NTSB here I come | July 12, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Jim Bob Ward. Your words were prophetic. Rest in Peace, brother.
JTB, you have served us well; now escape from the sucking vortex known as the faa.
Posted by: Stoogel | July 12, 2008 at 12:20 PM
R.I.P Jim Bob
God speed, NATCA President Carr
Posted by: Dis Gusted | July 12, 2008 at 12:21 PM
This post just about covers it... Your leadership, stamina and ego is irreplaceable, and the big empty hole behind you will go unfilled. Some understand, no need for questions and why?s now... Hell, a person can only take so much. Thanks
Posted by: Thorsen | July 12, 2008 at 12:30 PM
John, your insight has been accurate and your candor admirable.
John Boys ideals and thoughts were rock solid, and with uncanny accuracy.
I too remember when, being invovled from 1974 to 2003, with the same experiences and frustrations. The exit was bittersweet, but looking back with the evolution I would not ever return.
So get out there and enjoy your retirement with family and friends. You've earned it all, and more than you'll ever receive. We'll miss your input and hope to hear good things of your exploits from here on in.
Posted by: OHDEA | July 12, 2008 at 01:24 PM
Wow. There goes my first stop on the computer every time I log on, you will be missed, enjoy your time in the sun. I remember meeting Jim along with Ed Mullen back in Dallas pre-Natca when it was all beginning, how time flies...Adios Amigo...hope to hear from you again some day-
Posted by: Zack Z. | July 12, 2008 at 01:42 PM
Saying thanks for the dedication you have demonstrated since I first heard the name John Carr seems sort of mundane. However any adjective would fall short of my intended meaning. As a FACREP for many years before your term in national office and after I can say that I never have nor since had a question go unanswered or a call not returned. My brother Robert Collins once gave me the analogy that we (radical) FACREPs and officers are like vicious guard dogs released at night or whenever afraid for protection but chained up when everyone feels it is safe because we might make trouble or cause embarrassment. A scenario that has played out many times when the meek sheep of our union casts a ballot. "Antagonistic" is a badge you wore proudly when performing the duty of representation. Those were the times when I held my head high and felt a common bond, knowing you and others had my back. Knowing you like I do, I doubt this is the last we will hear from you...at least that is my sincere hope.
Posted by: BULLonPARADE | July 12, 2008 at 01:49 PM
I'm sad, but not surprised, to read that you plan on retiring the blog. But please consider archiving it (at least for yourself) and perhaps keeping some posts available for public view.
And please consider taking a hiatus without a commitment to stay away permanently. Whatever the current events leading you to this decision, circumstances may change in the future. (Although you could always come back as a legion of FAA sockpuppets!)
The very best to you and your family!
Posted by: Annie | July 12, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Please take some time off if that's what you need, but come back and continue the blog. It's the only thing that keeps many people going out here in the trenches.
Posted by: XXX@WTF | July 12, 2008 at 02:08 PM
John,
I hope you are the Brett Favre of blogism. Worn down from a years worth of valiant battles and convinced you don't have it in you only to be revitalized. If not, I wish you and yours nothing but happiness and well being. I know the FFA is rejoicing as another voice of truth and reason is being silenced. Your candor, insigthfulness and humor will be sorely missed.
Posted by: Jetpusher | July 12, 2008 at 02:19 PM
John,
Peace, brother. Find it, hang onto it, savor it. You certainly deserve it after all this time....
Lisa Gray...
Posted by: Lisa Gray | July 12, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Thanks for everything JTB. All the best to you, and dont be tempted by that nanny of yours!
This does, however, remind me of the Sopranos ending.. haha
Posted by: okc trainee | July 12, 2008 at 03:10 PM
John, I've been reading your posts since they first appeared on Natca.net so many years ago. I sent you a "Letter of Commendation" after you were elected as Natca President for rekindling the spirit of what it meant not only to be a Professional Air Traffic Controller, but also a strong union man or woman. You reminded me of the old Patco leaders that I so much respected, John Leyden, Dominic Torchia, Bill Taylor, just to name a few. As great leaders leave the podium, others must step forward.
For all you youngsters out there reading this post, now is your time to reorganize and carry the banner. If reading Mr. Ward's letter doesnt fire you up, take his advice and read "The Air Controllers Controversy - Lessons from the Patco Strike". There is a history in this profession that should not be forgotten. Patco was a religion back in the 70's, born out of the frustration of the 60's. Controllers were brothers and sisters, standing up for each other and always covering each others backsides. In 1981, over 14,000 top notch folks walked off the job to protect and make better a once great career. On August 5, 1981, 11,400 of us sacrificed the job we loved in an attempt to make it better for those who would come behind us.
After the strike, the FAA promised they would never let the controller workforce get that organized again. With the management staff and scabs left behind, things would be different. They would create a system whereby there would be no reason to complain. Well, some things just don't change and apparently FAA management culture is one of them. I salute the hard working Natca activists, who against all odds, reorganized and created another monstor for the FAA to deal with. They had great success, as Patco had during the 70's, but here we go again, the FAA is hellbent on destroying one of the greatest careers in the world.
I was an Air Traffic Controller for 35 years. I fought to get into this career in the early 70's, as it was one of the most difficult to break into. I stood tall in 1981 and am damn proud of it. After the strike, I traveled the world to stay in this business and at the same time fought for 16 years to get my job back. I was rehired in 1997.
I'm sorry to say this, but the career had changed drastically since the strike. Generally speaking, gone were the days of respect and watching out for each other. Don't get me wrong, they were some damn fine folks out there, strong union people, but for the whole, it didnt even come close to the religion we had with Patco. The scabs that stayed on after 81 had pilfered the system with their raw sewage and spineless petty bullshit. The career, now just a job, is years away from the respect it deserves and possibly in danger of never ever returning to the glory days it once had.
Thanks John Carr and other Natcavists for rekindling a once proud spirit and fighting to get the 800 of us Patco Rehires back on board. We hope we planted a seed that someday may grow into a great union of professionals taking care of each other and again protecting and fighting for a once great career.
Posted by: PatcoProud | July 12, 2008 at 03:31 PM
I am sadden by the news of the blog being shut down. The people that we have left behind after we retired still could use our help and support. This was one avenue to expose the misdeeds of the FAA and now too this will be silenced.
"Where were you" when the mainbang had to shut down? and more importantly "What will you do to help carry on the torch?"
Posted by: the original towerflower | July 12, 2008 at 04:11 PM
Two incredible posts to end a great site.
To the supes who read this site-FUCK YOU-I will do whatever I can to make your days and nights at the shop as miserable as possible. I will do this in memory of the greats who preceded us.
To the assholes who have bid supe jobs since 9/3/06, you are the scum of the earth. We checked you out to become controllers and you thank us by becoming traitors during a war. If there is such a thing as karma, you will contract a horrible STD from your unfaithful spouse. Your children will be born retarded. I wish you all the worst.
John, I wish you the best in retirement. There is no one who can replace you. We are now a ship without a captain.
Posted by: IntotheAbyss | July 12, 2008 at 04:19 PM
John I met you a few times at the N.O. and lobby week over the years. You never failed to impress.
I can't lie and say I won't still keep checking this page hoping you find something else you want to say but I understand that you and your family have to come first.
If you need anything my brother just let me know.
007@BNA
Posted by: Jim Bond @ BNA | July 12, 2008 at 05:56 PM
John, my (then 12 yr old) son STILL has his elect Carr campaign button he got at the 'o6 BOS convention. You made such an impression on him and I will never forget your kindness to him. Nor will I forget all you've done for NATCA and for me personally as a new facrep some years ago. You inspired me.
I hope we will hear more from you. I'll respect your wish and won't ask why. But you know I and many more are wondering.
God bless you and your family, Brother John Carr
Posted by: RevTC@BOS | July 12, 2008 at 06:58 PM
Hey Into the abyss,
You didn't check me out for shit. I earned my stripes asshole. Maybe one day you'll raise above a level 8 controller, until than keep your opinions about what you hope happens to my kids to yourself.
In the words of JTB, have yourself a nice steamy cup of STFU!
Posted by: Nomad | July 12, 2008 at 09:35 PM
This is not what I wanted to read. But anyway, John, THANK YOU for everything.
Fraternally,
Al
Posted by: Al | July 12, 2008 at 11:08 PM
John, it's about time you started listening to your Wife! Now go do what we all wish we could do, spend more time with the family! God has blessed you in many many many ways now go enjoy those blessings Brother.
Posted by: Mikey G | July 13, 2008 at 12:57 AM
John,
Thanks for this repost from Jim Bob... I worked @ DFW Tower/Tracon (1975-1979) and this moved me greatly.
It took many years to "recover" from losing my beloved profession... this post brought back lots of memories of working at "the world's finest master jet base!"
I was also one of the PATCO reps indicted after the strike... fortunately set free after the Judge ruled that the faa had engaged in selective prosecution.
I share the sentiments expressed by PatcoProud. My disdain for what the republicans did to PATCO 27 years ago and what the Bush Crime Family continues to this very day can not be overstated.
Perhaps if Obama's elected the profession we all care so much about will once again take its rightful place. To all current ATCS, I wish you well... and request that you finish the job we started 27 years ago!
John, I wish you well in your retirement... god speed!
Posted by: Crazy Max | July 13, 2008 at 04:07 AM
Good luck in your retirement, and thanks for the entertainment.
Tony Williams
Airline Pilot
Posted by: Tony Williams | July 13, 2008 at 05:06 AM
It's been a good ride Johnny. Thank you...
Posted by: Stephen Ramsden | July 13, 2008 at 07:46 AM
Oh yeah,
Nomad...fuck you scumbag!
Posted by: Stephen Ramsden | July 13, 2008 at 07:50 AM
jonny,
thanks for the good fight,now enjoy your family because thats what really counts. 264 days
love
a friend from chicago
Posted by: nutts | July 13, 2008 at 08:02 AM
" WOW " that is all I can say. Jim hit the nail on the head... can we say, back to the future....history it seems at least for the FAA is trying to repeat itself. thank you for the history lesson.... rest in peace.......
JTB sorry to see you go......... its been fun... go enjoy your family............thanks again........
Posted by: common sense@atwr | July 13, 2008 at 08:17 AM
Great post from Jim Ward. That is why I said he was the best posters the board has ever seen.
What a sad day for all of us who will no longer be able to log on to the Bang. I did it daily, and when things were hot I logged in maybe twice a day just in case something new was posted. I, like you, am retired, we even share the same home location, I'm about 8 miles south in Treasure Island. There is something about retirement that melts away all the FAA bullshit we endured for so long. Mr. Carr, you fought the good fight and I am proud to have been a supporter. As I said when I retired the current NATCA brotherhood has a long road to hoe, I can't even imagine working under the conditions of today, that's why I retired. Enjoy your retirement, you have given a good portion of your life for the cause that is NATCA and I sincerely appreciate it.
David L. Morgan/retired
Posted by: David L. Morgan | July 13, 2008 at 08:23 AM
THEY WON
We'll see you again, but not yet, not yet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k-Z0xaGI_8&eurl
Posted by: Griffin | July 13, 2008 at 09:33 AM
John,
Thank you for your steadfast service to our union. No one will forget your passion for our profession.
Dave
Posted by: David McNeel | July 13, 2008 at 09:52 AM
John;
I've been reading your blog since I was in college back in 2004. My instructor was one of the many PATCO controlers that walked in solidarity to make things better for those that were to come after, and he challenged and inspired all his students to strive for nothing but perfection not only in the classroom, but life itself. He told us stories of the days before the strike, and built within us a sense of the nobility and value this profession offers to all Americans.
And reading your blog has only enhanced my understanding of the struggle between the FAA and NATCA, and challenged me and those that read this blog to think a little more critically, and to actually 'see' what is going on behind the curtain. And for that I thank you. People like you are the kind of people I want to work with if the FAA ever decides they want to hire me. I read many aviation blogs a day, and despite knowing what I know, I still want to enter this profession because of people like you who genuinely care for their Union Brothers and Sisters. I hope that you take some time for you and the family, and enjoy your retirement. Archive the site, and leave some of the posts up for those coming behind you to see what you have written, all the work you have done to shine the bright light of truth on the cockroaches in the Puzzle Palace.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Posted by: A. Waiting | July 13, 2008 at 09:58 AM
I worked with Jim Bob until he left for OKC; he and I would still talk on the phone and email each other even after he retired. I cannot describe in words the character of Jim Bob for he was a “one of a kind”.
It was an honor for me to have known him and especially to have been considered a friend.
Rest in peace, my brother, you have certainly earned and deserve it.
You will be missed but never forgotten.
Your friend and brother, Crude.
Donald Craig - D10 Escapee 12-26-06
Posted by: Crude | July 13, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Can hardly believe you hung in this long, bro. You have done more good for us than you can imagine. Time to take care of yourself. Peace.
Posted by: ZKCman | July 13, 2008 at 11:10 AM
To the FAA types thinking they can do a victory dance at HQ, there are many of us out here who will still continue the fight.
Posted by: AFSS Screwed | July 13, 2008 at 11:11 AM
How are we going to find out the results of the Arizona lawsuit, or is that the problem? We'll miss ya, JTB..
Posted by: Retired-2007 | July 13, 2008 at 12:25 PM
There is a certain karmic aspect about the Last Bang™ coming on the same day as my last day in the FAA. Thanks for giving me some new tidbit every day to shove up my supe's ass every time he sidled up to me looking for some validation.
Posted by: max | July 13, 2008 at 01:54 PM
Best to you and your family, John. Thanks for everything.
Posted by: John | July 13, 2008 at 04:35 PM
Best wishes to you and your family. The FAA always wins in the end I guess, thanks for fighting as long as you could.
Posted by: Charlie | July 13, 2008 at 04:40 PM
Sorry to see the blog go. I didn't agree with everything here, but it's always good to listen to all perspectives. Enjoy your retirement.
Posted by: FAAGuy | July 13, 2008 at 05:53 PM
JTB
You get some great insider info...please forward it to some of the other sites. Jurrasic bark is pretty straight ahead writing-wise, and any tips you give them would help boost readership. Patomac Tracon etc. is also a good read, and of course the FAA Follies does it's fair share of exposing the effin AA. I get more angry than sad when things like this happen, but you have done more than your share, and the time now is for family and relaxing. Thanks for the opportunity to be involved with my input on topics, you have the list of folks who have expressed opinions and hit the chip-in key, please let us know WHEN you might post an article or two. Take care.....189 days.
Posted by: PNSHD | July 13, 2008 at 05:57 PM
Thanks for all the great blogs. Might I suggest an occasional freelance blog over at one of the other sites.....I am sure they would love to have it as much as we would to read it...
Posted by: loser | July 13, 2008 at 06:04 PM
JTB,
R.I.P.(retire in peace), I did and love it. The Idiocracy that brought me to retirement also found me here every morning with coffee and interest in the latest scoop or bit of wit before proceeding on with my busy self chosen life.
Thats not to say it wasn't a favorite pre-06, as you know. While the Bang is one on a list of 4 or 5 daily, it was certainly the first click. I saw first hand supes favorites and the Bang was always there.
Unfortunately, I never met Jim Bob in 25yrs (due mostly to a full time business that prohibited event attendance), but I will proudly thank both of you for your dedication and sacrifices to my and my brothers and sisters benifit.
The FAA upper level management will never grasp the sacrifices the front line controllers endure and Jim Bob's words speak more than many of us could put to paper, yet ring true. It truely is amazing how clueless the FAA was, is and has become.
formerly FX @ SYR
Long live NATCA!!!
Posted by: Guy Fox (retired at 47) | July 13, 2008 at 06:08 PM
John: May you always hold your head erect and know that you have earned the respect of those you represented as well as others in the aviation community. If you must go, go proudly knowing that you do so with admiration and warm blessings.
Posted by: Fitz | July 13, 2008 at 11:07 PM
Fitz,
Did you really say "hold your head erect". Nice to get one more good laugh in before the curtains fall. Is this zoa fitzzy? Hello from KR in the midwest. Good luck JTB and thanks for all your selfless efforts.
Posted by: 78 Weeks | July 13, 2008 at 11:42 PM
Wow. First of all, terrific call on reposting Jim Bob's note. What a great writer and all-around wonderful man he was; we're all better for having known him, even if it was only through the Internet.
And stopping the Bang? What? Say it isn't so! Well, at the Follies, we'll just have to pick up the slack as much as we can; we're standing on the shoulders of a giant named Johnny The Bull Carr, and hopefully we can accomplish even just half of what you did.
If you're not going to blog anymore can you send me your Rolodex of contacts so your old spies can still send us stuff? ;)
Cheers,
Paul
Posted by: Paul Cox | July 14, 2008 at 12:47 AM
John,
So sorry to hear the Main Bang will be no more. I've thoroughly enjoyed all your articles - most times I'd be pissed as all get-out, but I still continued to read every single day. I am sorry to see you go, would love to get the skinny as to why, but it's your decision and obviously one that was not made lightly nor in haste. You will be missed, but now it's time for you to enjoy your retirement, your wife Jill and your kids - they grow all too fast! Give my best to Jill.
Wife of RETIRED ATC.
Posted by: Wife of ATC | July 14, 2008 at 12:53 AM
WTG "phil barbie ball"
A current management person, or a "I'll bend over and take it" wanna be type takes one last blast. Bet you bid on some blood money if you are not all ready asshole deep in kool-aid.
Thanks for all that you did, and will continue to do JTB! Yes this blog will be missed, but I am sure you will still be behind the scenes helping out, as only you can.
Posted by: MC/ANC | July 14, 2008 at 03:42 AM
Too bad there's always a prick that picks the last day of the battle to show up. It seems Phil Barbie Doll has a scratch he had to itch, maybe he's been on the end of one of JTB's truth bludgeonings. Did you ever notice that when somebody from your neck of the woods is interviewed on national TV, they always seem to pick the most unintelligable, uneducated and seemingly unbathed person within five counties. Do you envision that moment they tip a bottle of MD20/20, scratch their crotch and pick their nose, all the while hoping their not kin to you in some way? Step up to the camera Barbie, your about to get bludgeoned. Don't say I did'nt warn you.
Posted by: Jetpusher | July 14, 2008 at 04:38 AM
Perhaps every once in a while you might consider a guest piece over at the follies...
Posted by: Another Reader | July 14, 2008 at 07:12 AM
Good Luck in the future to You and Jill!
Posted by: X-Troller | July 14, 2008 at 07:40 AM
Enjoy the sun and fun in FLA. Don't let your chad hang. I hope to see you write occasionally for the Follies or some other site. Your insite cannot be replaced, and your wit and humor always made for a good read, even if I didn't agree with everything you said. You kept my mind focussed on just how much the FAA despises its workforce; ATC or Tech Ops.
Take care Bull. You will be missed.
Posted by: passdave | July 14, 2008 at 08:32 AM
GODDAMNIT! Outvoted again!!
Kenny/ZME
Posted by: Kenny/ZME | July 14, 2008 at 09:30 AM
John, Good luck to you and the family.
Posted by: OMG | July 14, 2008 at 09:36 AM
This is a sad day. I can't imagine the web without TMB. John, thank you for your service to our Union, the profession, and the NAS. You cared about the operation more than any Dilbert FAA desk jockey could ever pretend.
Hopefully, we'll see you again.
Posted by: FubAr - A | July 14, 2008 at 09:58 AM