First I would like to say,  
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY GOD BLESS ALL WHO SACRIFICED FOR US !

This a day to reflect on those that have given the ultimate sacrifice, and not just  in military service.  Our veterans and their survivors, deserve our utmost respect.

We should also be thankful and remember those that never went to war and yet were responsible for helping to make this the greatest country in the world. Yes that would be you, you that have been working, sometimes night and day, and sacrificing to give when you could and even couldn't, to what you believe in, the Great American way.

This way has been under attack for many years and we are more and more under attack by those that would see us, as a work force without representation, and even worse without the rights that, that representation has won for us over many years of battle with corporate America, and even yes our Government.  With that being said I can now move onto my opinion.

 You have heard me say before that I'm a second generation Rural Letter Carrier with a 24 year career. I have served on the Executive board of District 2 and District 15, I was vice President of District 15, I've been a deacon of Trinity Presbyterian church, I served on the board of directors of the Boys and Girls club of Charlotte County and have been a active member of the FL RLCA for 20 years and am on my third stint as Local steward under my third State Steward.

You have heard me speak out, against what I believe was wrong even if the members felt it right, you have heard me speak out on what was right, and you have seen, even if you haven't read my opinions in my e-mail to you, and those that are  posted for me by Postal Texan. It is with all of my experience and the knowledge that I've gained over the years, that I have and continue to voice my opinion.

WE as an Association are in dire straits!

I say this because we are believing that our system of pay can or will correct itself, and by continuing to elect those that have followed progression of hierarchy that we have assumed to be appropriate to move into the higher levels of leadership within our Association. We are in a pivotal point in our future and even in the Presidential elections, will have a impact on our future as Rural letter carriers.

We cannot go into our elections without looking, and seriously investigating those that we are choosing to lead us into the future. Our association is under attack, organized labor is and has been under attack, and those that we have given the responsibility to lead, have been those that have said and done all the right things in an orderly fashion to become the next level leader. I believe this kind of mentality proceeding into our State  elections , then National elections  then Presidential elections is flawed, for we just assume they are the best man or woman for the job.This is not necessarily the case and it is our responsibility to see through this and determine the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate, then elect them not because the've followed the line of succession, but because they have the beliefs and determination to fight, and win or lose, do whats in the best interests of all those that have seen fit to put them in this position.

We are tasked at looking through the hype and actually seeing who we are choosing, not because they give us candy at the door or pencils with their name on it, no we have to see the spirit that our forefathers fought for in making the FLSA Provisions, in creating the Union the has been floundering due to a attitude of indifference instead of that of a progressive and at time aggressive leadership. We need bold, like those that have fought to make this Country what it was and will hopefully will be. Without a change in the way we do business, and chose the leaders of that business, and change the very foundation of the way we do business, then history should have been our teacher. That lesson is reflected every week in my loss of non scheduled day, decrease of daily pay, increased workload and leaders that believe we are the problem.

I no longer want to be a pawn in someone else's game, the time has come to stand for what you believe and the consequences be dammed, without those that charged into battle knowing that right was on their side, we would not be able to enjoy this day of remembrance, nor voice your opinion, nor elect those that are destined to be the champion that is needed in our Association. Choose carefully my colleagues as your future depends on what happens this very year.

And that's the way Jay sees it.