Tommy,
The Colonel has explained the situation both inside and outside VAA succinctly and way more restrained than I could have.
Whether the 'audience' it was meant for even heard the message is up for debate. I doubt it.
I am not sure your suspicion of the VAA culture is accurate.
From what I have seen there has been a tremendous amount of compassion and understanding throughout the pilot group.
A tremendous amount of frustration, fear of the future and anger at "THE" situation as well, but we are far from revolting.
Yes some uneducated and unrealistic views persist but as Bart's only sensible comment so far mentioned, we have a good start with 88 roles to be filled as of yesterday.
The policy's and agreements that Bart is so ignorant of, ARE bringing back our fellow pilots. Hopefully quickly.