Gentlemen,
Captain Elwood "Woodie" Menear of U.S. Air was stopped by a security checker, questioned, then removed from the terminal at PHL, arrested, and suspended by U.S. Air for simply making a statement that was totally blown out of proportion. He is facing a trial for Disorderly Conduct, and Making a Terrorist Threat.
After noticing the story in a local newspaper, I contacted Woodie and offered my sympathy and assistance in some way. Being he was facing a trial, he was unable to give me specific details, but assured me the whole thing was a case of making a mountain out of the proverbial molehill.
My interpretation is that an agency of our government has gone berserk
with newly given powers, which they use indiscriminately, and unwisely. This is just one of hundreds, perhaps thousands of such cases, and this time it has hit home, targeting one of us.
Woodie is being represented by an ALPA attorney, but we must remember that they are limited by certain rules. He hired a PHL lawyer, Lisa, who I contacted at 215-972-6430. I suggested to Lisa a letter writing campaign. She agreed that this was a good idea. She would appreciate responsible letters to US Air management, plus letters to as many editors as possible. Lisa can also be contacted at
[email protected].
[ 15 January 2002: Message edited by: I. M. Esperto ]</p>