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Mr. E. A. LePeneke -3- September 13, 1948

the objectors, "we have an Executive Board. Rather than go ahead and push this thing into Congress and have dissenters, we'll place the matter before the Executive Board." This was done.

The Executive Board passed a resolution that was quoted on the ballot which you just sent in. The ballot was to determine whether or not the question should be submitted to an individual vote of the membership. It is a very complete resolution and I have attached a copy to this letter and urge that you read it along with this letter. The next step, if the Directors so vote, will be to ballot the membership. When this ballot goes to the membership, each member will receive a copy of the retirement plan bill in the form it will be presented to Congress, together with the explanations as to exactly what the different parts mean in a language that a layman will understand. The bill will be voted up or down on the basis of a simple majority, which is the principle on which ALPA has operated right from the beginning. Once we get away from a simple majority, we have left the principles of democracy. No matter what the issue is, democracy means the majority rules. When we start talking about 2/3's or 3/4's, that is no longer democracy. All that would be necessary for the insurance company or the ATA to do would be to campaign to control a small part of the membership and nothing could be done.

I can assure you of this much. I have represented the pilots for seventeen long years and there wouldn't be even the remotest reason why I wouldn't want to be fair and square with each of you for the remaining time that I may represent you. I will be as fair and square as I've always been. There wouldn't be the slightest reason why I would want to stand by and see the least harm come to any one air line pilot. I've created and lived their benefits and battled and fought through the years for the high standards that they now enjoy. If I didn't think a retirement plan was the best possible plan and would give them the most for their money, then I would simply in the light of my conscience, say, "Let's not do this thing." From that point on its their ball. They may overrule me as they have many times in the past.

Summarizing, as the first sign of dissension, I moved the retirement problem into the Executive Board. The approach they created and the rules and procedures they laid down to be followed from now on is the result of the democratic debate and procedure and was by unanimous vote. Let's not forget, too, that every vote on this plan that has been taken by the convention and the Executive