This is probably personality-driven, but there seems to be a fine line between persistence and obstinance. To be persistent is to show your passion for your beliefs; to be obstinate is to win at all costs.?

It seems United States President Donald Trump is of the latter.

While I agree with his premise to cut government spending, eliminating some members of the Federal Aviation Administration is not the way to do it. Before he even retook office, Trump was looking at a government agency that was running below capacity. Well below. And the ramifications have been all too apparent lately with the number of plane crashes.

The FAA is a very specific organization; you can¡¯t just go on Indeed and find replacements.

To cut some members of that group is detrimental to the safety of the flying public. And it does nothing for the industry¡¯s psyche.

Personally, I have been flying for 50 years, and right now, I am afraid to step on a plane.

Flying is the safest mode of transportation there is, but there still needs to be some oversight and some supervision. Laying off workers from an already understaffed group is not the answer.?

Perhaps Trump is channeling his tough guy Ronald Reagan image, like when the former president fired air traffic controllers more than 40 years ago.

If so, change the channel.

That was a different circumstance, and this was not the time to gamble with commercial aviation or any other type of aviation. There have been too many sophisticated advances during that time.?

The FAA is like a puzzle. When one piece is missing, it can be glaring and doesn¡¯t necessarily have to be an air traffic controller.

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