Midwest Airlines CEO Tim Hoeksema is finally getting the attention he deserves and the public should join the airlines pilots in condemning his actions.

Over the past several years Hoeksema has worked to slash employees, services and even the one thing that the public connects with the airlines — their signature chocolate chip cookies.

That warm, comforting smell that once wafted though the cabins of Midwest Airlines isn’t enough to mask the stench of greed and arrogance that Hoeksema has shown as head of the Airlines. Hoeksema has, for years now, asked for government handouts and cried that he needed subsidies. At the same time as he has bankrolled Republican campaigns, he has slammed Democrats — showing that he has been one of the most partisan CEO’s in Wisconsin history.

Still, liberal and conservative reporters as well as bloggers from both sides of the ideological spectrum have joined to embrace Hoeksema and his agenda of government giveaways.

There was once a time when Hoeksema actually cared about employees. He once wanted to focus on providing quality service and that pride showed through in every employee. Those times are gone.

Now Hoeksema wants pilots and staff to take another round of cuts in salary and benefits or he’s giving away their jobs.

Pilots are speaking out. Enough is enough they say. As they lined up today along the entryway to Hoeksema’s private estate in the town of Chenequa, they sent a message that the loss of their jobs and family income is very personal. Yes, it had to be uncomfortable for Hoeksema to know that at the end of his driveway there were people silently protesting his actions. But at the same time, those dozen pilots are worried about their futures, and their families and whether they will be able to make their mortgages.

Hoeksema has contracted with Republic Airlines to fly and staff 12 Midwest planes. In other words, the planes are now part of Republic Airlines doing business as Midwest Airlines.

It wasn’t that long ago that AirTran put in a bid to take over Midwest Airlines. That offer would have not only kept jobs here since AirTran would have added Milwaukee as a hub, but it would have given Northwest Airlines, Milwaukee’s other airline, some competition, thus driving down fares.

Hoeksema worked out a deal with an investment group that fended off AirTran. The result — Hoeksema’s job and comfortable livelihood as CEO was saved. Once again, Hoeksema took care of himself.

Now the future of the pilots hangs in the balance.