Contract flouts ‘buy American’
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Re “U.S. turns to Europe for military jets,” March 1
The Pentagon has awarded the air tanker program to the Northrop Grumman/Airbus consortium.
At a time of such a weak American economy, it is unthinkable that billions of dollars will flow to a foreign competitor of the premier American airplane manufacturer. It would be understandable if the Airbus platform was significantly better than the Boeing platform, but both airplanes have their strengths and both will perform the required mission. It should have been a no-brainer to buy American.
Another factor that should have been considered is that with the euro rising, it is likely that significant cost overruns will occur.
I hope that some brave member of Congress, perhaps Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) or Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), will say this decision cannot stand.
Jeffrey Thomson
Manhattan Beach
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