OC/DC: Fighting for Freedom, and Tanker Contracts
Posted by: Jeff Solsby | 04/02/2008 7:05 AM
Congressman Rohrabacher is all over the net and political coverage for his effort, along with 14 other House members, to call attention to human rights in China. IHT covers it here and VOA has more here.
In other news, the biggest battle in Washington right now isn't over financial services reform legislation or mortgage bailouts but over an Air Force decision to award a new multi-billion tanker contract to EADS; the European Aerospace giant, in a JV with Los Angeles-based Northrup-Grumman.
The lobbyists have been hired. Today it's reported that Northrup Grumman-EADS retained Senator Lott via the Breaux-Lott group. Ad campaigns are afoot. Boeing has filed a formal protest and NG-EADS is on the offense protecting their award.
Today the battle turns to profiling companies that would win if the NG-EADS contract moves ahead. The latest ad lists each subcontractor by-state nationwide and the Golden State wins big at least in terms of aggregate number of subs. Some 40-plus companies are named.
I'll try to get back later and update the list of companies noted in the ad. No doubt Boeing will respond with their version shortly. Stay tuned.
you can see the documentary I made about him at recallingrocco "dot" com....
Even the University of California institution has a "Fly American" policy which complies with the National Science Foundation "Fly American" policy for all travel. Can't our own legislators make this, especially at this time of "recession" or "economic downturn"; a "BUY AMERICAN" policy??? Surey there are enough good AMERICANS in that congress to mandate that the AIRFORCE of AMERICA BUY AMERICAN!!!!!
Should the USAF be forced to by an American product if it is inferior for a greater price?
You must hate our troops if you believe we should be mandated to purchase inferior equipment.
Northrop Grumman is lead or partner on our Joint Strike Fighter, Next Generation Radio Communications for all forces, maker of our Submarines and Aircraft carriers. Oh and by the way they manage or built (via TRW) all our syp sat's.
Based out of Century City, they are a pretty American company. This contract will employ a lot of people in Southern California and Alabama, how is that not good for us?
If you review the proposals the price and performance was better in the Northrop/EADS proposal without question. Boeing could have proposed a larger carrier, but could not prove longevity of the plant, too bad for them. Government contracts should be based on what is the best value not just protected by policy that inflates price and reduces our forces effectiveness.
The problem here folks, is that Boeing could produce a better product for less the money...all while keeping the production in America, using Americans for jobs to benefit a struggling economy. Additionally Boeing's product would last in service longer.
While Northrop Grumman is a US company, EADS certainly is not. These are the same guys who create the Airbus.
This is a joke people. Wake up!