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Most of the posts on this thread are people thinking and arguing at an
individual level or tactical level. $3B in tax breaks may seem horrible at
the tactical level or for individuals working hard to save money.
But in tough economic times, businesses (and governments) must
think strategically. And there isn't a lot of room for individual concerns.
Boeing is a perfect example of a company that has HUGE expenses
and a very limited (and dwindling) market. Thus, when there is a
sudden drop in sales (as they have experienced in a very big way),
the company must start thinking strategically. The executives must
find the best answers for the entire company, not merely technical
publications and not merely Seattle.
Moreover, I would add that Boeing has endured repeated friction
with labor unions in the Seattle area. Again, a company thinking
strategically must consider the fact that union friction is expensive and
drives up costs. Therefore, this must be balanced with the problems
associated with training foreign workers. A company cannot survive if it
isn't profitable. And if friction with labor unions is gobbling up profits
then the business will move elsewhere. If unions push their employers too hard,
they may push them right out of town. Then ALL the union members are screwed.
I am not defending Boeing's or the union's actions, merely describing how
businesses function. That much said, Seattle also built the Mariners and the
Seahawks 50 million dollar stadiums (each, they're side by side). The argument
(whether you buy it or not) is that those stadiums are an investment in the
community for jobs, attractions, and business.
Which the same argument can be made for Boeing. Laying off 300 to save 3000
is a strategic decisions. A $3B tax break may seem horrible, but if it saves
10000 jobs, it could prevent that much or more in lost tax revenue from
employees and vendors who support Boeing. Again, the legislature is thinking
strategically, not tactically.
Remember the wisdom of Spock: the needs of the many outweigh the needs of
the few.
While all this seems like some tragedy for Americans, again remember that we
are in a recession and that the sole reason these jobs are flowing to other
countries is because Americans have simply priced themselves out of the
market. When you can get the same quality of work from somebody in India at
20K a year, why would you pay an American 60K a year? An American who also
will sue the company the instant they feel slighted or wronged. If the USA
wants to compete in a global market, it needs to show that it can be price
AND quality competitive.
This is not in any way meant to make things seem bad at the individual level.
Yeah, it sucks when CEOs get millions and a tech writer can't get a $20 an hour
contract. That may seem terribly unfair. But, you also chose to be a
tech writer. If you wanted millions, then you should have focused your
career on being a CEO some day. Apparently, there is a lot of money
in that...even in bad times!
If all of this really deeply bothers you, consider who you voted into
office. When you live in a nation that is obsessed with eye droppers filled
with toxins on the other side of the globe, but can't handle a domestic
economic situation - you have to wonder about both the priorities of our
leaders and the people that support and elect those leaders.
I am not, necessarily, taking sides. I am offering a perspective. And as
usual, I am sure many will disagree with it.
Have a nice day.
Andrew Plato
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