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A lot of Freepers have supported the EADS decision, I suspect largely because they hate Seattle and like the idea of jobs in the South. At least that frequently seems to be mentioned on these threads.

I don’t know all the considerations involved, but I hate the idea of giving Airbus major control over our military procurements.

Boeing behaved badly earlier, and there may well be problems still, but I just don’t like the decision that was made. And I can’t help wondering what part McCain with his resentments and prejudices played in this game.

Even if some Boeing people acted corruptly, that still doesn’t excuse the decision to order the tankers from a foreign company.

Funny how many threads we have had over the past several years cheering for Boeing and applauding the problems that have been so evident at EADS, and then suddenly everyone switched sides because they liked the idea of jobs in their part of the country—even if there are fewer jobs here overall.

Strangely enough size isn't an issue for Babbin, Gaffney and others when it comes to deploying and utilizing the KC-10.

I'm curious, when Boeing sent their tanker conversion work to Aeronavali in Italy, outsourcing it from Wichita, were you screaming about those jobs? Also, you wouldn't happen to be acquainted with Druyun and Sears, would you?

A lot of Freepers have supported the EADS decision, I suspect largely because they hate Seattle and like the idea of jobs in the South. At least that frequently seems to be mentioned on these threads.

Yes. The discord is actually pretty alarming when you consider that the "sectional rivalry" is rather ugly...and the people they are trashing ...[Boeing Mgt, engineers and workers] while they may be in a Rat-controlled fiefdom, are actually pretty strong pro-defense.

Something which is brought in question now about the priorities of the EADs apologists when they tout their prospective jobs and connections to the contract. This "venal vote" now on display amongst those backing EADS should give us all pause as to the strength of our union, and the selflessness of our national character, those willing to support the nation's good over their own petty self-interest.

Your disquiet about foreign dependency is well noted. It is shared by a broad consensus of true national defense proponents who believe that as well. Remember how the Federalist Papers warned us against divisive influence of foreign interests against our own national?

EADS qualified for the bid. In any major procurement, the companies must “pre qualify”. If Messrs Hunter and Gaffney don't like this, the should change the law. But they should do it BEFORE the fact not after it.

My beef is that liberals who hate the military are all of sudden hawks and all of the conservatives who preach free trade are all of sudden want the government to spend money according to where the dollar is going. There is a word in dictionary for this, it is called hypocrisey.

Was the deal a good deal or not? That should left up to the engineers and experts who actually know (very few people here on FR), but not to people who are motivated to steer contracts one way or another.