Boeing shakes down states for subsidies

May 7, 2001

Boeing announced it would move its headquarters out of Seattle and would relocate in either Denver, Dallas or Chicago –and then it opened the bidding war. To make his point really crystal clear, Philip Condit, Boeing CEO, proclaimed: "It is absolutely critical that the business climate in Washington state be improved if we are to be successful here."

No one could say that politicians in Washington state haven't faithfully served Boeing for years. But, in this day and age when the corporations feel free to walk over anyone and everyone, that wasn't enough. Boeing wants still more –and is fully confident that the politicians in all these states, not to mention Washington state, will dance to any tune Boeing whistles.

Governor George Ryan of Illinois has already broken out into a wild tap dance, offering 50 million dollars in subsidies and tax breaks.