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Conversation #125: Some news stories on my mind

Long time readers know that I like politics and I used to post about them often back in the day (especially preceeding the last presidential election).  I haven't posted much lately because I have pretty much just been so saddened by the current state of politics that I was trying to go by the motto, "Ignorance is Bliss."  Well, I think that will probably change over the next months as we get closer to the next Presidential Election. 

Anyway, this article is indirectly political.  Full disclosure, a close relative works for this company so I'm sure that I'm a little biased, but I think I am more biased in knowing about it versus my feelings about it.  For example, if my relative didn't work here than I probably wouldn't pay attention to the story, but I would still feel the same way about it even if it were about a different company in the same position.

A couple of weeks ago I spent a couple of days at our local state transportation office learning how to properly use federal and state funds for projects.  Basically, I learned that money isn't worth all of the ridiculous amounts of red tape they make you go through.  However, one rule I learned is that you must "Buy America" if you are using steel or iron materials.  I love how the government puts these restrictions on us, but yet though don't seem to follow the same rule.  Read the article below and you'll see what I mean:

Contract would preserve U.S. jobs
Hawker Beechcraft files suit over Air Force contract



By Molly McMillin


The Wichita Eagle


Published Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011, at 11:11 a.m.


Updated Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011, at 9:18 a.m

Wichita — Hawker Beechcraft Corp. filed suit Tuesday with the U.S. Court of Federal Claims questioning the Air Force’s decision to exclude its AT-6 aircraft from a contract potentially worth nearly $1 billion...For the past year, Hawker Beechcraft has competed against Brazil-based Embraer for a contract to supply 35 aircraft to the Air Force. That number could grow to 55 and be worth up to $950 million. Deliveries were scheduled to begin in 2013...If Hawker Beechcraft wins the contract, it would preserve 1,400 U.S. jobs at 181 companies in 39 states, the company said. That includes 800 at Hawker Beechcraft, Boisture said...


Read the entire story here.

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