Such blackmail must be outlawed

Boeing’s announcement that they will create second assembly line for the 787 in South Carolina, rather than near the location of the current one in Everett, prompts me to write.

Undoubtedly a major reason for Boeing’s move is the fact they will not encounter the problems that come with unionized workers, since their workers are not unionized in South Carolina. Another factor is that the government of South Carolina has offered Boeing a package of financial concessions. That is not unusual, as governments often provide incentives to lure companies to their area, or to keep them located in their area. Washington did just that a few years ago to insure that the original 787 assembly line would be here.

Deals to lure companies could be called bribery; demands by companies to stop their departure could be called blackmail. In either of those situations most taxpayers lose, as they must pay for the incentives, and the shareholders of the company involved are the winners.

Some of these situations are absurd. For example, in Hillsboro, Ore., Intel was given tax relief for 20 years at a time when they were making an after-tax profit of about 25 percent! Intel’s profits were embellished at the expense of low-income taxpayers. When property taxes are lowered for some, the remainder pay even more — because the government does not collect any less.

If a subsidy is truly needed by a mature company, I would suggest that the business plan causing the need for the subsidy is most likely flawed. Don’t give away taxpayers’ money.

I believe that a remedy to these bribery and blackmail situations is needed from our federal government. Local governments should not be allowed to make those kind of payments.

Ron Wambolt

Edmonds

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Sunday, July 13

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Authorities search for victims among the rubble near Blue Oak RV park after catastrophic flooding on the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas, on Sunday, July 6, 2025. The half-mile stretch occupied by two campgrounds appears to have been one of the deadliest spots along the Guadalupe River in Central Texas during last week’s flash floods. (Jordan Vonderhaar/The New York Times)
Editorial: Tragic Texas floods can prompt reforms for FEMA

The federal agency has an important support role to play, but Congress must reassess and improve it.

FILE — The sun sets over power lines in rural Ward County, Texas on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Republicans plan to terminate billions of dollars in clean energy tax credits. Experts say that will mean more greenhouse gas emissions and more dangerous heat. (Paul Ratje/The New York Times)
Commentary: Bill will deliver dirtier energy at a higher price

Cuts to clean energy policy in the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ will stifle our energy transition and cost us more.

Tufekci: ‘Garbage in, garbage out’ behind AI’s Nazi meltdown

That Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot defaulted to internet hate speech is concerning. Our acceptance is scarier.

Everett mayoral candidate had a role in budget problems

A mayoral candidate in Everett is being dishonest, blaming his opponent for… Continue reading

Social Security email was a false and partisan use of agency

I was appalled to get a spam email from the Social Security… Continue reading

Thanks for help with driver’s license renewal

I am writing to say that I was able to obtain my… Continue reading

2024 Presidential Election Day Symbolic Elements.
Editorial: Retain Escamilla, Binda on Lynnwood City Council

Escamilla was appointed a year ago. Binda is serving his first term.

A Volunteers of America Western Washington crisis counselor talks with somebody on the phone Thursday, July 28, 2022, in at the VOA Behavioral Health Crisis Call Center in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: Dire results will follow end of LGBTQ+ crisis line

The Trump administration will end funding for a 988 line that serves youths in the LGBTQ+ community.

toon
Editorial: Using discourse to get to common ground

A Building Bridges panel discussion heard from lawmakers and students on disagreeing agreeably.

Comment: Reforms to involuntary committment law can save lives

Washington state should consider changes New York made to protect those who can’t protect themselves.

Comment: Medicaid reforms will keep it for those most in need

Beyond the ‘sky is falling’ claims, the BBB’s reforms to Medicaid are fair and necessary to save it.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.