![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
The Pentagon has a fleet of air tankers. They've performed dependably for many years, but they're nearing the end of their service life. The could be modernized and we'd get another 35 years out of them. This would cost us eight billion dollars. Sound like a lot of money?
Instead of that, Bush, Hastert, and a bunch of other lawmakers (of both parties, but Bush's own budget office and many military experts opposed it) are doing their best to spur industry growth. Boeing will convert 100 jetliners into tankers, and we will lease them. For six years. This lease will cost us $35 billion.
Instead of that, Bush, Hastert, and a bunch of other lawmakers (of both parties, but Bush's own budget office and many military experts opposed it) are doing their best to spur industry growth. Boeing will convert 100 jetliners into tankers, and we will lease them. For six years. This lease will cost us $35 billion.
