To the editor:

Could this be a “learning moment” for Kansas policymakers?

When Boeing Co. officials confirmed they are studying the future of the Wichita plant, including the possibility of its closing, Gov. Brownback and other elected officials respond with surprised alarm. After all, enticed by the company’s promise of 7,500 Kansas jobs if it won an aerial refueling tanker contract, then-Sen. Brownback and others lobbied hard to make sure Boeing got the contract.

Alas, the lesson could be that Boeing is no different than most other multi-national corporations. Focused on next quarter’s bottom line, with no loyalty to communities or their employees, they will close or relocate when their executives decide it’s in their financial interest.

My surprise is that the governor and the Kansas congressional delegation are surprised.  Referring to the promised 7,500 jobs, they say they “expect the company to honor that commitment.”

Really?