To the editor:

So Sen. Pat Roberts is “hugely disappointed” at Boeing’s announcement that they have no intention of building the next-generation tanker in Wichita and, indeed, are closing that facility in its entirety. Roberts must feel double-crossed, since he obviously believes he was instrumental in getting the successful (and far superior) EADS tanker contract set aside.

I lived and worked in Wichita for many years and was an executive officer for another aviation manufacturer there. It was common knowledge that Boeing intended to close its military-related facility there as soon as it successfully divested itself of the less-rewarding commercial subcontract work, now being done by Spirit AeroSystems.

Note to Gov. Brownback: Throwing truckloads of money and huge tax incentives and subsidies at large corporations (as Boeing has received through the years) does not buy their loyalty. Government contracts are routinely written to require certain work to be done at specific facilities. You and Sen. Roberts can take turns wiping the egg off of the other’s anatomy. And next time, do some due diligence.