There is a small article in today’s local paper that will probably go largely unnoticed but not by the forty families who will suffer because of it.
Seems that a North Carolina company may have been outbid by an Italian company to supply the granite benches, fountains and flooring for the 9/11 memorial in New York.
Aside from the fact that an Italian company being able to outbid an American company is kind of suspicious to begin with given the Port Authority’s track record for corruption, could not a small portion of that stimulus money be put to good use in helping to keep these jobs intact?
Granted, this particular event hits close to home for me so perhaps I’m more upset by it than others. But it makes me wonder how many other companies might be losing bids like these that perhaps could be subsidized by stimulus money in order to keep Americans at work.
So, what say you?
I don't know about corruption in the Port Authority, but this is a good example why the bottom line ($$$$) should not always be the deciding factor. If any project calls for all American materials, this one does.
ReplyDeleteItalian marble companies are some of the most competitive in the world. My sympathies.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with having anyone subsidize the American bid is that WTO rules specifically prohibit those sorts of "protectionist" acts. Italy was just able to flat outbid NC.
One irony, though: Italian marble might not be the best for the New York City climate. Expect chipping & cracking in a few years and public demands for replacement.
Lets see, we all rallied around the WTC after 9/11 and this is what we get in return?
ReplyDeleteReally makes one question Patriotism doesn't it?
Excuse me for disagreeing on this issue, but from what I've seen the last few years, I'm not sure I count North Carolina as part of the United States either.
ReplyDeleteHey! Being a North Carolinian,I resemble that statement!
ReplyDeleteIt's just come to my attention that the Statue of Liberty is made of French bronze! This is an outrage and I demand to know who is responsible!
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