The Columbian has loudly protested in its editorial pages that the Export-Import Bank is essential to the prosperity of the nation. In reality, it has functioned for many years as a slush fund for very large corporations, particularly Boeing and General Electric.
For the last couple of years, the bank has not been able to guarantee the large loans typically enjoyed by Boeing and GE, owing to the lack of a quorum on the board of directors. That inability has not harmed these giant corporations in the slightest, and makes it quite clear that we might very well be better off were Ex-Im to be abolished. Those who, like myself, despise crony capitalism, would not be sorry to see it consigned to oblivion.
I am sorry that Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, continues to defend this indefensible government agency, a position she should change forthwith.
