What Is the Deal With the Export-Import Bank?

Those of you who follow my writing know that I have gotten mightily irritated at the US government's policy of spending taxpayer dollars to invest in all kinds of strange projects around the country in the name of "economic development" -- although that generally means subsidizing big business. The Export-Import Bank is the worst agency in terms of this, spending billions of our tax dollars investing in all kinds of dirty energy projects such as coal mining in Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

But they also love to dabble in helping companies that violate human and civil rights. Today, the latest example of Emirates Airlines' pattern of inhumane treatment of its employees was revealed. Last month, a young British woman named Megan Cox was offered a job with the airline, which was then swiftly "snatched away after her would-be employers realized she used to suffer from depression." The offer was retracted even after Cox "sent a message from her doctor explaining that she had recovered and that there was no reason to be concerned."

This action would be illegal in the United States under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Yet, disappointingly, Emirates is being supported by the US government. And this isn't the first example of Emirates' discriminatory behavior. The airline has been on the defensive regarding its anti-women policies, including a company rule stating that female cabin crew that become pregnant in the first three years have to leave.

By receiving financial subsidies from the Export-Import Bank of the US, an airline with antiquated laws is getting unfair competitive advantage over American companies. American taxpayers should no longer be giving their money to foreign companies whose principles run contrary to ours. The Export-Import Bank should look seriously at its vetting policy when extending financial assistance overseas.