I feel like it is a story as old as time and not isolated to Boeing. I am pretty sure all companies that are publicly traded have a legal obligation to maximize stockholder return, it’s why most companies go to shit eventually. They may be able to frame making better decisions as an investment into future returns, but they are legally obligated to maximize returns. Boeing just did it while also being propped up by federal contracts where holding them accountable for the decline in quality and changing vendors was above everyone’s pay grade. End stage capitalism combined with good old boy government contracts = astronauts stuck on the space station. Boeing has been a powerhouse of profit for 50+ years before it crumbled, that is the entire adult life of a boomer. And we all know Boomers don’t give a shit about the next generation. So it served its purpose.
Disclaimer: I am in no way educated in business or have any experience. I am just stating my opinion. Back on the site we don’t speak of, usually a generic not relevant comment like this one just meant to join the conversation usually got buried with something relevant ending up at the top. Here it is one of a few comments so I feel obligated to point out that I am just talking out my ass. Remember, reddit went to shit when it became publicly traded and they began trying to maximize shareholder profit, unlike boeing who is propped up by the government, we just left.
I was once working a construction job with my buddy who was starting his business. He’s my age, but acts like he’s 60. We were bullshitting on the job and I told him how my kid Rick rolled me. He had no clue what the fuck I was talking about. I tried to explain it to him and he just didn’t get it. Fast forward a few weeks and we were in the market for some scaffolding. Doing research trying to find the best place to buy it. I used a link changer site so it didn’t look like youtube and said, “Check out these scaffolding planks, best price I’ve found” and sent him the link. He text me back 5 minutes later like WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT!!! I said YOU JUST GOT FUCKN RICK ROLLED BITCH. Then he got it. Problem is, I think he liked it.