In the span of one week, President Barack Obama praises an aerospace supplier for contributing to the U.S. manufacturing base—then slams tax incentives that have helped sustain the aircraft industry during tough times. Visiting Alcoa's Davenport Works in Iowa, Obama said, "Almost every airplane in the world has some kind of Alcoa product in it." But back at the White House, Obama went after tax write-offs for business aircraft: "Before we ask our seniors to pay more for health care, before we cut our children's education, before we sacrifice our commitment to the research and innovation... it's only fair to ask an oil company or a corporate jet owner that has done so well to give up a tax break that no other business enjoys." He suggested most voters would agree, but aviation "alphabet groups" were apoplectic.
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