Is A Donation To The Clinton Foundation Simply A Charitable Gesture Or Did It Buy A Favor?

In an article published by the Washington Post earlier this month it was pointed out that the Boeing Company had, in 2010, contributed $900,000 to the Clinton Family Foundation to rebuild schools in Haiti. According to the Post report, the donation was made shortly after then Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, had had suggested that a state-owned Russian airline should buy Boeing passenger jets.

Now it appears this donation has resulted in a backlash from at least one Boeing shareholder. According to the article, Boeing shareholder David Almasi question the propriety of that donation. Almasi also represents the National Center for Public Policy Research which is a conservative think tank whose members attend shareholder meetings to challenge corporate executives, according to the Post article.

It seems that Almasi was questioning Boeing’s decision to go with a foundation with obvious political connections rather than a nonaffiliated charity. He called the Boeing donation a “clear conflict of interest” that seemed “reckless and unnecessary.”

Boeing chief executive W. James McNearney responded that, "I appreciate the secretary's support overseas," and added that, "commercial advocacy by people that lead our country is highly appreciated by those of us toiling in the vineyards."

This sort of wrangling serves to remind us that the 2014 midterm elections are almost upon us and the sun is also starting to rise on the 2016 presidential election. More fun to follow!

FMI: www.boeing.com