MarEx Mailbag: Reader Response to Last Week's Editorial & More…
Thursday, May 8th, 2008
Last week's editorial entitled, " Presidential Sweepstakes Only Promise More of the Same for the Maritime Industry: Long term neglect of U.S. merchant fleet and port infrastructure continue as candidates largely avoid the issue of a comprehensive maritime and sealift policy," attracted some interesting responses from MarEx readers. That is much more than I got from the candidates themselves. On the other hand, I'm seriously considering sending Mr. Obama some money in exchange for the end of the focused spam campaign that has infected my in-box ever since I asked him what he thought (he never responded to those inquiries). In any event, You can read last week's editorial by clicking Click HERE. Read on to see what MarEx readers had to say on the subject:
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Joseph,
I read your comments from time to time, and often disagree with you. However on the issue of the Presidential primaries, I'm with you. It is the most interesting election I can remember. The competition does wonderful things. Imagine what it would be like if Edwards and Romney were still running! We'd have some real choices and issues to discuss.
But Joseph, when your questions to the potential candidates only mentions Title XI, Shortsea Shipping, sealift issues for our military and the infrastructure fix for our port hubs, you seem to miss or sidestep the real reasons our candidates should pay attention to our Maritime Industry.
The most important issues in this election seem to be the economy and war/national security, and environmental concerns. A stronger maritime industry provides solutions for these issues. As Bill said, "it's the economy, stupid".
The US Department of Ag's Business and Industry Loan Guarantee, SBA, and BIA all have loan guarantee programs and grants that provide far more straight forward service to their constituents than MARAD does, especially for the projects in the three to ten million dollar range.
Reforming Title XI would be a brilliant move that could address the important issues of our time, economy, environment, security, trade, skills, and infrastructure. The country or the candidates need to understand the whole "puzzle" of why this industry is important, and then look at, polish, repair, or replace the individual pieces, programs and proposals one at a time.
As long as they talk about flag pins, we'll never get anywhere.
Andy Peters
Bainbridge Island, WA
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Joseph,
It's probably a good idea to avoid holding your breath over the presidential race. It's highly unlikely maritime issues will garner even 15 seconds of fame during this election cycle.
I can't say I agree with you re: this being the most exciting race in 50 years because from where I sit, it feels like we're all being pandered to – and ignored – at the same time. The sound-bite driven cult of personality seems to have completely absorbed our political process as every candidate tries to occupy the middle ground while holding onto support from whatever they perceive to be their "base."
Your complaint about the invisibility of maritime policy could be echoed from a thousand other quarters. In an arena near to my heart, energy policy, not one candidate seems to understand the fundamental issues, much less be willing to express a coherent and rational policy view to the electorate as they pick their away through the minefield of special-interest advocates.
While I hope some much more meaningful discussion of issues emerges after both major parties determine their respective candidates, like you, I'm not holding my breath.
Regards,
Greg Salerno
VP - Corporate Media
MarEx Remarks: I liked both of these letters, primarily because they brought to light some things that I failed to address in my editorial last week. Before I went online last week, I did reach out to the candidates, but predictably, I got no response beyond boilerplate e-mails requesting money. Greg Salerno's point about the lack of a cogent national energy policy is especially well placed.
The next letter addresses the previous week's editorial, entitled, "Be Careful What You Wish For." The article struck a nerve in more ways than one, and MarEx readers responded with vigor. We printed most of those responses last week – here's another. You can also read the April 24th editorial by clicking HERE.
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Hi Joe,
Another good journalistic piece to support pilots and mariners worldwide. It's unfortunate that we, as mariners, are continuing to be found guilty before being proven innocent.
Criminalization of mariners is becoming popular pastime not only in your country, but also mine. You can surely bet that the Canadian TSB and Transport Canada are moving in the same direction as the NTSB has.
Keep up the good work.
Cheers,
Gary O'Donnell
Marine Pilot
MarEx Editor's Remarks: An interesting perspective on the NTSB's handling of the April 8-9 hearings, from one of our MarEx friends in Canada. Thanks for writing!
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