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Implications of Republican sweep, part II

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[quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by futuremodal [quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by Limitedclear [quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by futuremodal Another prediction: Look for the Jones Act to be eliminated. This action would have a huge impact on rail operations, as it would allow foreign flagged ships to sail between U.S. ports. It might make Alaskan coals price competitive with PRB coals in coastal coal consumer markets. Also could take some north-south trade away from the railroads on the East Coast. [/quote] What a bunch of BUNK. The usual FM drivel. FM, get with the program. The Congressional support for a repeal of the Jones Act doesn't exist, even with a Republican majority in both Houses and a Republican President... What is your source of information for this unfettered speculation??? LC [/quote] Yes it is speculation. That is why it is a prediction. Speculation is part of prediction. You forget that the Alaskan congressional delegation supports repeal of the Jones Act, and their members are in key positions to introduce such legislation. The opposition to repeal of the Jones Act would comes primarly from the blue states, and last time I checked they lost influence in the last election. I also don't believe they'd go to the extreme of fillibustering a Jones Act repeal or revision as part of a general transportation legislation. Again, I will go out on a limb and predict that repeal or revision of the Jones Act will be acted on in the next four years. [/quote] No. Generally a prediction is based upon some fact or facts and is not mere speculation. I sincerely doubt Sen. Stevens or the rest of the Alaskan delegation has enough pull to overcome the opposition to repeal of the Jones Act. Further, as our native Merchant Marine is so tied to our military I think you will find there is a lot more support for the Jones Act than you realize. I would suggest you read the last link in my post above carefully. It indicates that the Marine Cabotage Task Force (MCTF) founded to oppose efforts to repeal the Jones Act included over 400 companies and organizations including shipping companies, barge companies, shipyards, industry associations, labor organizations, defense industry groups and others. Also, you should be aware that there is a significant support for U.S. flag shipping in the entire Great Lakes area and along the east coast. I would expect that there is likely additional support elsewhere. Further, the last time efforts were made in the Congress to seek a repeal of the Jones Act, not a single cosponsor could be found for the legislation, Democrat or Republican. Hardly a ringing endorsement of your position. I hardly see this as a Democratic issue. It is likely to be a jobs issue and I doubt anyone wants to endorse giving U.S. jobs to foreign companies, that would be political suicide given the current outsourcing issues. Jobs are just as important to red and blue states. I'll look forward to sawing off that limb, if you're still here in 4 years... LC
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