08-20-2018, 12:35 PM
Interesting facts:
1. The Jones Act artificially raises the prices of nearly everything here by specifying that ships carrying cargo between two American ports must: a) be built in the United States, b) be 75 percent owned by U.S. citizens, c) be 75 percent manned by a U.S. citizen crew, and d) fly the U.S. flag. The unions and Hawaii politicians love this because it keeps some favored groups well to do at the expense of everyone else.
2. Most Hawaii bound shipments from Asian sources sail past us and disembark their cargoes on the West Coast, making the next leg of their journey subject to the Jones Act.
3. We have no real economy other than government spending and tourism. Despite a favorable climate and a history of large scale agricultural production, we grow less of our own food than almost any other state.
4. Our state and local governments, despite being controlled by "liberal" Democrats are among the most conservative anywhere in terms of being resistant to change or doing things they way they do them in more successful locations. They have no real interest in diversifying the economy because the benefits might not accrue to the "right" people or organizations.
I knew all that when I moved here and planned accordingly. It won't stop me from complaining, though.
1. The Jones Act artificially raises the prices of nearly everything here by specifying that ships carrying cargo between two American ports must: a) be built in the United States, b) be 75 percent owned by U.S. citizens, c) be 75 percent manned by a U.S. citizen crew, and d) fly the U.S. flag. The unions and Hawaii politicians love this because it keeps some favored groups well to do at the expense of everyone else.
2. Most Hawaii bound shipments from Asian sources sail past us and disembark their cargoes on the West Coast, making the next leg of their journey subject to the Jones Act.
3. We have no real economy other than government spending and tourism. Despite a favorable climate and a history of large scale agricultural production, we grow less of our own food than almost any other state.
4. Our state and local governments, despite being controlled by "liberal" Democrats are among the most conservative anywhere in terms of being resistant to change or doing things they way they do them in more successful locations. They have no real interest in diversifying the economy because the benefits might not accrue to the "right" people or organizations.
I knew all that when I moved here and planned accordingly. It won't stop me from complaining, though.