Shortly after Hurricane Sandy
pushed ashore New Jersey, Pres. Barack Obama, among other things, authorized
the waiving of the Merchant Marine
(Jones) Act of 1920, which allows foreign-flagged vessels to transport
between U.S. ports directly. Upon request in an emergency situation, the law
designed to bolster the U.S. marine industry and its unions in this instance
gave way to concerns of shipping in fuel to the stricken area. Former Pres.
George W. Bush had done likewise when Katrina plowed into Louisiana in 2005 to
facilitate rescue and relief.
But in 2010, despite at least one
known request to do so, Obama refused
to allow waiving of the law when BP’s well in the Gulf of Mexico blew out, where
in this instance the floating sheen advanced on the coastline and skimming
vessels badly were needed to try to ameliorate the potential devastating
effects. Officially, the Obama Administration feigned ignorance of the know
request and asserted the law did not apply. Unofficially, this would serve to
steer more resources into the hands of unions and placate environmentalist interests,
as a broader strategy of turning down any foreign assistance.
Yet now over two years later,
Obama is locked in a battle that looks like it will cost him his political
life. In a disadvantageous position for an incumbent according to polls with momentum seemingly going against him, fellow
media travelers and Democrats have speculated breathlessly that the storm
could produce a game changing event, allowing Obama to look presidential. Part
of that would be to appear decisive both in decision-making and in willingness
to use whatever powers exist to appear to help in time of need.
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