<p>Well maybe one last post:</p>
<p>@mombee: Actually based on comments from various congressional staffers at the most recent hearings on the President’s proposed budget for KP which increases it significantly (one of only two places in DOT where Secratary LaHood has proposed any real increases) - the concern is NOT with the number of Kings Pointers graduating and using their educations in the industry but rather with the hiogh % of graduates last year that went active duty.</p>
<p>Kings Point’s primary purpose, as seen if you review the applicable portions of law that made it permanent, is NOT to supply O-1’s for the military. In fact this is an area where I agree with guys like Bill and others. It is to supply a world leading education for folks in the transportation industry, particularly the maritime transportation industry. Something that is vital to BOTH our nations economic health and well beaing in peacetime and our ability to project power in war - thus the motto of the US Merchant Marine - “In Peace and War”.</p>
<p>The Congressional Commttee in Congress tasked with the oversight of USMMA’s budget questioned why Secratary LaHood wanted to increase the budget when so many (30%) went active duty last June. Staffers on that same committee oversees the funding of the Armed Services and pointed out that that’s why they fund USNA, USMA, USAFA and the respective service ROTC programs. They questioned why DOT was increasing USMMA funding when at the same time DOT was not also increasing it’s funding request for shipyards that produce the merchant ship those graduates are suppossed to staff.</p>
<p>If you read the testimony, a solid answer was provided but the point here is Congress understands why it is supporting USMMA, it’s not and never has had a primary purpose to produce USN Ensigns for the Active Duty Military. The need for sound commerce and a central Governmenet’s involvement and support of such can be traced back to our basic founding principles (see The Federalist Papers No. 75 for example).</p>
<p>@SeaScout: Good Points. I’m really done with this thread.
IS2Day: Seascout gives us both good advice, you have liscence exams to study for and I have to do some work for the shareholders who’ve invested in the company I’m part of. Both are more important than arguing with folks who may never understand why KP really exists or the multiple value propositions it offers the taxpayers of our nation. Thankfully, there are many who do, and our time is better spent making sure those who do and are in a position to drive the ongoing operation of our Academy are properly educated and equipped to do so.</p>
<p>Peace.</p>