Anyone Know...

[voodookatie]

What McCain's and Obama's stances are on the Jone's Act? I've heard McCain is against it and wants to get rid of it, but I'm not 100% on it.

[BronxGirl]

What is that?

[voodookatie]

It's the act that protects seamen in case they get injured while working underway. It also states that any ship that's based in the United States to be American made, have American parts, an American crew, etc.

Some people say that it's bad because it keeps the cost of shipping stuff in the United States to be high (imagine having a Chinese flagged ship instead of a US one, the cost would differ greatly). Getting rid of the Act would lower costs of goods.

On the other hand, getting rid of the Jone's Act means that people like me who ship out or plan to would have no guarantee for a job. Companies would prefer to hire someone willing to work for cheap. It would also cause a bunch of shipyards in the United States to close down; without it, companies could go with producers whose standards are lower than what we have now in the US.

It's the difference between me paying $20,000 a year for college and coming out after 4 years with a $60,000 dollar job to me coming out of college and making $20,000 or less. I shouldn't have to worry, since whoever is in office would have to go through a lot to get rid of the Act, but I think I should vote for someone who will benefit my interests.

[Mistress Ruadh MacKay]

From my quick Google, it looks like Obama supports the Jones Act: http://www.ocnus.net/artman2/publish/Business_1/Obama_Pledges_Jones_Act_Support.shtml

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Obama Pledges Jones Act Support
By Marine Log 11/9/08
Sep 11, 2008 - 9:15:27 AM

It comes in the form of a letter to Michael Sacco, President of the Seafarers International Union which has endorsed Senator Obama for President.

In his letter, Senator Obama says "America needs a strong and vibrant U.S.-Flag Merchant Marine. That is why you and your members can continue to count on me to support the Jones Act (which also includes the Passenger Vessel Services Act) and the continued exclusion of maritime services in international trade agreements ..."

"To make sure our Armed Forces have the equipment and ammunition they need at the time the materiel are required, my Administration will solidly support the continuation of the Maritime Security Program ..."

"A strong U.S.-Flag commercial fleet needs our nation's Cargo Preference laws. Whether it is carrying needed goods to those overseas in distress or moving government-generated cargo, American Mariners aboard American ships make sure the job is done."

Source:Ocnus.net 2008