Hello Jeff.
As in my original post. I remember in 1985 (The relevant action that triggers my memory as to that being the year is that is the year we closed our store, and continued working out of our home. A memorable time in our lives.) I was sitting at my desk at my new job at lunch break perusing my favorite Industry Magazine “The Pacific Shipper” when I came upon an article that amazed me.
It was about the buildup of the maritime academy(ies) in China, and about the buildup of their Merchant Fleet, specifically Containerships.
Short view the article stated there were more graduates of the AB Seamen status than required at that time to operate all the vessels of all the flags in all the World, and they were still educating and graduating more at the time.
I recall thinking “Where would they possibly be able to use so many sailors?” The obvious answer of course is they were planning on building their Naval forces.
Again that was 1985.
Agree. I don’t see Obama, the Democrats addressing the disparity much less publicly recognizing their purpose.