Philosopher George Santayana, said , that “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”. It means that without understanding history, people and societies are likely to make the same mistakes again because they have not learned from past errors. The core idea is that history provides crucial lessons and patterns that can help us understand the present and make better choices for the future.
Dr Sal knows maritime history better then all combined in this room , hence in my opinion He is very well qualified.
Because He lectures others for a living He has acquired high levels of elloquence others lack and rarely seafarers are good speakers.
And because of his above mentioned gifts, He knows how to deliver a message in a pleasant and not arrogant way.
Therefore I will hold my ground and claim He is very well qualified to act in a capacity of seafarers speaker .
Last but not least He is invited to speak where ordinary seafarers are not invited and worked hard to gain his popularity and respect for the last 6-7 years.
Bill Nye is not actually a Science Guy by traditional education and work experience - he was an engineer before he moved to being a full-time media personality - and yet his influence has been immense and positive for the cause of science literacy and getting kids interested in pursuing scientific careers. I see something very similar with Dr. Sal.
Just so you know, I do not see myself as the voice of the industry. As was mentioned, I sailed for three years, worked ashore for four years and went into academia.
I teach at a middling school because they let me do what I want, including running a YouTube channel. If I was at a state maritime school, King’s Point or a Navy school, I would never be allowed to do what I do or say.
I would love to have a 30 year shipping veteran be the face but as many of you know, they are not always the best at talking to people outside the industry.
One of the things that teaching has taught me in 20 years is how to make highly complex subjects accessible to people outside the industry, especially politicians.
On the Congressional testimony, I had a meeting with Senator Sullivan’s staff to discuss proposed questions for the hearing and they asked me if I was willing to testify.
I am like you, I said there were a lot of other people who are a shitload more qualified than me. But they said they wanted someone who was not affiliated with any specific group and give a ‘neutral’ perspective (which is bull as we all have positions and bias). I think they wanted me to discuss my view on reforming the Jones Act because any advocate is either pro or against. Also, just a little behind the scenes, the government does not pay for travel or accommodations to do this testimony. This is why you see the same cast of characters at these events. I should also note, that it is surreal to be sitting across from Ted Cruz (only Senator who said my last name correctly).
Lastly, on the Dr Sal. I NEVER call myself that. My students call me Sal. I dont advocate any title. I never sailed as Captain and would never use that. If I ever had a favorite title it was Mate. I deal with Ph.Ds who insist on this, along with Masters who want to be called Captain.
Sal, you do come across in your reply with a fair degree of humility which is refreshing but believe you would be at the Naval War College or Post Graduate School in a heartbeat given an opportunity to be. Nobody in academia would choose a “middling school” as their first choice but I might well imagine that it beats being one of the peons working at sea and being psychologically beaten by their bosses daily.
Campbell was not my first choice. For ten years I worked any teaching job I could get as that is how the business is.
Campbell offered me my first full-time teaching position and it is close to my wife’s family.
I am fortunate to also be an adjunct for the US Merchant Marine Academy. But teaching jobs are competitive and as I am not a Navy veteran, and I talk about the merchant marine, this has not been a hot topic to get employment at many schools.