Thinking Out Loud: Caps Off To The Mayor; Importing Chinese Cranes; Ads On Fire Trucks Is Weird

Caps Off To The Mayor:

In case anyone missed it, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake gave the commencement address to the graduating class of St. Mary's College of Maryland in St. Mary's City on May 12th.  The speech was shown on C-Span recently.  My hat, if not, my cap, is off to the Mayor.  She did a really good job.  While I still contend that Rawlings-Blake lacks fire in the belly, I and anyone else out there who underestimates this woman does so at their own peril.  I really do believe that she has the potential to rise much higher in the political world.  I can easily see her making a run for governor or even the U. S. Senate.  She is potentially that good.  The only thing that can hold her back is the quagmire known as Baltimore City.  But other mayors before her have move onward and upward, so it isn't out of the question for Rawlings-Blake either. 

Steel Mill Closing; China Import Arrives:  

The Baltimore Sun reported that RG Steel, the owner of the Sparrows Point steel plant, announced that it will be halting operations at the Baltimore County mill and laying off 1,975 workers beginning in June.  In the meantime, the Sun also reported that huge cranes, made in China, will be arriving in the Port of Baltimore sometime in June that will allow the Seagirt Marine Terminal to accept cargo from much larger ships importing goods to the United States.  No doubt, many of these goods will be coming from China.

Is it just me or does anyone else find all this rather ironic?  Why on Earth isn't the State of Maryland buying American made cranes, preferably ones made with Sparrows Point steel?  It adds insult to injury that we buy cranes made in China in order to better unload products made in China.  Our trade polices are truly insane.

Ads On Fire Trucks Bad Idea:

The bill to allow advertisements to be placed on Baltimore City fire trucks was approved by a City Council committee.  As the reported, Councilman "Pete" Welch hopes the money raised from advertising on the emergency vehicles will help prevent fire companies around the city from closing.  I personally think it is a wacky idea.  I am not sure exactly what companies would want to put ads up on fire trucks to begin with. 

I can imagine an ad from a home insurance company on the back of a fire engine racing through the street towards a house engulfed in flames.  The ad might read:  "Next time call Acme Home Insurance first" 

Weird.

The Baltimore Sun reported that the Mayor will announce soon her own plan to allow advertisements on city buildings, including parking garages.  This makes much more sense.  Any money from this venture could surely help in keeping fire houses open.