A few years ago, returning from a few fun days at Santa Catalina Island (a 20 mile voyage from my then home port of San Pedro, California), in mid-channel I noted a blip on my radar screen a few miles ahead off my starboard bow. The "blip's" observed course was northwest. I scanned the horizon with binoculars and observed what appeared to be a navy ship approximately positioned where the blip was evident. After a few more minutes cruising time the ship was in the exact same position relative to me . . . but much closer. Without the aid of the binoculars I could now easily see the large white numbers on the warship's port bow. I tuned in to common sea radio Channel 16 to listen for "chatter". Almost immediately I heard the following message, obviously intended for my attention.
"This is the captain of US Navy Frigate 44 addressing the eastbound vessel off my port bow. It appears we are on a collision course. What are your intentions?"
Ignoring the amusing but in-actionable advice from the passenger with me in the pilot house, I replied, "Good afternoon captain. You have me out-sized, out-gunned, and out-manned. My intention is to alter course to starboard and pass you astern."
The following pertinacious but politely delivered reply came back immediately, "That was the correct answer captain. We will maintain our course and speed and observe your maneuvers. Have a safe cruise. Good day." The radio went silent. The "chat" was over. There was nothing further to say . . . just do it.
I relay the above true story to make a point. Possession of overwhelming power can influence corrective action when employed appropriately . . . even menacingly The US has such exclusive power, but in the hands of wusses like Obama and Kerry it has proved to be useless. Both are good at uttering thousands of words and drawing lines in the sand while wringing their hands and grimacing seriously . . . but they are incapable of meaningful action. We could easily cause troublesome adversaries to alter course and save themselves from complete destruction, if only we would.
I would suggest doomsday armed US Air Force bombers hover above the capital cities of such adversaries while the president delivers messages demanding specific actions required to be taken. The messages would end with, "If you doubt our intentions, go outside with binoculars and look straight up. Unless we receive the correct answer, what you're looking at will be the last thing you will ever see."
We may have to execute on that threat . . . but only once. We won't have to do it again for generations, if ever.
PS: Dear readers, I know you're curious re the "in-actionable advice". I don't carry torpedoes on board!
Bob was born in Toronto and began his financial career as a trader on the Toronto Stock Exchange. He relocated to California and became SVP and CFO of a $multi-billion diversified financial entity. He served on the board of many companies in Canada and US. An avid yachtsman, he owns a twin diesel ocean going vessel once featured in Architectural Digest magazine. He maintains a hockey web site. “slapshotreport.com” and currently resides in Sausalito, California.
