The “infinite monkey” theorem states that a monkey hitting keys at random on a typewriter keyboard for an infinite amount of time will eventually produce the complete works of William Shakespeare. Before that, no doubt, he will produce an opinion piece calling for the repeal of the Jones Act.
That monkey will be in good company. The editorial boards of such imposing publications as the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and USA Today have produced missives on the devastating effect the merchant Marine Act of 1920 will have on the hurricane-stricken island of Puerto Rico.
To hear these experts tell it, fully 70 percent of the damage wrought by Hurricane Irma would not have happened if a tramp freighter from the Maldives had been allowed to carry much needed supplies to the Port of San Juan from the port of Jacksonville.
Nelson A. Denis of the New York Times claims that the lack of German U-boats off the coast of Puerto Rico is proof enough that the Act has “outlived its original intent”…