US Naval Institute: Communicating Cart Before the Horse

If you have email archives that go forever like I do, you might notice the following. Before the August 2010 Naval Institute News the email signature for official newsletters was:

Since 1873, the U. S. Naval Institute has been the Nation's premier independent forum for critical thinking on issues of national security. Its books, magazines, conferences and heritage resources:

Support professional development of Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen
Invigorate useful debate
Advance a strong national defense
Honor those who have served

Since the August 2010 Naval Institute News the email signature has been:

The U.S. Naval Institute is an independent forum founded in 1873 to advance the knowledge of sea power, to exchange ideas on national security issues and to preserve our naval and maritime heritage. Today, its publications, conferences, online content and blogs:

Advocate the necessity of global sea power for national security and economic prosperity
Support professional development of Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen
Honor those who have served the Nation

Put another way, USNI has been using the new mission statement in an official capacity on email newsletters since August 2010, including as the signature of today's newsletter that explains the ballot proposal to change the mission statement.

At least they are demonstrating honesty through action by removing "Invigorate useful debate." The absence of any useful information by the Board of Directors from which anyone could make an informed vote on this measure has insured no debate.

This must be the new and improved US Naval Institute the Board of Directors envisioned.