Senate group attempts to delay BRAC process

WASHINGTON — As their parties bicker over Senate judicial nominations, a group of senators is working together to delay the Pentagon process that has targeted military bases for closure.

Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., planned to introduce legislation Wednesday that would delay the base closing process until most troops return from the Iraq war and the Pentagon issues its Quadrennial Defense Review, which will evaluate the Pentagon´s future strategy. It would also nullify the list of base closings issued May 13.

Thune, who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee, is considering an attempt to add the bill to legislation that authorizes funding for the Department of Defense. South Dakota´s Ellsworth Air Force base is among the facilities the Pentagon has recommended by closed.

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Thune´s office says the bill has some powerful Republican sponsors, however, including former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott of Mississippi, Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens of Alaska and Maine Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe.

http://news.mainetoday.com/apwire/D8A5Q8AO0-137.shtml

And all these Senators are from states with bases on the list.

so their senators can crow about their clout and success while bases in blue states will get the axe, so their opponents can use it as a campaign issue. Everything, and I mean every-fucking-thing this regime does is tainted with political calculations.

As many bases as possible need to close. Let's stand-down the knee-jerk dependence on local military bases.

Being economically dependent on military bases and federal funds weakens your independence. Its an addiction to the government gravey train that the likes of Bushco, Rove and DeLay know all too well. As an addict, you will do practically anything get your fix. You put yourself in a position where you are vulnerable to economic blackmail.

Having noted that, the military must understand that they are guests in the towns, cities, states and countries that their bases are in. Its a two way street.

Municipalities and hosting entities should stress the benefits of having bases close to cities and towns. If the military wants to benefit from being in close proximity to the community then they have a responsibility to be part of that community and NOT threaten to desert it when it becomes politically useful.

Keeping soldiers at local military bases is good for the soldier. I would rather have them around so they can see us as humans. Isolating them on mega bases is not good in my opinion.