Pentagon Aims to Ease Fears Over Base Plan

[Eugene]

Pentagon Aims to Ease Fears Over Base Plan


Saturday August 20, 2005 6:16 PM

AP Photo DCPM106

By LIZ SIDOTI

Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Pentagon officials said Saturday in their final
appearance before the commission reviewing their plan to close or
scale back military bases that the changes do not overestimate savings
and would strengthen national security.

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld's representatives sought to ease
concerns of the nine-member panel just days before it votes on whether
to accept or reject parts of a proposal that would affect hundreds of bases.

At least some commissioners still were skeptical.

<snip>

But commissioners fear the proposal could leave the Northeast
unprotected. On the Pentagon's chopping block are two major New
England bases - the submarine base at Groton, Conn., and the
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. Forces at the Naval Air
Station in Brunswick, Maine, would be reduced drastically.

More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-5222756,00.html

[The Backlash Cometh]

1. Yeah, I bet those military closings will improve national security.

Especially after reading this thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4390239

[phiddle]

2. If I were a Congressperson in a base closing district

I'd raise HELL about closing the base in my district while we are BUILDING bases in Iraq and Paraguay. Secure the home front first!