Posted on 10/01/2009 9:33:23 AM PDT by mormonsniper
Probably looking for some major $$ in aid for the crumbling canal infrastructure. You would not believe the poor shape they have let the canal hardware fall to since they took over.
Dude!
DON’T give him any Ideas - no matter HOW ludicrous it might now seem.
he doesn’t have the stones.
lots of stories to tell..like the ex-GI I met who now lives near Subic who organized the last World Pool Championship in Manila (Filipinos and billiards go together) and the American ex-NY taxi driver (yes, a retired taxi driver) who also married a Filipina and runs one of the biggest call centers in Cebu where my bro was married. Love it, I’m still thinking about buying a condo in Makati, it’s cheap..
BTW, for all those who think the USA just gave away the Panama Canal, it was actually a matter of a treaty ending, thanks to Carter and subsequent Presidents who didn't fight to extend it. Sorta like Britain had to give up Hong Kong due to the end of a century old lease.
That actually turned out to be good for the average Chinese. They and their leadership got a big dose of capitalism and are quickly becoming a free-enterprise nation with a growing middle-class (China expects GDP of 8% by year end - what is our projection? ).
The Chi-Coms still have room for improvement politically and civil rights wise, but they are becoming more capitalistic by the day as the USA is becoming more socialist/Marxist by the day. The Chi-coms understand the importance of free-enterprise and are selling off their State controlled assets to private investors/corporations. The USA is in the process of seizing control of personal/corporate assets.
Still, no matter what the circumstances, I can only see this as a good thing. The Panama Canal is one of the most strategic points in the Western Hemisphere. I am encouraged if the US is allowed to have military bases there. I've often worried about the Chi-coms controlling both ends of the canal, even with their move towards capitalism. Someone was thinking here. Again, when and how did this come about?
I also remember "We stole it fair and square."
“We stole it fair and square.” — Democratic senator S.I. Hayakawa.
“”One of the bases will be located in Bahia Pina...450 kilometers [280 miles] east of the capital, Panama City, and another one - in Punta Coca about 350 km [217 miles] west of the capital,””
wow these guys are going to be far far from any urban reality.
I kept thinking Howard might be re-leased by USAF with the imminent closing of Manta, but there is considerable civilian construction there now (a huge terminal facility, for one thing) and I guess it is going to be civilian-only. The flight-line and the main area of the base (including associated housing behind the tdy qtrs/church) has been mostly unused since turnover.
there should be one on each opening....
I’ll put it to you that airbases in panama makes Venezuala within range of all-up loaded F-15E’s.
Think the Mudhen’s could have fun flying between mountains blocking radar while ruining Chavez’s day?
I know, I’m just sayin’.
I don’t know of anything serious enough in central America to justify two new military bases...
It’s weird...
___________________
I think it’s weird too. They should be very leery of his intentions. Next thing you know, he will be taking over Panama. I am strongly against this.
“Due to the large amount of ash that fell on half the world, it was a logistical disaster to clean up the bases.”
Pinatubo actually worked out to the USA’s benefit as we were wrangling with the PI government over the “when” and “how” of the turnover of Clark AB. The Pin eruption sorted of mooted the whole issue as we rolled out in short order.
“Next thing you know, he will be taking over Panama. I am strongly against this.”
I doubt zer0 would look to take anything over. Rather, I bet a deal is in the works to relinquish Gitmo, and this is the political fig leaf.
That is exactly what the bastard is thinking. He’s well aware of the fact that a lot of Americans, Canadians and Europeans are moving there and buying homes. God I hate that SOB. 2012 seems like an eternity.
“We stole it fair and square.” — Democratic senator S.I. Hayakawa.”
Hayakawa was a GOPer, and a fine conservative one at that, by my recollection. Check this out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S._I._Hayakawa
Oh, now that’s gonna be energy efficient to send prisoners there, huh? Good idea, close Gitmo and open Panama. What is it 50 times further away? Sheesh.
I’d do the same. Was stationed at NAS Cubi Point 1988-1990.
Why two on the Pacific Coast and not one on each coast.
“I don’t know of anything serious enough in central America to justify two new military bases...”
I think there may be an interest in deterring the Chinese and Russians from activity there. Wasn’t there a big deal awhile back when the Russian navy was in the Caribbean for the first time in a number of years?
Also, when the day comes that China wants back all the money we have borrowed, and we can’t/won’t pay, they might want to make moves to interrupt our shipping or whatever. They’d be interested in access through the canal.
I would guess that the base deal has been in the works for awhile, from the Bush days, and that Obama is just letting it go forward because he doesn’t care one way or the other. He is more interested in the Olympics and healthcare.
Now, THAT is good news...........for a change!!
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