Lott Delays Vote On Base Closing Nominee

Associated Press ^ | April 1, 2005 | Associated Press

[MamaB]

Name some bases that are unneeded besides the ones in other countries.

[Mount Athos]

According to the military themselves, quite a few of them?

The military would like to close many bases, but congress forbids them from doing so, because they selfishly want the money spent in their district. They want this done even though they know the money could be spent far more effectively elsewhere, harming our military effectiveness.

Why does the military itself want to close bases? Because they know the money could be better spent elsewhere, for example weapons systems. They have a limited pile of money to work with, and in order to spend it most effectively, they need to prioritize it so it goes where it is most needed. That means not flushing money on bases that are basically congressional pork.

[wardaddy]

Well,


We had Stennis and Eastland once too remember?

not exactly chopped liver insofar as Senate power.

Lott is merely carrying on the tradition that one may close military bases anywhere but Mississippi...fair is fair.

[onyx]

I think Lott must know which bases are on the list... and all he wants is a little editing.

[Magnolia]

Lott is merely carrying on the tradition that one may close military bases anywhere but Mississippi...fair is fair.

Exactly and I wish him luck...but not at the expense of OK bases...lol! Eastland & Stennis were heavy-weights & left big shoes for Lott to fill.

[wardaddy]

Mississippi has been a Senator for life state since FDR....maybe before.

It's the smart move for smaller states....if the senator reflects the wishes of his constituents....more or less.

[MississippyMuddy]

Living in Gulfport, and working in Biloxi, I can not possibly imagine the results of closing Keesler, but I do know one thing, it would not be in the benefit of the Gulf Coast what so ever. The Casino's can only do so much.

Jeff

[gulfcoast6]

You know how he must feel when they bumped him in the Senate. Question is, will he run again? There is a little former AG just waiting in the wings in Pascagoula you know.

[gulfcoast6]

I can well remember when they closed the Greenville Air Force base in the 50's, like to have busted our town. I can also remember those airmen going after our women and that was a no no. My sister ended up with one and live in San Angelo Texas now.

[gulfcoast6]

How bout that, I use to live in LB but moved to the suburbs of Lizana with my daughter and hubby when my wife died. Good to see you.

[gulfcoast6]

When I had my business I use to travel all over the good ole USA and I don't think I have been to a place where someone told me that they were stationed in Biloxi, from WW2 to present.

[Greenpees]

Don't forget the Seabees in Gulfport.

They only have two bases..Gulfport MS and Port Hueneme CA

Can't get much slimmer than 8 Battalions rotating through the worlds hot, and not so hot, spots.

Seabees go to all the places that the news covers and then some. Cut down on the bases/ battalions and they'll be deployed perpetually.

And financially speaking, I'd rather endure the relatively modest costs of maintining bases in MS than almost anywhere else in the US.