LOL. Whole communities? I was in the military at Bragg in the early 80s. We did alot of training off base, always with permission from the community we trained in - as is the case with the SF training. I'm not sure the greater threat to our military and its preparedness...the libs in Vieques or the right in the 48 contiguous...?
My understanding of the Vieques situation is that we have an area that doesn't involve the public that has been used as a military installation for many years. I don't see the basis for demanding the US stop using the installation, any more than I see demanding the closure of military bases in the US.
As for mixing in civilian population in training exercises, I should think two dead soldiers would spark some understanding that things can and will go wrong. As for communities agreeing to accept these military exercises, I read an article a while back on one mayor and the process that forced his decision on him and his city.
I read this report about three years ago and don't have access to it any longer. But it wasn't flattering to those who demanded this mayor give in and allow the exercises.