Should the US be closing military bases?

[Mr.Answer]

Projected savings is around 50 billion within 30 years.

[Quackzilla]

That's nothing, closing those bases will destroy local economies and leave our country more vulnerable.

[Mr.Answer]

That's nothing, closing those bases will destroy local economies and leave our country more vulnerable.


So you would be a no vote than? I can't see it as a really good idea to consolidate so many bases. In the northland, Wa - MN, so many Air guard bases are slated to be closed that there will be no air protection for the norhern tier of states. Which is so stupid as during 9-11 national guard units were scrambled all over from such 'remote' places as Fargo ND (which was the first Air unit to deploy during 9-11)

[Drocket]

I have absolutely no problem with bases closing as long as such decisions are made rationally and based on actual need. If there's no actual need for a military base, it shouldn't exist. Its just that simple. The problem is that deciding which bases get to stay and which ones close seems to be a decision based at least 98% on politics: who's scratching who's back, which area of the country has too many voters to risk offending despite the fact that their local base does nothing but suck cash, etc.

The idea that the government should spend billions keeping inefficient military bases open simply to provide jobs for a few people should be offensive to everyone, liberal and conservative alike (although for different reasons.)

[E-Z-B]

Save $50b over 30 years? What a coincidence - we've just up the Iraq debt another $50b:

Fri May 13, 2:50 PM ET WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Senate Armed Services Committee has recommended a further $50 billion be set aside to fund U.S. military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and the U.S.-declared global war on terrorism.

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51738&highlight=military+bases