Gene, over at Sideline SquawkBox, nails it as he reports on the closing of the Naval base in Puerto Rico that supported the Vieques bombing range:
At one time, as many as 10,000 soldiers, civilian employees, outside contractors and their dependents lived on the base, and pumped an estimated $300 milliion a year into the U.S. commonwealth's economy. As a result of the base being shut down, property values have dropped, flooding an already surplus housing market. The residents of Vieques knew this likely outcome when the protests began, but were powerless to stop the 'outsiders' who had taken up their 'just cause'.
But like so many of the left's 'just causes', this one is no longer fashionable. Guess they didn't bother thinking it through to it's logical conclusion even when the facts were staring them right in the face. That's the elitist way: "don't worry, we know what's best for you...and you'll do it our way even if it breaks you".
I wonder if any of them even know that the base officially closed today. I wonder if any of them care.
I don't think they do.
Yes, we know. It's been in the newspapers for the last few years. Now let's hope that they shut down Fort Buchanan.
While some politicians tried to ignore it, most of us were fully aware that the Ceiba (and quite possibly the Buchanan) bases were going to follow right behind the navy. That didn't stop anything.
Luis Gallardo
Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico
Posted by: luis | Friday, April 02, 2004 at 11:51 AM