Tuesday, May 10, 2005

Logic vs. Politics

Wartime gives a unique view of which military bases are needed and which ones aren't. That's important, because the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) bunch are looking to weed out some military bases to save the Penatgon some money. Analysts say it makes sense to keep the ones going full tilt and close those doing nothing.

But that could slam head on into politics. Where slow moving bases are kept open by powerful allies who represent that district or state in Congress. Military bases pump millions of federal dollars into the local economies surrounding them. Little used bases can become big pork barrels for a politician.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld unveils the list of closures and realignments at 8:30 Friday morning. Friday the 13th.(NY Post)

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