Talk of the Town

By James

May 13, 2005 09:49 AM | Link to this

Funny, these are all in Democratic districts.

Guess the Republicans in Congress will now say that it would be unfair to hold them accountable.

By Gregg

May 13, 2005 09:59 AM | Link to this

That’s what you republiclowns get! you put them back in office and this is the thanks we get.

By John Tackett

May 13, 2005 10:01 AM | Link to this

Ouch!! 3 bases in the Atlanta area, and then Athens as well. This is going to hurt alot of folks in Cobb, East Point, Forest Park and Jonesboro. Hopefully things will work out.

By MIke

May 13, 2005 10:03 AM | Link to this

To close these bases makes no sense at all. They have spent millions and new construction at Ft. Gillem, and there are so many headquarters at both bases, they will have to be relocated. That is another expensive venture. Once again, the government is making stupid decisions. bet it would not have happedn if Sam Nunn were still there.

By NOEL QUENTIN

May 13, 2005 10:04 AM | Link to this

So much for loyalty- economic disaster for a state that both went Republican and is the home of Zell Miller, the turncoat Democrat who did so much to boost the Republican cause. How do you feel now, Zell??

By David Forman

May 13, 2005 10:12 AM | Link to this

Get over it! It makes sense. The federal government doesn’t need operations and huge tracts of land in metro Atlanta.

We should be happy that the state had a net gain!

By Ann

May 13, 2005 10:14 AM | Link to this

Don’t feel bad, Georgia…we’re only losing 4. There are 150 on the hit list. Thank goodness we have President Bush! After the base closings, they will cut the F/A-22 Raptor program at Lockheed, and Cobb County will be a mess. Thank goodness we didn’t elect a Democrat! You know how Democrats are anti-military and would destroy our livelihood! By the way, how many bases were cut in Georgia when Clinton was in office?

By Laura

May 13, 2005 10:16 AM | Link to this

What a surprise! Now that our state has collectively sold its soul to the Republicans, this is the thanks we get and deserve. Guess what….next they are going to draft your sons and daughters, pin targets to their shirts, and send them off to Iraq.

By Hazel

May 13, 2005 10:20 AM | Link to this

How did Atlanta vote? Blue island in a sea of red? It’s Shocking!

By Kathy

May 13, 2005 10:21 AM | Link to this

What about all of the retired military people in this area that like to utilize their benefits. We go to the bases slated for closing for our medical, groceries, and misc. items. And after being in the military for 20 yrs. there is a sense of security knowing you have a base nearby. Again, the retired get slapped in the face.

By ROGER WARE

May 13, 2005 10:25 AM | Link to this

Sam Nunn did an excellent job protecting the installations for many years, so it not a suprise that three “major” installations were on the list. The impact of closing (5 years from the time the final list is announced)won’t be as bad as most people think. I was stationed on 2 USAF bases in my 23 years of service that was axed. Both cities survided the closings and are thriving.

By edge770

May 13, 2005 10:26 AM | Link to this

Actually it’s not all that bad. Get er’ done.. They could have closed Robins, Dobbins, Ft. Stewart and Moody..

By Eric

May 13, 2005 10:26 AM | Link to this

Would the Naval Air Station be suitable for a north metro airport? Something to look in to…

By Michael

May 13, 2005 10:28 AM | Link to this

The closings of Ft MacPherson and Ft Gillem would not only affect the many active duty personnel, but also their civilian counterparts. Also the retired military community that used the bases for various things.

By Mona

May 13, 2005 10:31 AM | Link to this

This is really going to hurt a lot of people that use Ft Mac everyday. The daycare center and youth center, the Commissary, the PX and Class Six and don’t forget Autopride, where gasoline is the cheapest in metro Atlanta.

By M White

May 13, 2005 10:31 AM | Link to this

Remember folks.. this is the same Pentagon that CBS reported can not account for 2.3 TRILLION dollars. Almost 25% of the Pentagon budget is un-accounted for. It seems silly that they are affecting so many lives and cities to save $50 billion over 2 decades.

By Henry

May 13, 2005 10:32 AM | Link to this

Unfortunate for Atlanta. These base closing certainly affect those civilian employees as well as the military. The areas around Ft. Mac and Ft. Gilliam will especially be hard hit. The economis impact will be huge on the Southside. These decisions are always tough, you just hope the Pentagon knows what it is doing as far as national security is concerned.

By Marie

May 13, 2005 10:34 AM | Link to this

Unless a case can be made that these bases are vital to National Security, and not just vital to the local economy, they will be closed. In the meantime, state, county and local governments should start brainstorming creative ways to give these bases new uses that produce jobs and tax dollars.

By Don

May 13, 2005 10:39 AM | Link to this

Effective Republican Senators we have! Watch out Lockheed - you will probably be next

By S. Nix

May 13, 2005 10:43 AM | Link to this

What happened to our politicians in Washington? 33 bases are closed, and FOUR of them are in Georgia? That’s just not logical!

By James Fields

May 13, 2005 10:43 AM | Link to this

Are we going to close the military bases in Iraq and in other countries also? I don’t think it’s fair to us here in the united States. If we cannot afford to be here, we sure cannot afford to be over there!

By Stuart

May 13, 2005 10:46 AM | Link to this

It’s just sad that the US government will throw away such hard work to gain so little. We need McPherson and Gillem for the communities and all the civil service, military, and contractors that work there.

By Dave

May 13, 2005 10:49 AM | Link to this

Not bad. All four of the proposed base closures are in areas that shouldn’t suffer too much from the loss, and all of the sites can be easily redeveloped.

I’m pleasantly surprised that Albany’s Marine Corps Logistics Base survived the cuts, which would’ve been economically devastating to southwest Georgia. Again, not bad.

By Kevin

May 13, 2005 10:51 AM | Link to this

I don’t understand how at a time of increased defense spending against the war on terroism we can afford to close any bases. Realized savings for these changes will not be seen for years to come and in the shorter run is it going to cost a lot more money.
Closing a base does not mean you no longer require that base’s functions, but instead will move it/combine it somewhere else. That will cost money as new facilities will have to be built or old ones modified just to start.

By Fernando

May 13, 2005 10:55 AM | Link to this

I think it’s great!! Now developers such Weiland and others can build more subdivisions in those areas attracting more people, consequently more traffic and more problems.

By Donn

May 13, 2005 10:57 AM | Link to this

There are only 6 significant installations on the list. The other 27 are eye candy. Back to the drawing board.

By Joe

May 13, 2005 10:59 AM | Link to this

I think the base closing and consolidations are necessary. We need to cut the “pork” built into our military by our fat-cat politicians. Now if we would only close all the bases in Iraq and bring out soldiers home.

By Mark

May 13, 2005 11:08 AM | Link to this

Coming from a military family (who will lose jobs to this), this sucks. But as much as it sucks, it’s something that has to be done. The military is not a jobs and economics program - it’s a defense force. And in the end, the less we have to spend on the defense, and the more we can spend on education and research, the better the world will be.

By Bob Hash

May 13, 2005 11:10 AM | Link to this

It seems unwise to close NAS Atlanta. The facility will be needed by Lockheed and Atlanta has an exceptional number of pilots because of Delta and Hartsville-Jackson. A community this large should not be without this facility.

By John

May 13, 2005 11:11 AM | Link to this

It shows what happens when we have an ineffective governor and a Congressional delegation with no clout. The Bush administration has shown what it thinks of Georgians who so blindly voted for him and our Republican senators and representatives. If ever there were a compelling reason for Perdue not to be re-elected, this is it.

By Tom

May 13, 2005 11:11 AM | Link to this

One thing everyone needs to remember before preaching “The sky is falling” is that the list still has to be approved by BRAC, President Bush AND Congress. Typically only 80-85% of the suggestions are implemented. Also keep in mind that in the past rounds NO bases in GA were touched so it was bound to happen.

By Mary

May 13, 2005 11:11 AM | Link to this

Please, someone tell me how these bases be closed after pouring millions of dollars into rebuilding them. Construction is still going on at NAS Marietta, how long ago did they finish rebuilding at both Ft Gillem and Ft McPherson, or is it still going on? If I handled my checkbook like this I too would be broke or deeply in debt! Oh, I forgot, I am broke becaue it was my tax dollars that will be misspent!

By linny

May 13, 2005 11:12 AM | Link to this

the Supply School in Athens may seem unnecessary… but the jobs these men and women do are in support of EVERY person in the service and especially those overseas. It’s training for one of those quiet positions that you can’t do without… It’s not a reservist base, it’s a school! Not to mention that it has a significant impact on the economy of Athens, shadowed always by the university… but then… with John Barrow having been elected here (albeit narrowly), I guess we can’t expect too much GOP support for the area laughs…. ah well… we will survive the winds of change …. peace!

By Jack

May 13, 2005 11:12 AM | Link to this

There Goes the Atlanta Economy. :-(

By Shirley

May 13, 2005 11:12 AM | Link to this

Are the Republicans mad at GA?

By Jerry

May 13, 2005 11:12 AM | Link to this

Base closure is a decision beyond state control. Where it becomes a problem and what we can control is the way surrounding areas are positioned for reutilization. Many communities allow the surrounding area to degenerate and a closure leaves a devestated area of town. Other communities are anxious for closure because redevelopment is lucrative. Communities should use military installations as a positive development anchor and not a neglected cash cow.

By Cooper

May 13, 2005 11:13 AM | Link to this

People can NOT fully understand the impact this will have on the Southside. Fort Mac generates a lot of consumers for local businesses. How much revenue will we lose now? My goodness. It’s so sad. Property values already lag behind other areas; how low will it go when there’s a big empty army base right next to East Point. This is incredibly SAD! Thanks to the politicians for thinking about us.

By JT

May 13, 2005 11:13 AM | Link to this

Keeping these bases open because of the “jobs” is crazy. Most of these bases have lost their primary functions decades ago. It’s time some of these gov’t civilian workers find out what it’s like in the “real world”.

By Janie

May 13, 2005 11:14 AM | Link to this

The closing of Fort McPherson is a tragedy to the state of Georgia. The reasons why need the base is too numerous to list but what are we to do now? To throw away something like this is criminal. Why is it we can open up bases in foreign countries but we cannot keep bases here? We need the security here as well as else where. We need to write to our Senators and Congressmen to have them to do something. Our country is going down fast.

By Dream

May 13, 2005 11:17 AM | Link to this

Well it’s as the old saying goes…”the rich get richer and the poor get poorer”. We all know what Bush and his flunkies’ agendas were and still are. As long as thier pockets are greased nothing or no one else matters. They can’t see (or should I say, don’t care) the affect this will have on civilians, the retired, the actives and the reserves. All that matters is the gov’t stuffing as many pockets as possible, passing the blame and hiding the truth. Welcome to Bush’s Democracy!!!

By Delmar

May 13, 2005 11:18 AM | Link to this

Well does this mean now that with all of the base closings going that now the STATE can have 4 new prisons? They did this in Michigan and in OHIO.. So we can put more prisoners in these facilities? As far as FORT MAC is concerned I believe that this was a DUMB move.. It is a strategic Command. Hence I believe that it would be in OUR best interest to keep it.. As far as FORT Gillem … see FORT CLAYTON COUNTY PRISON. Dobbins and NAS should also be saved.. I will miss the sounds of f-14 and F-22’s flying overhead at least I know I would feel safe if they are flying..

By JT

May 13, 2005 11:19 AM | Link to this

Who is Mark Kidding? Does he really think Republicans will use the “excess” money on education and research. Hell, they don’t even spend anything on it NOW.

By Mark

May 13, 2005 11:19 AM | Link to this

Good riddance! It’s about time! What took so long?

We should close more unnecessary and redundant facilities to beef up critical operations and provide budget relief to suffering taxpayers.

We should now eye our elected Georgia representatives to see if their priorities are to cut wasteful spending or to protect political pork!

By Chris

May 13, 2005 11:20 AM | Link to this

Georgia needs to feel lucky that a major base wasn’t targeted. Try overcoming a base closing and losing 20,000 jobs like Charleston did in 1993.

By Joseph

May 13, 2005 11:21 AM | Link to this

Anyone else wonder why so many of the bases proposed for termination are in the South?

By juan_valdez

May 13, 2005 11:24 AM | Link to this

It seems to me that all of these people who are crying about the base closures in our back yard are probably the same ones who raise such a stink about pork barrel spending in the Federal Government. “It’s pork barrel spending if it’s in someone else’s district, but it’s vital to national security if it’s in mine.” I doubt seriously that you would have heard a word out of most of these folks if the Pentagon had decided to shut down Fort Jackson in South Carolina.

Our military needs to work at becoming more efficient, the same way those of us in the private sector are asked to do. Sometimes the right decision isn’t the one that makes everyone happy.

Very likely, many of these bases wouldn’t have been here to begin with if it weren’t for pork barrel politics by previous generations of senators and representatives. The military is forced into a no-win situation with base closings because many of our communities become overly dependent on them for economic support.

We should look at these closings as opportunities to attract new industries and jobs through redevelopment, rather than the federal government cutting off the gravy train. Having large military installations in metro-areas consumes valuable land that could possibly be better utilized for other purposes. In the long run, we may be better off.

By Donna

May 13, 2005 11:24 AM | Link to this

For years the citizens of Athens Clarke County have fought to keep the Naval Supply School open. I simply don’t understand the closing of any bases when our nation is at war.

By Treehugger

May 13, 2005 11:25 AM | Link to this

Bush supporters, congratulations on your solid win last November. Enjoy that knife in your backs that you were rewarded with.

By Michael

May 13, 2005 11:30 AM | Link to this

Had always wondered why landlocked Athens had a Naval Supply School. I guess they will pull that out-of-place anchor off of Broad Street as well.

By Earl

May 13, 2005 11:31 AM | Link to this

i figure this would happen, i can see Mcpherson, NAS, and the Supply Base closing. But Ft Gilliam, i dont understand with all the money being spent why would you vote to close that base. Dummmy

By Mark

May 13, 2005 11:38 AM | Link to this

For all the whiners who look at this as nothing but a “jobs” program, Georgia will still have one of the largest allocations of military bases in the country after the cuts. There is no reason to have bases in Atlanta. Columus, Albany, Savannah, Valdosta and South Georgia in general are much better places for military installations and less opportunity for offsetting with business development.

By dee

May 13, 2005 11:38 AM | Link to this

If we’re gonna close bases, stop flying planes over NASCAR races!

By Ari

May 13, 2005 11:38 AM | Link to this

I think it is funny how people (administrations) can shoot holes in their own agendas. If we are in the middle of protecting our National Security, why would you close army and naval bases? Wouldn’t a priority be to find money elsewhere? “You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all of the people all of the time”- Marley

By norman

May 13, 2005 11:40 AM | Link to this

military bases are a form of socialism for the already well heeled.

By Gayle

May 13, 2005 11:41 AM | Link to this

Gosh, how can this be? According to the Repubs it’s the Democrats who are weak on defense. My, my, my! What has happened here? Oh, to have President Clinton back in office would be so wonderful!

By Michael

May 13, 2005 11:45 AM | Link to this

I live in Athens, and honestly the closure of the Naval school isn’t a shock. It has been on the list for a while now, so I figured it would be in this round.

By Andy

May 13, 2005 11:57 AM | Link to this

Now we can turn NAS Atlanta into North Atlanta International Airport and not have to put up with Hartfield.

By Marilyn

May 13, 2005 12:04 PM | Link to this

Look on the upside. Perhaps Marietta will qualify for one of Bush’s new oil refinerys on closed military bases. Would that lower the price of gas in the Atlanta area?

By Trudy

May 13, 2005 12:05 PM | Link to this

So much for being a Red State with two Republican Senators! I guess if we still had a Democratic Senator they would’ve just cut us out and pushed us out to sea. Between having fewer recruits and having most of our troops elsewhere, I suppose we just don’t need all that room anymore. Too bad, Fort Mac is at least decorative.

By Lee Cook

May 13, 2005 12:07 PM | Link to this

Georgia should be gratefull that it has one of the largest net gains, especially in areas of the state that need support. Athens and Atlanta have local economies that can absorb the military/civilian job cuts. It will be interesting to watch the “fight” for a turn key academic campus in Athens, in the next ten years the college/university enrollment in Georgia will increse dramatically and expansion space is dear. Which institution will have an opportunity to expand? More jobs may be created by redevelopment than are lost in the state.

By JR

May 13, 2005 12:08 PM | Link to this

I am not surprise just look at who works at both Gillium and McPherson.

Black middle class democratic voters.

By dee

May 13, 2005 12:11 PM | Link to this

If the Pentagon sold some of the planes and equipment that they no longer/never used and store in the desert maybe they could find some of that money

By Don Charobee

May 13, 2005 12:14 PM | Link to this

I believe the closure of these large bases in Georgia, and throughout the nation, is short sighted. These military bases serve as an irreplaceable part of the defense infrastructure should our nation need to quickly mobilize our armed forces to meet a significant new threat, like China. Our national security from strategic view will be diminished, as will the Treasury when we have to restablish many of these bases. Unfortunately, it is decisions like this that will be dearly paid with the blood of our sons and daughters at some point in the not too distant future. Our Nation’s leaders must stop the sacrafice of public assets for short term goals that only serve to fatten the wallets of a select few.

By robert harbour

May 13, 2005 12:25 PM | Link to this

fort mac- it keep track on all troops, when 911 happen, fort mac took over control of functuion of miltary. fort gillem, they builting new building out there. it work with fort mac, if fort mac goes, fort gillem go. naval air station- as long as builting planes at base, then we need air base. it big time traing base for pilots.

By JR

May 13, 2005 12:29 PM | Link to this

Georgia got off lucky compared to a lot of other states. The Blog dissenters should quit whining and look around at the other states who took more of a hit….Cutting dead weight is not bad and necessary for streamlining the forces….I’m also glad to see the largest cuts were in forces overseas….bring them back from ungratful countries is a step in the right direction.

By Teresa S.

May 13, 2005 12:30 PM | Link to this

A county should never weaken or elimate their nation defense. If there is disagreement between two nations, the other nation will likely attack the defenseless nation.

I am a military wife. And I enjoy the facilities that are on two of the bases that are closing. I will really miss going to the bases and enjoying the gyms, medical facilities and participating in religious activities.

By Clay

May 13, 2005 12:36 PM | Link to this

Wake up! Get real! Georgia is seeing a huge BOOST from this list. Georgia is GAINING the second MOST jobs and military personnel in the country. The state of Georgia is gaining over 8000 troops as a result of BRAC. The Bush administration must love us here! Don’t get caught up in the small picture of one or two old, delapidated and under-utilized facilities and take a look at what the state is gaining. Over 3000 people at Kings Bay. Almost 10,000 at Ft Benning. Georgia is coming out well. Look at Connecticut. They got slammed. They are losing every installation they have but one. South Dakota is losing Ellsworth Air Force base. That is a HUGE deal. The Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Maine is closing—that is unbelievable. Stop griping and read the BRAC report. Georgia came out VERY well!

By Dave

May 13, 2005 12:46 PM | Link to this

I can not believe how naive the majority of these comments truly are. Save your rants about Republican and Democratic issues for something other than BRAC. This is a process that has fallen under the watch of both political parties and Presidents.

Base Realignment and Closure has happened 4 times since 1988 and they closed more bases this round than the total of the first 4. Frankly, we are living in a world that doesn’t facilitate the need for heavy armored divisions, but instead lend towards fast action troops. Consolidation isn’t necessarily a bad thing and Georgia should thank its elected represenatives because it could have been worse.

Quick civics lesson: Politicans can exert their influence by having a specific mission at a base. Thankfully over the years, elected officials like Richard Russell, Sam Nunn and more recently: Paul Coverdell, Newt Gingrich, and Saxby Chambliss, have admirably worked to strengthen Georgia bases and make their missions essential for national defense.

However, the actual base closure decisions are non-partisan. So quit playing the race card or blaming partisanship, all it is does is prove ignorance and clear lack of understanding. There is a justified reason for every base closure decision.

By Mark

May 13, 2005 12:51 PM | Link to this

Those that complain about these closings in Georgia have a short memory and little understanding of our Nation’s defense. What kind of defense is it where we spend hundreds of millions of dollars to keep installations open while other installations are at 70% capacity? The prior rounds of BRAC that I participated in while on active duty let Georgia off the hook, even though many of our installations were less critical than some of those that closed. Now it’s our turn and everyone is up in arms. And don’t forget, this isn’t the final list - this is the recommendation and it will be months before any decisions are made and years before any closings occur.

By yesiamworried

May 13, 2005 01:01 PM | Link to this

I guess this is our reward for being solidly RED. Zell, where are you now? Come on, people we have been schnookered. Brink back Roy Barnes and Max Cleland. We were better off.

By kEN

May 13, 2005 01:16 PM | Link to this

The list says that NAS Atlanta is closing costing almost 1500 jobs (mil + civ). However, the list also says Dobbins ARB is gaining a little over 100 jobs. So the base is NOT closing, just the NAS side. No “Dobbins Regional Airport” this time.

By R. Butler

May 13, 2005 01:17 PM | Link to this

I recommend visiting the Department of Defense web site and actually reading the DOD report pertaining to Ft. Mac and Ft. Gillem. There are some interesting observations, especially pertaining to the serious enviromental and ground-water pollution problems at both installations which will have to be fixed before the property becomes commercially viable (especially at Ft. Mac). It also tells where the current tenants may be heading, and which agencies will be remaining.

By Tanuki

May 13, 2005 01:23 PM | Link to this

Look on the bright side. A lot of new land may have just opened up in “close in” East Cobb.

If the government would let the land the Naval Air station stands on go back to the public and be developed instead of letting weeds grow on unused runways, new residents would flock to live that close in bringing business revenue with them.

By Mel

May 13, 2005 01:30 PM | Link to this

It’s interesting that they would choose to close Ft. McPherson considering it is the strategic command center for Middle East operations. Or did they forget we’re in a war in the Middle East?

By Wally B.

May 13, 2005 01:38 PM | Link to this

Richard Russell and John Stennis must be turning over in their graves right now! I believe that Sam Nunn would have been fighting this tooth and nail if he was still in the U.S. Senate. This may make me go from Republican to Democrat. We are at war….right?

By Andre Walker

May 13, 2005 01:41 PM | Link to this

I encourage everyone to contact Georgia’s Senators and Representatives, and encourage them to fight for Georgia’s military bases.

This isn’t a Democrat OR Republican issue. This is an issue of Georgia’s economy, especially the economies that surround the bases targeted for closure.

By BK

May 13, 2005 01:52 PM | Link to this

Boy did we miss Sam Nunn for BRAC 2005. His proponency for Georgia is sorely missed and very evident!

By William C. Kelley

May 13, 2005 02:16 PM | Link to this

We may have taken some Georgia hits and gotten some great increases, but arn’t we first Americans? This will also ssve each of us, that are paying taxes, a nice bundle over the next many years. I have lived in DeKalb County for over 8 years and have lived in South Georgia for over 27 years and have been able to see first hand where the metro area almost always gets the best deal in Georgia. Now Columbus and SE Georgia will get a great benefit economically and they Really Need it.

By JR

May 13, 2005 02:17 PM | Link to this

Georgia voted Bush, and Republican. How did this happen? I thought voting for the big millitary spenders would assure us fewer closings, not 3 of 4 in the metro area closing. Time to change my vote to the party that actually fought FOR our troops, rather than just with them.

By Elena

May 13, 2005 02:29 PM | Link to this

It doesn’t really matter what we think, but what needs to be done to try to rein in the some of the excess government spending. Yes, even “in our own back yard,” for the good of the whole country,close some bases already!

By Roger

May 13, 2005 02:33 PM | Link to this

What else can we expect? With over 165 billion dollars being directed to feed the war machine in Iraq due to “weapons of mass destruction (the original reason for the war), it is impossible to maintain the status quo in this country much less strive for improvements. The closings are a tangible symtom of the misguided reasoning that has our guys and gals over there. What is worse that the closings are all the domestic and international programs(hunger, education,training,etc.) that suffer or will never be because our money has been misused.

By t

May 13, 2005 02:37 PM | Link to this

I’m not surprised. These bases support predominately African-American democratic middle class civiilian communities. For all who voted Republican in November you see what it yielded the State of Georgia.

What a way for the GOP controlled federal government to say thank you.

By Mark

May 13, 2005 02:43 PM | Link to this

I remember in the last BRAC, my boss at Ft. Gordon said there is no way they can close Gordon because that’s the Home of the Signal School. My response was that it was irrelevant — Notre Dame did not have to be in South Bend to be Notre Dame. It could move anywhere and still be a great institution - and maybe more cost effective. Moving FORSCOM from Atlanta will not reduce it’s effectiveness or ability to run the war on terror. But, it will make it more cost effective.

By Mike

May 13, 2005 02:57 PM | Link to this

Lets see you folks voted them in and this is what they give you back. Interesting how 4 installations are to close but they refer to it as gains. Is that new math?

By Carolyn

May 13, 2005 02:58 PM | Link to this

So this is our thanks for being a “red” state? How nice that most of our residents were kind enough to support the current Bush administration in the last two elections only to find several of our bases on the chopping block. Imagine the treatment we would have received if we dared to go “blue”. Wish I could say I am surprised.

By TS

May 13, 2005 02:59 PM | Link to this

Well Well. i voted for the first time in my life for the Republicans. i remember when President Bush was visiting here and said Sonny knows what i am talking about. we became part of the now famous Red States, we was suckered in. i am so so sorry i will never again vote a solid ticket. please Sam Nunn come back.

By Pat

May 13, 2005 03:04 PM | Link to this

What happened to the good ole boy, Republican, “I”ll take care of you” if you vote for me attitude?

By David Bockel

May 13, 2005 03:05 PM | Link to this

I am astounded at Congressman Lewis’s sudden interest in the military now that Fort McPherson is on the BRAC list. He has consistently voted against the military in Congress. Had he been listening to the concerns of citizens in his district and the news of the possiblity of losing this critical installation, he might have taken steps sooner to protect Fort Mac. He might even have gotten involved with the Atlanta Chamber which also “dissed” the military in the city. It’s about time somebody with a broader perspective ran against Congressman Lewis. I’ll certainly support whoever that is.

By Bill Howell

May 13, 2005 03:29 PM | Link to this

Well, it’s a small price to pay. It will save us 45 billion over 10 years. That’s half of the 90 billion in tax cuts we gave to our wealthiest Americans. All those people who are losing their jobs should be proud of their sacrifice for our wealthiest citizens.

By Lori Kay Johnston Wadsworth

May 13, 2005 03:29 PM | Link to this

My husband is currently stationed at Fort McPherson and is fixin’ to be stationed at Fort Gillem. Atlanta’s economy won’t be affected nearly as much as, for example, the cities surrounding Fort Hood, Texas, which were ghost towns when the Gulf War started (I was not there when the more recent deployments occured). I don’t think it’s about whether or not Atlantans want us here, although if it is, I wonder how many of our politicians and fellow American citizens would be willing to do the job that my husband does. He’s been in the Middle East for 17 of the past 25 months. Keep in mind also that these base closings are recommendations, and even if these recommendations are accepted, it would take quite some time for the base closings to occur. My husband is due to retire in June 2007, and I’m not really worried about his job bein’ affected. There will be plenty of time for all of those who will be affected to find other employment, etc. All in all, we military folks will roll with the punches like we always do. God bless our Commander-in-Chief!

By Rhonda K.

May 13, 2005 03:35 PM | Link to this

I would like to know how many of the people complaining about NACS closing actually live in the area. Perhaps you are missing the other news, once NACS is closed, the govenment is turning over 200 acres of the base to Cobb County!

Now, close Lockheed and open a regional airport!

By Chris

May 13, 2005 03:36 PM | Link to this

Georgia people: Bush did not make the list. Rumsfield was the culprit. In the end, Bush gets to vote for or against the entire list, not portions of it.

Also, talk about sour grapes and politics - do you know what the nicknmae is for the Kings Bay sub base? The “Jimmy Carter Memorial Sub Base” Jiummy was in the Navy and wanted Georgia to have one, so during run away inflation period of his administration, he forced the military to accept a new sub base and built everything Charleston had in it - all told to the tune of $1.1 billion dollars. Sam Nunn for years made certain Georgia got everything it wanted at the expense of other bases. Now Georgia is crying over a few small bases? Come on, it could have very well been worse. Just ask Albany.

By Sylvia R.Williams

May 13, 2005 04:22 PM | Link to this

As a retired member of U.S. Armed Forces, this is going to hurt a lot of people, but of course again we have no say so,we are little people no one cares. I do my shopping for groceries and other shopping on the base because the its more cost effective for me. A lot of familes use the bases for medical, and family entertainment. What has happen to wanting to make life comfortable for the military. With the war and all of this cutting going on it only tell me that the President don’t care about us little people. Yes he lives in Washington DC where there are plenty military bases that the military community can enjoy.

By MAC

May 13, 2005 04:27 PM | Link to this

Hello!! What’s the problem? After the realignment, Georgia will have a big net GAIN in the number of military personnel stationed in the state. Is it too much to ask that they be assigned to bases the military actually WANTS?

By BR

May 13, 2005 04:38 PM | Link to this

Finally. The land on these bases could be put to better economic use by the surronding communities. They are excess so let’s close them and put these assets to work and get them on the tax rolls. If some civilian jobs are lost, those affected can transfer or, here is a noble though, get a new job!

By Robert

May 13, 2005 04:55 PM | Link to this

Look at it this way… We may be 49th in education, be on the brink of losing thousands of substantial jobs via the closings, health care is laughably bad (unless you’re one of the dwindling numbers who can afford it), jobs are being offshored in increasing numbers and worked on by folks who are earning graduate degrees in engineering, biomedical research and computer science (while we’re focused on Brad and Angelina and who the next American Idol will be), social security is about to be gutted, and…well, you get my point.

All this brought to you by the same folks that Georgians overwhelmingly voted for.

Well, at least we’ve got “values.”

Thank the Lord for sending us Dubya & company as his personal representatives.

By John Burningham

May 13, 2005 05:27 PM | Link to this

The face of the military is changing as is the world. The main purpose for spreading bases throughout the country is politics and not military need as it was in the 19th and 20th century.

Atlanta has not needed a military base since the civil war, and the ones they had failed in defense of the city. The US’s future battles will be fought far from home and are no longer a homeland defense.

By BSR

May 13, 2005 06:07 PM | Link to this

Why should Georgia be exempt from base closings when virtually every other state also got hit. Many of them lost much more than Georgia. Everyone seems to think saving money is a great idea, especially considering our national debt, until it comes to the bases in THEIR state.

By Sarah

May 13, 2005 06:41 PM | Link to this

I think since businesses are having to get efficient, it’s time for the military also. Note to Chris: The study for Kings Bay was approved in 1975 and most of the dollars were not spent until the 80s. Also, what in the heck is a “nicknmae?”

By Winfield J. Abbe

May 13, 2005 07:05 PM | Link to this

What is the function of the United States Department of Defense? Is it to defend the United States of America against enemies or is it to provide jobs and social engineering for towns and cities throughout the country? Do any of those in these forums who support increased military presence in their cities ever think about how powerful the military already is? Do any care? There are already over 3,700 military installations in the U.S. After closing about 180 of them, there will still be over 3,500 left! This is exactly how the military promotes so much public support for its bloated multi billion dollar budgets every year, year in and year out. In one of his last addresses before leaving office, the late president Dwight D. Eisenhower, a former 5 star general and leader of the Allied Forces in World War II, gave a very prophetic speech warning the public of the insidious nature of military spending and defense of the country, and subsequent risks to our very way of life from a powerful military. He coined the phrase “military industrial complex”. Some of these posters who evidently care little about history ought to obtain a copy and listen to that speech from about 1959. The fact that even our so-called elected officials have failed miserably to deal with reduction in size of the military, to the point of having to delegate the process to a “commission” indicates the vision and insight in 1959 of the former two-term president and remarkable military general of World War II, for whom even interstate highways are named. Multi billions of public tax dollars have been provided to the military for many decades following World War II. Undeclared wars have taken many American Lives. But did all these expensive thousands of military installations in the United States prevent the disaster of 9/11/01? Will their continued existence prevent future similar disasters, when we cannot even control our own borders and some government federal officials responsible for controlling the border are currently being charged with corruption as just reported in the Los Angeles Times yesterday, 5/12/05? Will the military ever receive any thorough, objective, critical, review, outside of garden variety politics? Do they have any culpability for their patent failure to defend even their own building, the Pentagon, let alone the United States of America on 9/11/01, with virtually no, zero, public criticism? Is the military prepared for the next war, when troops are today being effectively used as human shields in Iraq, differing little from the tactics of the civil war days of nearly a century and a half ago? It is tragic President Eisenhower’s wisdom has fallen on deaf ears to succeeding generations, who evidently prefer sports and other entertainment to a serious reading of history.