The Forum’s Base Closure Editorial
The Forum's editorial in today's paper takes on the issue of air base closures here in North Dakota, definitely a popular topic. However, the stand they take I imagine will get some unpopular reviews.
The Forum- The case to keep the Air Guard's best fighter unit in Fargo must be based first on the value of its mission to the nation's defense, and second on its economic value and historic ties to the region."
Those words also apply to the big Air Force bases at Grand Forks and Minot. All three bases, after all, exist to defend the nation. That is their paramount purpose, their mission. That they also are economic engines for the region is important, but should not be the primary reason for keeping them open
I have to agree with them 100%. While all North Dakotans appreciate the economic impact that these bases give to our state, this impact is only a by-product of their primary purpose. That purpose is the defense of our country. If our bases are not what America needs to defend itself for 21st century warfare, then we as North Dakotans have to respect that decision, even if we don't like it.
And memo to Senator Kent Conrad and Co. Your petition sign-up list will have zero impact on the BRAC decision. Quit trying to shamelessly get publicity over this issue.













