Military Base Closings

We do need to reduce the cost of military bases, but we should focus on cutting bases overseas, such as those in Germany that are leftover from the Cold War. Overseas bases cause a drain on our economy and benefit mainly our foreign competitors. Reducing overseas bases expenditures would significantly improve our foreign balance of payments problem in addition to reducing the deficit.

We should bring the troops back home and concentrate our efforts on rapid deployment. This could support both our interests and any United Nations policing actions worldwide.

Expansion of our rapid deployment capability would also provide appropriate work to help compensate for the skilled jobs lost recently in industry.

WILFRED E. PEARCE

Mission Viejo