Cheney to Close More Bases

Regarding military base closings: California areas targeted have reasons to rejoice. They would need less water; there would be less highway congestion, fewer smog generators, less trash and toxics to be trucked away and, with Air Force bases, some noise abatement. The facilities closed might provide some housing relief and/or sites for consumer-related industries that might help with our imbalance of foreign payments. The land occupied, if in civilian use, would add to the tax rolls.

California should thank Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney.

H.L. THORNTON

Santa Barbara