“And I searched for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found no one.” – Ezekiel 22:30.

There has always been a “gap” between military and civilian life. I got to northern Maine via Loring Air Force Base and couldn’t stand the area or the people the first couple of years here. I got out and have stayed here since 1972.

So, maybe you could also make a case that by having bases in the area, military people would end up liking that location and staying there when they get out to support the local economy. But this is no more a reason to keep a base open than your reason of proximity helping to promote trust.

The primary reason for keeping a base in operation is whether it is vital to the defense of the United States. Otherwise you are taking resources away from the areas where it is located.

I would imagine there are columns like yours in editorial pages all over the country where the BRAC list will make an impact. I do not necessarily agree with your observation that people in the South are more supportive than people in Maine. Having Loring removed from northern Maine does not make northern Mainers any less supportive of the military.

Ron McArdle

Presque Isle