Re: research topic

[Michael Hoover <hooverm@xxxxxxxxxx>]

>>> lnp3@xxxxxxxxx 08/24/05 2:14 PM >>>
>It would be interesting if someone could do a study of the >connection of the split between "Red" and "Blue" states (in the 
> U.S.) and the location of military bases that are closed.
>Jim Devine

Yesterday somebody posted the item below to Marxmail. So much for platitudes about red states marching in lock-step to the Bush agenda. I have a very strong sense that concerns about the price of gasoline, the war in Iraq, Terri Schiavo intrusions, etc., are doing more than anything to debunk the notion of Amerikkka slipping into fascism than anything. In the bottom of my bones, I feel that an audacious and intelligent bid to form a 3rd party is more feasible than ever. The main obstacle to this is the dead
hand of Democratic Party illusions.
<<<<<>>>>>

vast majority of facilities being closed are reserve and national guard centers, probably more to do with centralizing command/ control structures that intent to cut costs, don't really subscribe to 'red'/'blue' state framework myself but quick perusal of below web site doesn't appear to indicate any such specific pattern (interesting, however, that full-fledged bases in texas score number of significant gains)...    

http://www.defenselink.mil/brac/pdf/Appendix_C_FinalUpdated.pdf

re. potential 3rd party, dems are symptom, structure & culture of US electoral politics remain obstacles: premium placed on majority/plurality results, single-member legislative districts, "winner-take-all" offices, ballot access restrictions, absence of media attention, campaign costs...   michael hoover
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