Fort wouldn't be closing if a Democrat were in office
I think we need to look at the big picture in order to gain understanding as to why Fort Monmouth will be closing its gates in approximately two years. The reason being George W. Bush signed the execution order. Once he put his signature to that document, many of us knew it was a "done deal" and no amount of protest was going to rescind his executive order. In my opinion, had there been a Democrat in the White House, Fort Monmouth would not be sailing into history.

Perhaps back in 2000, if the union here at Fort Monmouth and at other bases had been more instrumental in bringing this fact to the attention of their federal employees and impressing upon them how important it was to vote Democratic, I wouldn't be writing this letter today. I know as a fact that had there been a Democrat in the White House, this dastardly thing would never have happened. In my opinion, the onus of the blame falls firmly on George Bush!

My heart goes out to all of those federal workers who will be impacted by the fort's closing and the closing of dozens of other military bases. I might suggest, if you are not eligible for federal retirement benefits at the time of the closing, then consider relocating to Maryland, because in these days pink slips are a way of life from Wall Street to Madison Avenue. Keep in mind that as a federal employee, you are not losing your job but merely being offered relocation rights along with all the frills and accoutrements. As such, take the offer and run; you can always return to New Jersey after you retire.
Thomas A. Blasi
Eatontown