Letter Fwd: [Enzo Ciscato] US overseas bases not welcome

* The Below is from Enzo Ciscato, Vicenza, Italy on July 18, 2010. Upon J. D.'s thankful forward of the Texas Insider article on July 14, "Hutchison: Military Construction Program Should be Fiscally Responsible Strategically Sound," he has proposed to write a message to Hutchison from the regions. Thanks very much, Enzo, for sharing!
______________________________________________________________

Dear Senator Hutchison,

we read your speech dtd July 13th expressing your concern about the money
spent for US military bases abroad.

For us, from Europe, it has been truly surprising to see the increase of
military spending with Pres Obama administration.

We fully agree: US troops should return to USA. More jobs could be created
in the nation, a lot of money could be saved and diverted to health,
enviroment and education instead of billions spent around the world.

We are citizens of Vicenza, one of the many cities suffering from the
presence of US military sites.

In addition to the base built in the 50s we have a new base being built on
the opposite side of the town (population 110,000).

The construction of the new/second base started in 2009.
Underneath there is one of the main groundwater resources of Italy.
Thousands of poles (up to 26 mtrs long) have been forced into the ground
to allow this construction with unkwnon damages.

The large majority of the population don't want this new base. Our land is
already full of military sites (mostly US).

Our city, Vicenza, is a UNESCO Heritage site and is being violated by this
military construction located only about 1 mile from the historic center.

It's four years we are protesting against this new base at DAL MOLIN.
We know that our story is very similar to other sites in South Korea,
Japan, Guam, just to mention a few.

About 30% of the running cost of the US bases are on the shoulders of the
hosting nations. We don't want to pay these costs.

Our economical situation is very difficult and these bases are not
bringing any benefit.

We don't want any more US soldiers in our town, in our country.

With your proposals you can make US military families and taxpayers
happier and also millions of people around the world.

Please carry on !

Annetta M Reams and Enzo Ciscato
Vicenza - Italy