01-18-2008, 01:18 PM
Yes, Bob. The military uses private transport to move men. But, generally speaking, they do not use private transport to transport machinery. The concern is that the military will "outsource" essential capabilities, leaving us more vulnerable when those capabilities are needed, and leaving the military less self-contained, and therefore less ready to meet the challenges.
And, yes, there is a concern (okay, it's just mine, not sure if it is shared) that it was understood that the Superferry would not be economically feasible without the military, and that further militarization of the islands, especially Hawai'i Island was another goal.
Military, hoorah! Further militarization of the islands, boo. The militarization of the Hawaii is not intended to protect the islands, or the mainland (it could not do that -- we will shortly be outgunned). Politics is the sole and intended purpose of militarizing the islands. That's fine. But get your own damn boats.
And, yes, there is a concern (okay, it's just mine, not sure if it is shared) that it was understood that the Superferry would not be economically feasible without the military, and that further militarization of the islands, especially Hawai'i Island was another goal.
Military, hoorah! Further militarization of the islands, boo. The militarization of the Hawaii is not intended to protect the islands, or the mainland (it could not do that -- we will shortly be outgunned). Politics is the sole and intended purpose of militarizing the islands. That's fine. But get your own damn boats.