Months later on April 19,1999, one of Torres's co-workers, David Sanes Rodriguez was pulling duty at the same post when a Navy F-18 dumped two 5,000-pound bombs about 1.9 miles off course. Unlike the inert practice bombs Torres encountered, these projectiles packed lives explosives. Sanes was killed, and four other base employees were injured. This incident has stirred widespread political opposition to the Navy's 60 year heg

Those who support the Navy in Vieques base their position on three major points: that the Vieques target range is the final tune-up before steaming off to overseas conflict; that all other alternative sites considered so far pose logistical problems; and that there is nowhere else that the Atlantic Fleet can conduct exercises with air, land and sea raids.

For this reason the people have had a tremendous outrage against they Navy. Given the privilege to practice in Vieques, the Navy neglected to ensure the safety of all.

Vieques is considered the final tune-up for war, but that's only good for the Navy. What do the island's people get in return? Why should they allow the Navy to remain there when all they are doing is tearing apart their homeland. If perhaps there was a mutual benefit, which obviously there's not, the Navy could get to stay there. Other than military aid, Vieques will never get anything in return unless the people speak out about the issue. Plus, what are the odds that Vieques will get into conflict with another country? Slim if any chances do exist therefore, the people are being smart enough to ask for a recompense of some sort, and even the complete removal of the Navy from the island. Vieques is wanted for it's land to practice on in order to save soldier lives. So if soldier lives are so treasured, shouldn't the lives of the civilians be valued also? If the Navy is fighting for this island to save lives, shouldn't they ensure the safety of it's inhabitants too?!

To solve the protesting on this issue on May 2000, President Clinton offered a plan. He proposed that $40 million was to be given to Vieques if they allowed the bombing to resume, and another $50 million if they would allow the Navy to use live bombs rather than inert (MCNAMARA A05). That's like saying, "We already know you're a whore... now we just have to settle on your price" (LAWRENCE). "The offer was a step forward but it fell short of range, just like the bomb that killed David Sanes," said Miguel Alvarado (qtd in MARINO "85,000" A05). Unfortunately, the United States has lost their opportunity for a clean settlement. I think that anyway this story comes to an end the people will always be given the recognition for being right. All these plans ans supposed agreements have only proved the Navy's frustration to keep the island. While they all have failed to make plans to improve the livelihood and the environment, the people are further convinced on the inconsider!

Moreover, Vieques is the only island where exercises with aircraft dropping bombs, ships firing shells and Marines storming a beach can be executed simultaneously. Like Lieutenant Commander John Kirby said, "I can say that Vieques is a one-of-a-kind training facility. It is a vital . . . facility for our sailors and Marines. There is simply no other place where we can train our forces in a combined arms training environment"(qtd in MARINO "Vieques" A05). This is one of the is

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 2007
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)