I don't doubt that Tuberville's antics influenced the decision, but it's worth noting that the actual head of Space Command, Gen. James Dickinson, preferred the Colorado Springs location. Also not talked about: I'm thinking that branches of the military that want to recruit women are going to be mighty leery of anti-abortion state locations--if I were a young woman considering the military, I would much rather be stationed in Colorado than Alabama.
I wish Joe P had given the fuller context behind the decision rather than making it sound purely vindictive on Biden's part or about simply going against the Air Force's recommendation.
One of the reasons Biden made the decision for Space Command to stay in Colorado was some kind of quality of life for the members. I can't find that info now.
Biden made a reasonable call. That this needed to move to a red state is just politics from the other side.
Colorado makes more sense to me. The Airforce Academy is out there. And there are a gazillion reasons other than abortion that Colorado is a more desirable place to live/recruit for than Alabama: weather, career opportunities outside of the military, culture, proximity to major cities.
Play stupid games win stupid prizes. Tuberville has done nothing to make his state a desirable place to live. Alabama lags in all educational, health, and economic metrics. I am 100% supportive of building bases places service members would want to live and raise families.
Wow such a good point about quality of life for family and service members. I often think that kind of thing when Manchin is championing various fossil fuel projects saying theyтАЩll be good for WVтАЩs economy, meanwhile itтАЩs bottom of the barrel there in so many national metrics.
I just signed up for the Bulwark after being curious for awhile and got to say this is the sanest and most educational comment section I can remember reading in ages! Sorry if this reads like a bot ha but IтАЩm so used to all political discussion being full of vitriolтАж
I live in Alabama and I agree. We moved here to retire and be close to family members. Our daughter who followed us here appreciates what we do about the area we live in, particularly the natural beauty, small town vibe, and low cost of living. But she's had an awful time finding a good school for our grandson. That's a big deal for young families.
The abortion issue makes it clear that Alabama does not prioritize women's right to bodily autonomy. So, yes, keep it in Colorado.
Even if I were a male spouse in the service, I wouldn't be looking forward to being *forced* to watch my wife suffer as she is carrying a non-viable fetus.
This is also ironic since Colorado Springs is (was) a conservative bastion - because of the large military presence - in an otherwise liberal state.
I don't doubt that Tuberville's antics influenced the decision, but it's worth noting that the actual head of Space Command, Gen. James Dickinson, preferred the Colorado Springs location. Also not talked about: I'm thinking that branches of the military that want to recruit women are going to be mighty leery of anti-abortion state locations--if I were a young woman considering the military, I would much rather be stationed in Colorado than Alabama.
Exactly - this AP article lays out the full context very clearly.
https://apnews.com/article/space-command-biden-colorado-alabama-382b12b57733848fd1d083227aefa0bf
I wish Joe P had given the fuller context behind the decision rather than making it sound purely vindictive on Biden's part or about simply going against the Air Force's recommendation.
One of the reasons Biden made the decision for Space Command to stay in Colorado was some kind of quality of life for the members. I can't find that info now.
Biden made a reasonable call. That this needed to move to a red state is just politics from the other side.
I think that the army should transfer all soldiers who are capable of procreating, that means men and women, out of Alabama.
Colorado makes more sense to me. The Airforce Academy is out there. And there are a gazillion reasons other than abortion that Colorado is a more desirable place to live/recruit for than Alabama: weather, career opportunities outside of the military, culture, proximity to major cities.
Play stupid games win stupid prizes. Tuberville has done nothing to make his state a desirable place to live. Alabama lags in all educational, health, and economic metrics. I am 100% supportive of building bases places service members would want to live and raise families.
Wow such a good point about quality of life for family and service members. I often think that kind of thing when Manchin is championing various fossil fuel projects saying theyтАЩll be good for WVтАЩs economy, meanwhile itтАЩs bottom of the barrel there in so many national metrics.
I just signed up for the Bulwark after being curious for awhile and got to say this is the sanest and most educational comment section I can remember reading in ages! Sorry if this reads like a bot ha but IтАЩm so used to all political discussion being full of vitriolтАж
I live in Alabama and I agree. We moved here to retire and be close to family members. Our daughter who followed us here appreciates what we do about the area we live in, particularly the natural beauty, small town vibe, and low cost of living. But she's had an awful time finding a good school for our grandson. That's a big deal for young families.
The abortion issue makes it clear that Alabama does not prioritize women's right to bodily autonomy. So, yes, keep it in Colorado.
Ditto for the wives of service members.
Even if I were a male spouse in the service, I wouldn't be looking forward to being *forced* to watch my wife suffer as she is carrying a non-viable fetus.
This is also ironic since Colorado Springs is (was) a conservative bastion - because of the large military presence - in an otherwise liberal state.
Absolutely. Great point.
DING DING DING