August 22, 2007

I would like to thank my neighbors, your neighbors, fellow citizens, and the Navy (Yes, the Navy). This all started because I asked two questions: Who changed the 2004 AICUZ map and why? And who from Monroe County government requested the changes? I never would have imagined what those questions would reveal about our community. The U.S. Constitution gives all of us freedom(s), including the best one of all, freedom of speech. The last one allows even the “bullies” to call me, or their neighbor, a traitor without reprisal. Welcome to America. I would never have imagined the support and donations (for attorneys fees) from people with sons and daughters in Iraq and from people who have lived here for over 30 years. Amazingly, this support is not limited to a geographical location. And I am grateful for the donations for noise monitors that allow us all to tell the Navy what they do not want to hear — that their “sound of freedom” is killing us. Do I have the right to ask the Navy to comply with federal regulations to fly dangerous planes that can wipe out neighborhoods with one malfunction? Yes. If we do not use that right, we lose that right. Should we ask the Navy to follow the laws? Yes. Communities all over America are doing just that. I can tell you that what I found out has not left me smiling. You have no right to question our neighbor on Boca Chica Key about environmental impact statements or their use of dangerous F-18 Super Hornet aircraft over our homes. Or to ask about the conditions of the four declared “Superfund” sites (Superfund sites are the nation’s worst toxic waste sites) littered throughout Key West. Or the 20-plus other chemically polluted toxic sites located in the city of Key West. Or why the Navy spent over a million dollars repairing their private marina last year, and only $12,000 on Key West toxic cleanup since 2000. We cannot stop asking the Navy questions. And by the way, where are these 9,000 military personnel that spend $350 million in our local economy? (Quoting Capt. J.R. Brown on US1 Radio.) The Key West Chamber of Commerce found out two weeks ago that the real figure is less than $4,000. (Quoting Capt. J.R. Brown at Key West affordable housing meeting.) So, to our Superfund neighbors in Old Town, New Town, Truman Annex, Key Haven and north Stock Island who think that our Navy problem is not their Navy problem, we invite you to join our cause. I predict that it won’t be long until the required attire for Key West beaches will be hazmat suits and you, too, will be asking questions of the Navy. And to the military bullies in our community, the Navy announced today they would not raise the price on a sixpack of beer. Pull the tab and let’s hear “sound of freedom.”

Paul S. Caruso