My first day in Vicenza while walking through the historical center I talked to these people who had
booths set up and were passing out flyers for the July 4th protest against the new Vicenza base.
I hung out with them for hours.

Talked to many people for and against. Some people who aren't even against the U.S. presents are
still against the base because of it being so close to the city.

At any rate looks like it's a done deal. Italy has always had a minor U.S. military role compared
to Germany. Now Italy will have a bigger base than the one in Germany.

Independence day in Vicenza, Italy // Current Jul 4, 2009 ... in Vicenza against the building of
the American military base ... issue of the base, which should become the largest in Europe. ...
Current is about what's going on in your world: all the things ... take us with you ...
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Anti-U.S. Uproar Sweeps Italy | AfterDowningStreet.org We Don't Need Another Military Base in Vicenza, Italy ... In addition,
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The military is being dwindled down to a minimum here in Germany, both British and American Forces. The enemy has moved.

"The enemy has moved." Why shouldn't Italians feel the same way.

Before I misunderstand anything, I take it you don't agree with a large American military presence in Italy? I'm sure the average Italian feels the same way, BUT, speaking from experience in this country, it is sorely felt economically when the troops decide to go home, with loss of employment and revenue.

The Italians work very closely with the US, the UN and Russia, often volunteering participation in military exercises. Geographically speaking, the enemy has moved, and Italy is in a good position on the map.

Your thoughts?

Oh, now I get what you mean. You have a point especially if you're into war and war for profit. Just kidding.

E come ho detto there are many Italians who are not against the U.S. military in Italy per se but against
the location of this new mega base because it is too near the city. They're afraid if there were a terrorist
attack the city would be in danger too. Who could disagree with this. Although on this forum I'm sure
there are those who could disagree with any logic. Never have I seen such a conservative bunch. LOLROTF! Sto scherzando ma e vero.

Thinking about Heidelberg, the US Base there is a city in itself. Even bigger in Vicenza? Now I get´YOUR point! LOL

Sorry Villa but I think all the real conservatives have been kiccked out ! We lost many and the forum I think is shifting toward liberal. I still have to find somebody on the Berlusconi side on this forum ...and since he is elected there mmust be some statistically...
Going back to the base as I mentioned before I think Italy likes US bases so Italy can save on military spending. All this US bases allow Italy to have only a pseudo-army while the US is paying the real money for the real army.

LOL! Paolo, I think you're right. Probably has a lot to do with the Republicans losing.

Good point too about the U.S. paying the bills.

A proposito of the U.S, paying the bills. Went on the Vicenza post a few times on my visit. They have
a big indoor swimming pool that is about half finished. Well the Italian company that was building the
pool skipped town with the money and the things they build aren't really any good so it just can't be
finished by another company.

Here's some insight into the US Base at Vicenza for those who are unfamiliar with it (and the US Army in general):

On Base: Vicenza

http://www.usag.vicenza.army.mil/sites/local/

Had to smile at this as your comment brought back some memories, having worked for Nato with the Americans, regular drug use being one of them (oh the smell of almonds in the PX), and the recruits receiving awards for (to a Europeans' eyes) not doing much, like getting up in the morning. Sorry for the sarcacasm.

It's very much a different world, isn't it?

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