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Can We Ever Get Intelligent Policy When Politicians Think An Island Can ‘Capsize’?

Here at the Pundit, we are pleased to have an enthusiastic readership in Guam, and we are pleased that we occasionally have had cause to write about Guam, including this piece back in 2008:

Cantaloupe ‘Alert’ Reaches Guam; What’s An Island To Do?

Recently Guam was in the news because there is a plan to send 8,000 marines, about 25,000 people with their families included, to Guam. Guam is the westernmost US territory and so the best place in America to maintain a forward posture ready to move into Asia or other points west if need be.

During hearings on the military build up, Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Georgia) decided to grill Adm. Robert Willard who is the head of the U.S. Pacific fleet:

“My fear is that the whole island will become so overly populated that it will tip over and capsize,” Johnson said.

Fortunately the Admiral was able to reassure the Congressman:

Willard paused and replied, “We don’t anticipate that.”

After the fact, the Congressman’s office issued a statement that the Congressman was just joking. We have our doubts. And watching this exchange depresses one at the thought we can ever get intelligent policy — on food safety or anything else. You can watch the video clip yourself and decide:

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