Sadly, Congress is so intent on creating a broken state they have set in motion a chain of events that culminate in preventing serving military stationed at bases in this country from having Fourth of July celebrations. Bases are on restricted budgets because Republicans would rather play political games than ensure we are a functioning democracy. So the budget sitting on a back shelf gathering dust while they attempt to repeal legislation they don't like means no fireworks for troops at bases like Camp Lejeune.
I can't begin to express how wrong this is.
The failure in Washington to follow up a 2011 budget pact with additional spending cuts meant $85 billion across-the-board cuts that began in March. Budgets tightened, the military took a major hit and many federal workers absorbed pay cuts through forced furloughs.
When the decision was made to forgo fireworks at Camp Lejeune, the commanding general, Brig. Gen. Thomas Gorry, said the cancellation would "ensure that we can mitigate the fiscal challenges we are currently facing."
Last year's Independence Day at the base cost about $100,000, including $25,000 for the fireworks. The big issue is paying the overtime to personnel for security, transportation, logistics and safety. Base officials said they couldn't justify paying overtime when federal workers are losing pay while furloughed.