Thursday, March 11 2010 - 11:26 PM
A Different Perspective
As I sit on a flight line not far from the demilitarized zone in South Korea I received word that the mayor has traveled to China. He is not very far from where I sit, but our philosophies could not be farther apart. The Chinese have hacked our government and private company computer systems, manipulate the dollar, censor and persecute free speech, and currently participate in a large scale espionage effort against us. As much as residents may be intrigued by the notion of new business coming to Lancaster via China, it is time to let the fog pass, clear our heads, and take a hard, cold look at reality. The Antelope Valley has been a hotbed for developmental defense programs helping protect America for decades. These jobs can and should be expanded and investment continued to help defend America and create jobs. Cooperation with Palmdale and investment in the Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance is necessary to ensure that our jobs stay right here in this Valley and are not outsourced to other states and even other California locations. This trip to China implies, if not blatantly states, that we have run out of American businesses to recruit. That is absurd! A few weeks ago the Airborne Laser program, right here in the Antelope Valley, became the first to shoot down a ballistic missile with a laser. This technology has the potential to be a “game-changer” in the age of nuclear proliferation. Last year, Airborne Laser’s budget was cut… these are the types of programs that I support delegations to lobby for expansion in the Valley. What better job than defending America?

Johnathon Ervin
Candidate for Lancaster City Council
Osan, South Korea

Would you like to comment on this blog post? Login to talk back!