We are not living in an ideal world. If we were, rational and reasoned thought would override political favoritism every time. It doesn’t.

And, yet, in selecting appointees to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission, we are asked to ignore this country’s political reality.

“In an ideal world, where a commissioner is from should make no difference,” according to Capt. Ralph Dean, a volunteer working to keep the Brunswick Naval Air Station open. He suggests that the lack of representation from New England on this powerful commission should not hinder the argument to keep the Brunswick base operational.

That would be nice if it were true. But it isn’t, and playing nice doesn’t work in politics.

The Brunswick Naval Air Station is vital, not only to Maine’s economy, but to the security of this nation. It is the last line of defense in the northeast and, with all the fretting about the insecurity of our border with Canada, closing this base could be disastrous.

There will be nine people appointed to serve on this commission; six have already been chosen. The six hail from California, Utah, Illinois and Virginia. The east – the most heavily populated region and most likely target of attack – is grossly underrepresented, with New England representation absent. That cannot be allowed to stand.

The Bush administration will appoint the remaining three members of this commission. One of them must represent the interests of New England if we are serious about protecting the interests of the United States.