Meaning: The quote "Stopping Vieques bombing range good; sooner is better" by Ed Pastor, a former U.S. Congressman from Arizona, reflects a significant and contentious issue that has been ongoing for decades. The statement refers to the controversy surrounding the use of the island of Vieques, located just east of Puerto Rico, as a bombing range by the United States Navy. This quote encapsulates the sentiment that the cessation of military exercises and bombing on Vieques is a positive development, and that a swift resolution is preferable.

The island of Vieques has long been a focal point for debate and protest due to the U.S. Navy's use of a significant portion of its land as a training ground for military exercises, including bombing and shelling. The Navy's presence on the island dates back to the early 20th century, and the subsequent impact on the local population and environment has been a source of contention and activism for many years.

The sentiment expressed in Ed Pastor's quote aligns with the views of many activists, politicians, and residents of Vieques who have long sought an end to the military exercises on the island. The environmental and health impacts of the Navy's activities, as well as the displacement of local residents and disruption of traditional ways of life, have been central concerns driving the movement to stop the bombing range.

The quote also emphasizes the urgency of the situation, suggesting that the sooner the bombing range is stopped, the better. This sense of immediacy reflects the pressing need to address the ongoing harm caused by the military activities on Vieques. It also underscores the desire for a swift resolution to the longstanding conflict, acknowledging the suffering and injustices experienced by the people of Vieques.

The movement to stop the bombing range on Vieques has been characterized by a diverse coalition of activists, including local residents, environmental advocates, and supporters of Puerto Rican independence. Their efforts have drawn attention to the disproportionate impact of military activities on marginalized communities and have sought to hold the U.S. government and military accountable for the harm caused by their actions.

In 1999, the situation gained heightened national and international attention when a civilian security guard was killed and four others were injured by a wayward bomb during a training exercise on the island. This tragic event galvanized support for the movement to end the bombing range and led to increased scrutiny of the Navy's presence on Vieques.

Ultimately, the pressure and advocacy efforts of activists and supporters led to significant developments. In 2001, the U.S. Navy announced plans to cease military exercises on Vieques, marking a pivotal moment in the struggle to end the bombing range. This decision was celebrated as a major victory by those who had long fought for justice and the well-being of the island's inhabitants.

Following the Navy's announcement, efforts were made to address the environmental and health impacts of decades of military activities on Vieques. Cleanup and restoration initiatives were initiated, aiming to mitigate the damage caused by bombing and shelling and to support the revitalization of the island's natural ecosystems.

In conclusion, Ed Pastor's quote encapsulates the sentiment of many who have advocated for an end to the bombing range on Vieques. It reflects the belief that the cessation of military exercises is a positive development and emphasizes the urgency of addressing the longstanding issues surrounding the impact of the Navy's activities on the island. The struggle to stop the bombing range on Vieques serves as a testament to the power of grassroots activism and the potential for change in the face of injustice and environmental degradation.