Opinion: Good for Puerto Rican island

President Bush made the correct decision in calling an end to military exercises on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques. The live bombing was a vestige of colonialism at its worst, and halting the target practice removes a threat to the public safety of islanders and a growing irritant to relations with Puerto Rico.

Even though Bush's decisions enraged military leaders and failed to quiet critics on the other side, he still did more for island residents than former President Clinton did in his two terms. (But that didn't keep Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., from dismissing Bush's move as a "mirage.") The Navy will end exercises there by 2003. A panel will find an alternative site for live-fire air and sea training.

President Bush struck a proper balance between the island's military value and political sensitivity to the issue.

Before leaving Vieques, the Bush administration should conduct an environmental assessment to determine how 60 years of bombing exercises have affected the island. The government owes it to Puerto Rico to leave the bombing range habitable and to accept responsibility for any environmental damage or health dangers to island residents.

The Pentagon is upset by the president's decision, and the military's allies in Congress are accusing Bush of putting politics ahead of national security. Meanwhile, critics on the other side say the Navy is not withdrawing soon enough and vow to continue their protests. We believe, however, that President Bush deserves credit for starting the clock on an overdue move.

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