173 ATC Towers to Close

Isn't that the point?

..Gov once again employing emotional extortion to get what they want?

By cutting or threatening cuts that are overwhelmingly "bottom-up", and exact maximumal suffering and exposure upon the general public, "we" are far more likely to cave in to .Gov's insatiable desire for more $$ and/or control.

Throw in a few "public safety" and "for the children" clauses and you have covered 90% of modern political rhetoric.