November 3, 1998 Naval Base   It's ironic that your Editorial comments (October 16) deriding the intentions of citizens fighting to protect tax-payers assets coincide with the City of Long Beach suing the Federal Government over an equally oppressive FEMA decision. It seems that this FEMA issue would help our "leaders" realize something is seriously wrong when government ignores the best interests of those that fund it. It is difficult to understand why "representatives" who have voted to subsidize a variety of contrived schemes to attract tourists fail to recognize the enormous potential and substantive merit of a resource that they are so determined to destroy. The popularity of Saving Private Ryan and the success of San Franciscos Presidio, indicate there is more value in the Navy Bases historically rich architectural treasures than trying to net a profit by subsidizing financially troubled Asian shipping companies. Even the Navy's research revealed that more jobs and less environmental damage would occur by saving the Base. Yes, it is frustrating to wait until 2000 to let voters decide the best use of this tax-funded resource. Perhaps it's time for our "leaders" to revise their flawed predetermined decision. Colette Marie McLaughlin Long Beach