Support The USMC against Berkeley

OH-MY California doesn’t have freedom of speech? Too bad the Berkeley bone-heads still get the protection from the Marines! I passed the link on to all my military friend. Thanks!

How are the "anti-marine protesters" getting "special treatment"?

And just to be clear, they're not banning marines, just marine recruiters. I still understand the sentiments, but it's not quite the same.

As far as I know, this isn't even true. They passed a measure "urging" the USMC recruiting office to leave. They were getting ready to send a letter to the recruiting station, but GOP lawmakers in Washington threatened to cut off more than 2 million in federal funding, Berkley had a change of heart.

Berkley backs down in Marine controversey (Feb 13th 2008)

All the city actually did was make four parking spaces in front of the recruiters offices available to anti-war protesters for a few hours a week. Nothing worth getting your undies all in a knot about, IMO.

Joyce

dgriego

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fuzzy_dogs_mom

All the city actually did was make four parking spaces in front of the recruiters offices available to anti-war protesters for a few hours a week. Nothing worth getting your undies all in a knot about, IMO.

Joyce

Plus, it's BERKELEY!  Known for being the most pacifist city/community in this country.  Like the marines could expect any different... 
 

**content removed** probably get a lot of help through terrorist organizations like Code Pink.  I think the solution is a simple one.  You have to cut off all federal and state financial aid to these universities in efforts to curtail their promotion of socialist agenda and hatred for America.

CC

 CC, I respectfully request that you consider editing your previous post, as I found it highly offensive (and I don't even go to Berkeley).

Cita

 CC, I respectfully request that you consider editing your previous post, as I found it highly offensive (and I don't even go to Berkeley).

Ditto.  CC, you have a lot to learn.  One, there are no "stupid" people attending Berkeley - maybe young, maybe naive, but most definitely not stupid.  Two, this action wasn't taken by the students, it was  taken by city officials. Surely you're not really suggesting that people who are opposed to the war are part of some sort of secret terrorist organization, are you?

Joyce

What is that saying "better to keep quiet and be thought a fool...." ? My boss is a graduate of Berkeley and an extremely intelligent, non-drug using individual. Broad generalizations like this are really offensive.

**content removed, refers to edited content**  If there are some here not sure of the definition of 'terrorism', please feel free to use your dictionary.  If you are implying in a stereotypical fashion the word is only reserved for the bomb makers and carriers, you are clearly misinformed.  Code Pink is clearly is a terrorist group for they use intimidation and coercing methods speaking out against a government.

Can you tell me how to get...how to get to....

 CC.

I find a huge difference between those who oppose the war by protesting (the government who sends them, not those who go) and communicating with their elected officials, writing blogs, talking to others about how the war is wrong etc etc and those who as elected officials in a government meeting could come to the conclusion that the Marine corp recruiters could be labeled "unwelcome intruders" and that they as government officials gave their support (they are speaking for the city here) to anyone who would actively oppose the Marine corp recruiters in the carrying out of their duties. Even to the point of giving parking places outside the recruiters office to members of a radical organization (terrorists I think someone said).

 Is that truly the face of those who oppose the war? Is that truly how you feel? That you would actively go against the very ones who volunteer to serve and keep us safe? I have more respect for flag burners than for those who would treat the military in this fashion. The Marine corp recruiters did not start this war; they have no power to stop it they just serve wherever they are sent. It makes me very sad that the majority here seem to support this action.  My assumption was that no matter what the view of the war, most would see this as a slap to the military. I guess the military is just not as respected and appreciated as I thought.

 I do not see the actions of the city council as protected by the constitution. They are not speaking as citizens here and they are not just opposing the war, they are seeking to interfere with the USMC and prevent them from doing that which they are required to do. That is treason against the government.

 I can respect those who are against the war, even I am not that happy about it although I support the US military 100%. If I get to the point where I can no longer support the war, then I will write my elected officials and I will cast my vote at the ballot but you would not catch me dead ever burning a flag, spitting on a soldier or embarrassing my country.

 I am saddened that so many seem to not have a problem with what the city officials did. Their right to free speech was brought up; yes all citizens have that right. The blood of those who serve purchased it for them. The very ones who are labeled as “unwelcome intruders”. I do not think free speech is in question here since these are government officials actively opposing the government but even if it does fall under free speech it is shameful and embarrassing to share the same country with these folks.

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 I am trying very hard to bite my tongue, as I'm pretty incensed reading this thread.

Have those of you bashing Berkeley ever visited the town? Have those of you bashing the school spent any time at all on campus? Met any of the professors or, better yet, the students?

Berkeley is an excellent school with some truly brilliant professors and students. The town is most definitely eccentric with all sorts of radicals (both liberal and conservative), but I find it quite charming and a welcome sight in a country that is filled with so many nameless suburban towns that are indistinguishable from all the rest. Berkeley at least has character, and while you are welcome to disagree with the general "feel" of the town, it is as far from a homogeneous population as I can imagine!

UC Berkeley was my #2 choice school, I have about 15 close friends who have gone there for undergrad or grad work, and I have had the privilege of working with a couple of professors from Berkeley. Of all of those, only about 5 would really be considered "liberal," and only 2 were ever "activists" of any sort. (One was a human rights advocate who now does a lot of pro bono civil rights law and the other was an environmentalist who showed her "radicalism" by organizing tree planting groups in local communities. Yep, sounds like a terrorist to me.)

I understand completely being angry at a city's political decisions, ordinances, or political leaders. But please, please, please take it easy on the stereotypes and entire city-bashing. Please?

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As for France, well they do make great wine and cheese and they do have some great places to see and nice paintings to look at, but I have been there and when I went it was as a US Military member and I and those I was with were treated very poorly. I had policemen tell me to f off and die when all I was doing was asking them for directions to my hotel, had cab drivers drive away once we spoke and they realized we were American and almost everyone outside of the normal tourist spots was downright rude and made no attempt to hide their disdain of Americans, so it is not just that which I hear in the news about France that shapes my opinions, it is the very real treatment that I received when I spent time in that country.