FOXNews.com On The Scene

Former Berkeley City Council Member Tells Fox “Marine Recruiters Lie”

I hope you caught my interview with Ying Lee, a former Berkeley city council member and supporter of Code Pink protest efforts in front of the Marine recruiting office in Berkeley on our “You Decide 2008″ show today. I just wrapped that interview and I am stunned that leadership in a community that opposes the war believes it can deprive the rest of us from the safety and security offered by the brave men and women willing to sign up.

If Americans all took the approach taken by the Berkeley city council and its mayor – bashing the boots on the ground – what would that mean for you and me?

Keep your comments flowing…Berkeley is listening!

 

Tags: , , ,

Share This

179 Responses to “Former Berkeley City Council Member Tells Fox “Marine Recruiters Lie””

Pages: [2] 1 » Show All

Comment by Amber

If the Marines are “univited and unwelcomed intuders” then the people arguing this are unwanted and unamerican citizens.

 
Comment by Richard Knaus

From a retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant and a survivor of Viet Nam, Arabian Gulf and Recruiting Duty; Thank You.

Thanks to all the wonderful people who have kind words of support for those who serve their country.

Your kind words and appreciation of the sacrifices military members make is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

The Gunny

 
Comment by Arlene Faul

Thank you Jamie, for giving us the opportunity to respond to those who do not appreciate nor understand the value of our military. I believe President Lincoln said it best:

PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN –
“Congressmen who willfully take actions during wartime that damage moral and undermine the military are saboteurs and should be arrested, exiled or Hanged!!!”
(I would expand on this quote to include civilian cults like Code Pink)

President Bush is the Commander In Chief. It is “his” property they are desecrating and “his” troops they are insulting. I sincerely wish he would get all those patriotic congressman together and make it against the law to interfere with the day to day operations of military businesses no matter where they are located.
Thank you,
Arlene
Fresno CA

 
Comment by Nancy

Jamie Colby,

Are the police sure the fellow using the murdered girls credit card, is wearing a cap with a star?

I think it looks exactly like a helmet, the type the Telephone Co. or Power Co use…

Just an observation.
Thanks, Nancy

 
Comment by John Davis, RN

I join Code Pink in Berkeley every Wednesday between 12-4. I live in Pittsburh, and take the BART into Berkeley. There are counter-demonstrators, and for the most part, we are all respectful to each other.

To bust a myth (lie) being spread: No one is trying to deny the Marines their freedom of speech. The USMC denies marines the freedom of speech. If you support the war, you can say so. If you oppose it, and think it was a mistake and a farce, you can’t say so without being brought up on charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

The Marines recruiters have not left (yet), but frequently close the office. Given the static that they KNOW we’re going to give them, wouldn’t their recruiting mission be better served somewhere OTHERR than Berkeley, where they are unwanted?

 
Comment by Socorro

I don’t understand the problem there have been recruting places at just about every city for years. I say get the Marines out and when a castrophy happens let them fend for themselves. My husband was in the AirForce and my father in law was with the 101st Screaming Eagles. My family supports the all armed services as a matter of fact my husband and daughter are talking to the Army Recruter at this time It’s a choice my daughter has made and I support her. God Bless our Troups. Thank you recruters for doing your job.

 
Comment by Eugene

Every American citizen should protest their tax dollars going to people who persecute those giving their lives to protect our freedom.

WOULD YOU APPROVE THE U.S. GOVERNMENT GIVING FEDERAL FUNDS TO REIMBURSE THE COSTS OF THOSE ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED IN THE WORLD TRADE CENTER BOMBINGS?

Then why would you approve those who express disdain for those who have and will continue to sacrifice their lives to prevent another attack on the United States and democracy?

For God’s sake don’t give funding with Federal tax dollars paid by citizens who support democracy, to a city filled with people too weak willed, lacking personal integrity, and willing to allow these lazy fat ass anti-democracy losers on the Berkeley City Counsel to represent them.

 
Comment by Eugene

Every American citizen should protest their tax dollars going to people who persecute those giving their lives to protect our freedom.

WOULD YOU APPROVE THE U.S. GOVERNMENT GIVING FEDERAL FUNDS TO REIMBURSE THE COSTS OF THOSE ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED IN THE WORLD TRADE CENTER BOMBINGS?

Then why would you approve those who express disdain for those who have and will continue to sacrifice their lives to prevent another attack on the United States and democracy?

For God’s sake don’t give funding with Federal tax dollars paid by citizens who support democracy, to a city filled with people too weak willed, lacking personal integrity, and willing to allow these lazy fat ass anti-democracy losers on the Berkeley City Counsel to represent them.

 
Comment by junkyarddawg

Members of the Berkeley city council and past members as well may be kickbacks from the 60’s-70’s when Berkeley was the drug mecca for hallucinogens and they may be suffering from flashbacks!!! ONLY idiots who have nothing better to do would think up something as ignorant and insulting. Maybe the Marines should kick their asses out!

junkyarddawg
USMC-VIET NAM
1969-1972

 
Comment by armyspouse

Im shocked I thought that people really respected the soldier.Do you even know how recruiters get a recruiting job? The majority dont even volunteer. First in Washington State and now this? Shame on all who treat those people who sacrifice their family time day in and out in so disrespectfull . They’re just doing their jobs. You want you country defended but please let it not be some one in my family who has to do it. Is that the motto? I sacrifice each and every day for this country , I left my own so my husband could serve his. This really makes me wonder sometimes if I shouldnt have talked him into leaving the military and stay in my country with my family. Im glad I still see people who do aprreciate our boys and girls , the true heroes who are willing to bring that sacrifice. That is patriotism !!!not what happens in Berkeley. Truelly sad!!!

 
Comment by brian islava

Dear Berkeley City Council,

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you that I am highly disrespected by the anti-military stance your city has taken on issue of marine’s recruiting in your city. Your city council stance is a disgrace to America. How can you slap our armed forces in the face like that? My cousin is risking his life serving in Iraq as an airborne ranger. He is helping to protect the freedoms of this country that we hold so dear to us. The city’s position on this topic shows just how ignorant you and your citizens are. You are a bunch of liberal idiots rebelling without a cause. These marine servicemen are sacrificing their lives fighting to protect our country and its people. It is selfish to alienate the very people that give their lives in order to protect yours. Are you people anti-American? I think you are a bunch of tree hugging Hippies! Grow up you feeble minded children. The sixty’s are over! I will never spend any time or money in your despicable city now. You are a disgrace to fellow Californians, and furthermore Americans. Your anti -military sentiment is only a reflection of how low your intelligence is. I hope all you liberal democrats wake up and realize how dumb you make us look to the rest of the world by not supporting our own nation. If you cannot support our troops and thus government; then why don’t you get the h%*# out of our country then! It just shows me that I should not respect your city or its views. In the name of American troops shedding blood and dying for our country, the city of Berkeley is a disgrace to American culture and society. Your city is an absolute joke! .
Sincerely,

Brian Islava (Proud American)

 
Comment by Paul England

Marines do not start war. The Department of Defense is the muscle behind our civilian government which chooses when to wage war against the enemies of the United States of America including the city of Berkley. To the city of Berkley, that is your government, air your issues up the chain of command to the civilan authorities who make the decisions. Marine recruiters are performing a good service to your community enlighting its citizens of opportunities to serve Berkley by keeping it safe.

Berkley uses local police to protect them from the small time criminals. Berkley needs the big time state guard and federal troops to protect them from the big time criminals. Recruiters fill those jobs with dedicated professionals. If Berkley, including the protestors and coucil members, wish for each person to fend for themselves, lay off the city police and see how long the citizens feel secure. Soon the vandals will know Berkley is for the taking and it will become the Darfur of the west.

Paul England
Capt. USAFR

 
Comment by Beverly Perlson

13 February 2008

Governor,

Understand, I am the Very Proud Mother of a Soldier on his 4th deployment in the 82nd Airborne. He proudly serves currently in Afghanistan. I have always liked you and supported you and believe you understand the war on terror and the need to fight it.

This is my third communication with your office regarding the situation in Berkeley. The last email I received from your office requesting Federal Marshals be placed out in front of that recuriting station, your office referred me to the Berkeley City Council!!!

Tonight, someone called me from your San Francisco office (as I had called there today), but we were cut off twice. I was unable to call back as the only reference to the call on my cellphone was “Private”.

Governor, I am asking you to come out of your office and help these Soldiers. We cannot ask these fine young Marines to fight there way through these misguided miscreants known as Code Pink, to get into that recruiting station to do the government’s business. If the Berkeley City Council will not rescind the permit they have given the Pinkos, then that means these fine young brave Soldiers have to claw their way in to do the job we ask them to do. It seems to me if they are going to interfere with the government’s business, then they can accomodate these Marines too and allow Federal Marshals out there, at the City Council’s expense.

This is so wrong and it is breaking this mother’s heart to watch these noble Heroes be treated this way. This is your state and I’m asking you to help these Marines. Governor, this is wrong. It is your state, please provide protection for these fine Marines before one of them gets hurt. Your state has accomodated Code Pink, to the detriment of our brave Soldiers.

Please do not refer me to the Berkeley City Council, that is absurd!

Sincerely,
Very Proud Mother of One Tough Soldier,
82nd Airborne, Bronze Star Recipient
4th Deployment, Afghanistan

Beverly Perlson
Founder, The Band of Mothers
Oak Lawn, IL

cc: President George Bush
Senator DeMint
Michelle Malkin
Melanie Morgan
Jamie Colby, Fox News

 
Comment by Steve Jepson

I love all the pro troops comments…shows how riled up true Americans get over asinine comments such as those from the mayor and the city council. It’s all about treason with this bunch and they should be tried and licked up and all funding cut off.

 
Comment by Steve Jepson

I only have this to say….sedition & treason..that is what the mayor and city council of Berkley are guilty of. They should be tried and locked up. the nerve of these whack jobs. One day it’s going to get ugly, and anti-American slobs such as the city council and “Code Stink” folks are going be exiled. I wish the govenrment would not only cut off funding to Berkley but put these whack jobs on trial.

Steve Jepson
San Diego, Ca.

 
Comment by Cary Carruolo

The Republic of Berkely again seems to have forgotten why they are even allowed to protest their utterly idiotic liberal views. Berkely, please remember you are part of the United States, one Nation under God, not under your sick city council. I sincerely hope you have no need to be protected from enemies of our country, but if you do, then shut up and do what they tell you and don’t even think of asking for state or governmental help. You’re on your own. That should be in your constitution. You as a community have contributed nothing but drug addicts, panhandlers, and homelessness to the world. I hope your proud of it, because you make me sick as an American.

 
Comment by D L Smith

I would agree for Berkley to go ahead and drop off into the Atlantic. No, that would be mudding the water. Just drop off somewhere!!!!!

 
Comment by Newton

How graceless and harsh are the falseness of the charges made by those in Berkley who demean those who serve so well. The case may be made for their right to be against the war but to make such false accusations and such base chargers against the Marines is unforgivable.

I wonder if they have any concept of decency. They may huff and puff but they would be very vulnerable without the military forces of the United States. They try to make a case with vituperation and calumny which fits the profile of graceless dolts.

I hope they enjoy their stupid rants and if they enjoy success perhps they will learn arabic and understand the thrust of Sharia.

As you sow so shall you reap. False witness and baseless charges have been covered elsewhere.
I doubt that these people accept any higher authiority than their small brains. Since it is an academic community I am sure they have an overblown sense of their own brain power.

 
Comment by Davecatbone

How in the world has America gotten to the point where we resent the people who man the walls and protect our lives and property? Look at what happened in New Orleans when Law & Order broke down. Maybe all Federal Protection should be removed from Berkeley, as well as funding. I’m not intimidated by the Liberal outrage, so I’ll say it like it is. They are traitors, and don’t deserve the protection the best military force in the world gives them, even though they take it for granted. Difference of opinion in welcome in America, disrespect for our Marines is shameful, shallow and all to trendy for the non thinking psuedo socialists running around wishing it was still the 60’s. Strip Berkeley of all Federal Funds, NOW.

 
Comment by Sam

I met an Iraqi woman recently who managed to escape a few months before the war. She told me how Saddam’s soldiers had killed her entire family, including her young sons because he had a financial dispute with her husband. Apparently these America-haters (AKA Anti-war protesters) think that this woman doesn’t deserve justice. If Berkeley wants to reject the military, let them. We should allow North Korea to have their nuclear way with the city. What a better place America would be.

 
Comment by Chris Mangiapane

From living in southern California with 12 plus million ILLEGAL aliens flooding highways, public schools, hospital emergency rooms and sucking off all taxpayer services. To here in the East Bay where liberalism is beyond belief; Signs of “Bush Lied”, “9/11 Controlled Demolition”, “Impeach Bush”, “Get out of Iraq NOW”, and “US Military Killing Machine” are commonplace. I am sadden and wonder where America is headed?

Their hate speech is all the same; Berkeley City Council, Code Pink, Berkeley businesses, restaurants, movie theaters, they all should be ashamed. I fully support the federal and state government pulling financial funding from the city of Berkeley.

I’ll take this a step farther, I am no longer going to purchase any product or service in Berkeley and invite all East Bay residents to do the same.

God bless the brave and sacrificing men and women of the US Marines and their families. Thank you for your service to our country.

Chris Mangiapane
Oakland, CA

 
Comment by Norma Newman

A pox on you, Mr. Mayor and all the Code Pinkos.for your lies and distortions you have perpetrated agains our fine men and women in uniform. Maybe Al Qaeda will see in your actions an invitation to visit your fine city. You might then find out who your enemies really are. I can assure you it’s not the Marines.

Norma Newman

 
Comment by Robyn Johnson

I am trying very hard to understand how you can do an illegal action, such as blocking the door of a business, with the BLESSING (oops, wrong term for Berklians) of the city council? Has the whole city come under the rule of the idiotic code pink organization? Are you somehow indebted to them? How do you manage to keep the police from “becoming involved” in an illegality? How do you feel so mentally superior to the rest of the country that you think we cannot make up our own minds or make our own choices for ourselves? That you Berklians have the right to choose what the rest of the world should think or how they should act or how they should feel? If you have the right of the first amendment to speak out and protest what you don’t like, does that mean everyone else does not have the first amendment right to speak out and act as they believe is right? And that a company does not have the right to work in their own jobs? (i.e. the Marine Corps in their own offices).
Why don’t you people grow up and get on with your lives, and let everyone else do the same….that is to get on with their lives and their own choices in life.

Robyn Johnson
Fort Myers, FL

 
Comment by Carl A tynday

Berkly never was a part of the Real USA. American tourists should avoid going there.

 
Comment by Paul Fennessey

The problem with whats going on in Berkely, and in alot of this country that I don’t even recognize anymore is the problem that’s written in your disclaimer for this comment box, if everybody is right then who’s wrong? We have become a country of idiots who have no heart or backbone anymore ,well I for one have always beleived in telling what I percieve to be the truth, and the truth is I couldn’t care less if that whole state fell off into the Pacific Ocean, between the idiots in the 9th circuit court in San Fran to those other idiots in Hollywood it would be a pleasuer not to have to listen to them anymore, They were idiots in the 60’s and now they’re unAmerican idiots in the 21st century. Send them all to Mexico and quickly close the border tightly.

 
Comment by Paul Morris

COUNCILMAN PAUL V. MORRIS
1 Alvarado Square, San Pablo, California 94806

February 8, 2008

Mayor Tom Bates
City of Berkeley
2180 Milvia Sreet
Berleley, CA 94704

Mayor Bates & Members of Berkeley City Council:

The profound and blatant display of abuse in your position as Mayor, and by your City Council members as community leaders appalls me. What an astonishingly negative example you have set for our young people, when others in more stable communities spend a great deal of time and thousands of dollars keeping them on the right track.

What a message you send to our brave men and women who volunteer to protect us from our enemies. Men and women who put their very lives on the line so everyone can enjoy the rights and freedoms they enjoy today, – so you can disrespect our Marine Corps as being “intruders” and unwelcome in your city.

What a message you send to our enemies!

What possesses you, Mayor Bates, to vehemently denounce our military when you yourself served in the armed forces? Or was that just because you had to serve?

Is Councilman Anderson still bitter about being thrown out of the Marine Corp. for his improprieties?

What a message to send, that abuse of public funds is O.K. in protecting the new government of Berkeley, Code Pink; a free parking space in front of the Marine Corps. office, free permits to promote their obscene agenda, and this is the worst – police protection. These are the same officers who swore to serve and protect your citizens.

What a cruel joke, You are a national joke.

Mayor Bates, your message was quite clear, and now you try to back-pedal and tell lies about what your message really was. You intended to abuse of your position, your abuse of public funds and public trust, allowing an insane radical organization, Code Pink, to take over your city to disrupt innocent people’s lives – all these put together are grounds for recall.

I believe the voting citizens of Berkeley deserve better, they need to think long and hard about what kind of people they want in the seats you occupy to set policy for your city, Your voters need to think about recalling you all.

The federal government needs to follow through with withholding funding to your city until such time that there are responsible leaders at the helm.

Business people need to think about in what kind of city they are investing, and to pull major projects now on the drawing board.

What are you people thinking? Are you thinking at all? Some council members now feel shame for their vote – well, they should have thought about that before they voted to support that violent, disruptive group, Code Pink, and to disrespect our troops and our veterans. Whatever happened to Berkeley as a “City of Tolerance”?

You have no shame.

I am ashamed to call you a neighbor.

What you are doing is tantamount to pure and utter anarchy. You are weak to pander to these crazy pink people. When will you all grow up?

This is not the sixties when you can get away with sitting around the Haight or Telegraph Avenue smoking strange tobacco – this is 2008 when you now need to be sensible, to “do the right thing”, and make a sincere public apology to our wonderful Marines, the citizens of your city and the American people for your “sixties moment” and your anti-American rhetoric. Try to become the responsible people you were elected to be.

There Marines are not the problem here, you are, the pinkos are.

Think long and hard on that.

God Bless.

Paul V. Morris
Councilman, City of San Pablo

This message is not necessarily the opinion of the City of San Pablo, the Mayor and City Council.

 
Comment by Gray Ghost

I pity these “useful idiots” in Berkeley. In the event of a real emergency, most of them would be “screaming” for help from the Marines, Army, National Guard, or whoever (including the Boy Scouts).

If they want the Marines out, then ALL federal grants, fundinding, etc., should ne denied them after the Marines leave.

 
Comment by Patrick J Kelly

Jamie I do believe in free speech. This is nonsense and the only rational thing code pink could do is go code black. We are facing things in the near future they know nothing about. All the fuss is about the city and the nuts in the council and code pink. Ask them if they have an Al Qaeda FREEE ZONE. I bet they do.

 
Comment by Rick Murray

My views are expressed many times over by others writing here. People who think that our military should be insulted and abused are just incredibly stupid. I don’t care that the mayor was an Army Officer. Not everyone who serves in the military understands what it stands for. He obviously doesn’t. I was a Naval Officer and flew missions in Vietnam. My father was a career Army Officer and both my grandfathers were career Army Officers. I understand our heritage and I’ve learned a lot more about it since leaving the service. Fat, dumb and happy describes those who believe that having people ready and able to stand up to aggression or tyranny is distasteful and unnecessary. They are simply so safe that they know nothing of the threats that are real in today’s world. I will defend to the death, the rights and liberties of responsible citizens, but I feel no such obligation to bloodsuckers and fools.

 
Comment by Lisa

I think the Berkely mayor’s stance against our Marines is disgraceful and almost treasonist.These men are our bravest. Why do these Liberals all seem to blame America first. Why do they all favor socialism.They should be sent to some communist country fo a “vacation”. My husband lived through the Hungarian revolution. All people then lived under Communism for years. All people were forced to give up property rights, and the fruits of their land (vegetation and meats) were relinquished to the government. My husband escaped and is now an American citizen.He cannot understand this liberal movement!! Well I see that our mayor of Toledo pulled a similar stunt. I think these cities should get NO federal money, and no promise of military support!!!!!

 
Comment by LaDonna (Fed up and Moved from the Left Coast)

I was raised in California during the 60’s and 70’s and as much as California has tried to change, the more it has remained the same. Of course the same stupid people that protested back then are the same stupid people that are now running the city governments so tell me why any of us are surprised by this latest insult. It is for that exact reason why I finally got fed up and moved next door to Nevada, but unfortunately the border between California and Nevada is as open as the border between California and Mexico and just let any body in, so then the same stupid people who ruined California now are doing the same thing in Nevada.

You know what is really GREAT about living in AMERICA? I am free to move away, far far away from the Left Coast and now live in a town that Shows its APPRECIATION every day of the week to the proud, brave and honorable members of our military. My gosh could you imagine living in a town that the local SCHOOL marque’s says “God Bless Our Troops”, “Support Our Troops”. Well you sure won’t find it in California.

Let the idiots stay there and run their local city offices and let the rest of America speak up and act against them by supporting our Troops, supporting our government officials that stand up for our troops and STOP supporting the Left Coast ideology. If it’s made in California, it can stay in California…that includes their movies, their actors/actresses, their music and their state gov’t. Let them fend for themselves. If they speak out against our country, our troops then I have made it a point to boycott their actions by not buyng their music, watching their movies or tv programs. Writers strike has had no affect on my life, because there is nothing left to watch on TV or the movies anymore. Looks like I’ll just have to continue to watch FOX NEWS !!!!

 
Comment by Dale D

Why should we be upset with Berkeley’s City Counsel? They are just expressing their freedom of speech and supporting their constituants. Who else can get along with Osama Ben Laden, Socialists, and Communists so well as Berkeley’s peaceniks. Why make them look like bad guys. Osama and the others only want to rule the world and would never consider Berleley peaceniks as “useful idiots that contribute to their own destruction.”

Let’s do like Barack Obama said to and go have tea (or coffee) with Iran — even add on North Korea. “Can’t we just all get along.”

I’m so ashamed of those who claim to ensure my freedoms – what right have they got to be around such peaceful people. Berkeley has the right idea. Let’s just “roll over and play possum”. An opossum acts dead when startles it and hopes that a potential attacker (enemy) will just leave it alone. Opossums and Berkeley just want to be left alone and purse peaceful ways.

These days there is no need to defend our families, friends, and country from others. According to many Berkeley people, we are the “bad guys”. Other countries just merely want to get along with us, as they get along with each other. It is all America’s fault!!

Why can’t America just learn that everyone in the world just wants to get along with everyone else – right? We just need to “understand” that we are the terrorists and others (like Osama, N Korea’s Kim Jong II, and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad) are the victims and freedom fighters.

Let’s just get out our 60’s protest outfits and have a peace rally with Osama, Kim Jong II, and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Let’s just get along!!! (maybe even smoke a peace pipe )

As the esteemed scholar, Rodney King, said, “CAN’T WE JUST ALL GET ALONG???”
Right on!!

 
Comment by BrianR

Needless to say, Berkley has once again shown why the term “Berserkley” was coined.

Are these Leftist dolts aware that whether or not they like it, they’re still part of the United States? And as such, are subject to the same rules and laws as all the rest of us? Or has the heady lotus of the Bay environment (or some other drug) fried what few brain cells they had left?

How about this? No more Marine recruiters, but also no more FBI agents enforcing laws against bank robberies? Sounds like a fair trade-off to me.

I’d simply recommend that all the comrades….er, I mean, citizens… of Berserkly invest in body armor for their trips to the ATM.

 
Comment by M.K. Coffman

Berkley should be fair! If they want the Marine recruiters out they should also close all employment offices, college recruiting offices and anything else that smacks of Choice! Doubt that will happen! Free speech, and freedom of choice is only granted to those who hate this country and embrace the Pink Shirts. As a taxpayer I think that all Federal and State funding should be withheld from Berkley and San Francisco (they who threw the ROTC out of their schools). God Bless America, and God Bless all the men and women who protect this country.

 
Comment by John Wear

Those commie azzhats from Code Pink should be forced to live in a truly communist country for a long while so that thy are able to see how they like the lack of freedom that the American military has provided them for the past 230+ years. Maybe they will then understand that this wonderful country was founded to have a strong military for protection. I wonder where thes moonbats were the day after 9-11. They were probably hiding under their beds praying that the government protect their candy a$$es from the Islamofacists.

I truly hope that the Federal government recends the entire amount of pork barrel spending that the sick and sorry excuse of a city of Berkley receives.

 
Comment by Holly Ritter

It’s simple; Berkeley and for that matter, San Fransicso should be forced to succeed from the State and Union. No federal or state monies, no state or national protection, no free trade agreements, no US passport
etc, etc. The last time I entertained a “citizen” from Berkeley at my house, he said something so outrageous, and in my opinion, ARROGANT, that it was all I could do not to throw him off my premises and have him arrested for illegal entry to MY country. They are living in another world, and hence should be forced to do so!

 
Comment by Robert Wateski

I was a Marine Recruiter during Vietnam. I spent 3 1/2 years in Fl in the early 70’s recruiting on collage campus’s. Whenever we came there would be demonstrators there. We just let our PLC’s and other Military friends on campus take care of it. We never missed our quota and I am proud of this.

What I am seeing now is the same as during Vietnam, and I think that the laws have changed enough since then to be able to have a good court case from a Federal Prosecutor open some eyes in Berkly. From what I have seen in the vidio’s, there are obvious cases of assault, trespassing on Govt property, just as a start. I would also remind them that the next time they call on the Marines because of a forest fire there or some other desaster, that other areas may be more important. Remember, to get respect, you have to give respect. Take all Federal funding away from the city and collage and tell the State that if they do not step in and take State funding from them, it would be easy to move all federal offices, bases and all Federal funding from the entire state seeing as we are not welcome. I think they would get the idea.

 
Comment by Judy

As an Air Force career military dependent for 21 years and currently in my senior years this is only more of the same latent hippie peace-nick mentality of “Bezerkley” acadamiaites I have heard for many decades. Best thing to do is not give them ANY news coverage and have the Marines and US goverment open a larger recruiting center on campus with the threat of ALL federal and state taxpayers aid removal if it is harrassed and vilified.
The liberal campus’ of our public education system constantly reinvent history and teach socialism as our future. The public and private colleges that get assistance ALL need to be put on notice for no federal money if they reject recruiting offices on their campus’. Private sector recruiters for graduates are allowed to have contact on the campus’, the careers of the US Military are no less valuable than those of corporate headhunting machines.

 
Comment by Phyllis Pajka

Berkley has always loved to be anti- well, whatever everyone else happens to be. It’s their thing. If it is a place that is privately owned and supported then they have that right I guess BUT if it receives federal funding, then they do not have the right to do as they please and continue getting funding. The Military pay taxes just like the rest of us so their money is helping to fund this place that wants them removed. Remove the military and remove the funding. That’s it in a nutshell.

 
Comment by Jody Kimbrell

I have nothing but pity for these ignorant pink fools. As a historian, I know Islamic terrorist hate cowards and if these kooks think being an appeaser would save them I am here to tell you the terrorists would not bat an eye as they cut their throats. They do not let cowards live anywhere near them corrupting the bloodlines of hate and destruction. Terrorists can not be appeased, can not be reasoned with, can not be ignored hoping they will go away. They lust for power, for submission and for anyone not like them to be dead. Nothing more–nothing less.

 
Comment by Tim

There is nothing surprising in this story to me, other than what took them so long. These people are cut from the same cloth as the 60’s hippies that produced our 42nd President and possibly our next one. Berkley should be exempt from all federal subsidies including Homeland Security protection. The city should also be very closley monitored for terrorist activity.

 
Comment by clyde

Mr. Mayor,and Council members, just WHO do you think is going to come in to help rescue your citizens in case of a natural disaster,or terrorist attack? Code Pink? I think not. The military is VITAL to keeping ALL of our citizens free,even those who we may disagree with. I urge you and the others to reconsider your attempts to humiliate the Marine recruiting office into leaving your fine city.

 
Comment by COL Harry Riley

The anti-America crowd has been on the rise for a year or so….Code Pink and others are of questionable motives, generally the destruction of America. “Politically correct” cowards are caving to their whine and shill………..

When will elected politicians realize that our armed forces are not fighting against America but against a ruthless enemy to keep the elected officials at the trough and well fed.

Our Marines in particular, offer their lives, blood, and family sacrifices to keep America free and our elected officials safely and secure in freedom to utter stupid, despicable, distored, fabricated, and in many cases completely false remarks.

I fear American’s willingness to roll over and play dead, ignore the Code Pinks roaming around, is selling out America and contributing to our destruction.

How can we ignore over 200 years of sacrifice ensuring freedom and allow a minority rabble major influence in American policy, and demean, denigrate, and dishonor our nation and warriors?

Not on my watch.

 
Comment by Flagwaver

It seems that Berkley is just like the character described in “A Few Good Men”, they sleep and rise under the blanket of freedom that our uniformed troops provide and then question the manner in which it is provided! Berkley, famous for its “tolerance” surely is showing their hypocrisy to the world in their hostility to military recruiters; I wonder what the reaction would be if it were a recruiter for Hezbollah instead of the US Marines.

I guess that life goes on in the People’s Republic of Berkley, where “freedom and justice for all” morphs into “freedom and justice for the PC.”

 
Comment by John DiCenzo

My wife & I visited many Military installations recently and we also visited Berkely. The personal dedicaction, professionalism, emthusiasm, and politeness of the military outshown the attitudes of the people of Berkely by far. The people of Berkely need the good example the the Marines!!
OUR THANKS TO ALL THE MILITARY!!

 
Trackback by Sgt Relic

Berkeley CA: Red Square West

Jamie Colby of Fox News is soliciting comment on the Fox News Blog concerning the Berkeley CA council’s ongoing attack on Marine Recruiters in their locale. MoveAmericaFoward.org is asking that all who are interested contribute posts on this…

 
Comment by Sgt Relic

I am a former Marine, wounded in Vietnam, and discharged for disabilities. Until my dying day I will carry with my me, not just the scars of battle, but the bright memory of what it was like to be a member of the United States Marine Corp. Graduating from Parris Island and having the privilege to serve this great country, in a time of need, was a singular period in my life.

The council of Berkeley CA has again demonstrated that they know nothing of the basic duty and responsibility which citizenship requires. They declare themselves above the constitution and I submit that they are therefore outside of its guarantees.

This act is lawless and is, in my opinion, little different from an attempt at succession and rebellion. Their actions are sophomoric in the style of angry adolescents, who in their self-righteous immaturity, fire off a tirade to the school principal. The federal government must act to correct their behavior just as administrators and parents would act in my simile.

I would wager that the recruiters posted to this station would be happy to get back to Iraq or Afghanistan, which is probably a less hostile environment to them. Becoming a Marine is tougher than any recruiter could ever explain, but I find it impossible to believe that anyone could be unfamiliar with the deeds that have made the Marine Corps the elite organization it is today.

I could never fully articulate the contempt that I feel for the Berkeley council and their scurrilous attack on an organization whose bravery, integrity and honor have never been called into question. Semper Fi!

 
Comment by Sgt Relic

I am a former Marine, wounded in Vietnam, and discharged for disabilities. Until my dying day I will carry with my me, not just the scars of battle, but the bright memory of what it was like to be a member of the United States Marine Corp. Graduating from Parris Island and having the privilege to serve this great country, in a time of need, was a singular period in my life.

The council of Berkeley CA has again demonstrated that they know nothing of the basic duty and responsibility which citizenship requires. They declare themselves above the constitution and I submit that they are therefore outside of its guarantees.

This act is lawless and is, in my opinion, little different from an attempt at succession and rebellion. Their actions are sophomoric in the style of angry adolescents, who in their self-righteous immaturity, fire off a tirade to the school principal. The federal government must act to correct their behavior just as administrators and parents would act in my simile.

I would wager that the recruiters posted to this station would be happy to get back to Iraq or Afghanistan, which is probably a less hostile environment to them. Becoming a Marine is tougher than any recruiter could ever explain but I find it impossible to believe that anyone could be unfamiliar with the deeds that have made the Marine Corps the elite organization it is today.

I could never fully articulate the contempt that I feel for the Berkeley council and their scurrilous attack on an organization whose bravery, integrity and honor have never been called into question. Semper Fi!

 
Comment by TIRDAD GHARIB

Dear Jamie Colby good evenning to you as always telling fox you are one of the best journalist ever in fox, if i was in the great country america i would have been in berkley to support our us troops shame on those who support the code pink and the former citi council member ying lee supporting the pink code and every american who are against our heros our us troops they should be ashamed of themselves pack their bags and go to hugo chavez ahmadinejad daniel ortega fidela casteo all these terrroist government, and they would know that america is the greatest country on earth god bless you jamie god bless our us troops in iraq which i am in contact with them god bless america and our great republican party, as our great hero president ronald reagan was asked about the soviet union by one of his adviser what will you do Mr President about the soviet union Prsident reagan looked at him and said we win they loose, long live our us troops long live our heros and thank you so much to melanie morgan another hero.please feel free to contact me any time you wish ,vote republican my friends so we can get rid of these islamo faccist terrroist who are influencing also our young american generation,with hate stonning women hanging, killing,innocent and spreading anti zionism, israel is our best ally against terrroism i believe with all my heart that israel should hit all the target of the state terrroist of iran the mollahs their nuces and the airport radio and tv station, the most dangerous state in the world is iran military action against the nuces in indeed neede the terrroist state of iran has killed so many of our young soldiers so to you pink heads wake up, to reality you dont like our heros our us troops get out of our great country america very sincerlly yours jamie colby Tirdad,

 
Comment by Kris

First off, I hear that the majority of citizens from Berkley do not support the city councils decision and that they love the military. Well I have a comment about that, THEY ELECTED THE CITY COUNCIL!!!” SO APPARENTLY THEY MUST AGREE WITH THEM! Next, as far as I’m concerned, the military should not ever fight for them if by some freak chance, that city is attacked and the same goes for San Francisco, Nancy Pelosi’s home ground. I think we should declare the whole state of Califoria a nation unto it’s self and then declare war on them! I am so sick of these hate America jack offs who want to see us destroyed. They should all have their citiznship stripped from them and deported to a country of their choice, I suggest Iran. This is a disgrace and no federal money should go to that state for the next 5 years! They don’t hate America enough to stop taking our money though, then they are America tolerant. God Bless America and our wonderful brave men and women of the Armed forces!!!!!!

 
Comment by Debbie

As an American citizen I am enraged by the actions of these city council members, mayor, and the lunatic code pink ladies !! As a mother of a Marine who is deploying next month to Iraq, I am embarrassed and sorry that these monsters cannot show support of our American patriots. We talked with our son at great length about the risks in Iraq and he knows that he could very well die there, but still is willing to serve with his Marine brothers-I applaud him and all of our military for this dedication and loyalty to this great country. I know that these people in Berkeley are only a minority, but we call them a vocal minority and it’s time that the Silent Majority stands up and takes charge here. I totally agree with cutting off federal funds to them-I was appalled when I saw what the funds were for anyway. If Chez Panisse wants to serve gourmet organic meals to the school children, let the taxpayers pay for it themselves or raise your prices at your restaurant. It is a profit making enterprise-there is much better use for all of the federal funding coming your way right now anyway. How about funneling to our wounded military ?
I also think something needs to be done about the police dept in Berkeley–officers who stand around watching while a government building is vandalized, then watch while employees are harrassed and prevented from going to their job should be fired !! That is not police protection-they need to put on their pink t-shirts !

 
Comment by Don Briggs

The Marine Corps recruiters in Berkley have more integrity and moral courage in their little fingers that do all the Berkley City Council and Mayor. The city of Berkley seems to have the ‘Jimmy Carter Syndrone’ – we can sit down and have peace with our enemies just by saying we want to. Our enemies love that attitude – all they have to do is wait and hope that the Berkley fever will infect the rest of the US. Thank God for the sensible “real” people in the country. That bunch in Berkley is no more representative of the typical American than the man in the moon. If they would let 65 year olds enlist, I’d be there tomorrow and I’d do it in Berkley.

 
Comment by Orlean Koehle

Jamie:
Thank you for exposing this to the light of day. That is the only way to get these liberal nuts in our part of Caliornia to back down and see reality. All the backlash that is descending on the city council of Berkely is starting to have an effect on them.
The sad thing is that the same anti-war, anti-military teachings that produced this city council and produced the pincos who caused them to take their stand against the military recruiting base in Berkeley, are rampant in our public schools in California. So I am afraid we will only see more of this in the future.
As a substitute teacher I see an anti-military, anti-war bias everywhere I teach.
I actually had to listen to a special guest in one of the high school classes where I taught, who was an attorney and his message was, “How to legally avoid being drafted if there is a draft and how to stay out of the military.” I was shocked at the disrespect that he had for our soldiers and shocked at what he told the students. I was also shocked that any teacher would invite a guest speaker like him to come to a high school class.

 
Comment by Lee Welter

Please do not punish the University of California, Berkeley for the disgusting behavior of the Berkeley City Council and the strange protesters. While removing City funding may be helpful, funding for the Matsui Center for Politics and Public Service, honoring our late Congressman Robert Matsui, should not be removed.

The City has also been hostile to the University, supporting the harassment and litigation which has obstructed a program to improve the safety, comfort, and quality of Cal’s athletic facilities.

Military recruiters have been respectfully stationed (as a very welcome sight) at Cal sports events such as football and basketball.

Do not tar all Berkeley residents and employees with the same brush: I feel sorry for the peace officers who must take orders from the currently ruling politicians.

 
Comment by Maggie Farley

Jamie I want to thank you for bringing these idiots to the attention of the country. I can’t believe that there are so many stupid people that got elected to the City Council of Berkeley. I hope if we ever have an emergency in Berkeley where they need protection we will do nothing to help them. What right do they have to close down the recruiting office? They weren’t elected to interfere with the defense of our country. God Bless the Marines.

 
Comment by Pamela Reece

Ms. Jamie, I posted this story on my website within minutes after it broke. I was inundated with fierce comments. I was not surprised at the outrage that I read. I followed up with the Marine Corps., the Berkeley Council, etc. Nobody would take my call. So I went on my own. I wrote my post and contacted every military blogger I knew, sent copies to various media outlets and every veteran I could. Before I knew it, I was bombarded. All agreeing more needed to be done. I wrote, I wrote, I wrote. I listened, listened and listened again. The next day, Fox News was the only network that really seemed to care how this was effecting military members around the world. Not just our Marines and their families, but every single branch and their descendants for generations.

The actions of the Berkeley Council Members is representative to generations that have had to live with shame from Viet Nam. This will not be tolerated. Especially by me. I will not stand for it. Not for any American!!! I will stand with the US military. From my past that have served, those that I have lost and those I may in the future.

I would give anything to go to Iraq and stand beside my fellow American heroes. I guess you can only be famous to get there. Me? I don’t think our heroes need somebody famous to tell them and show them they are respected. Just an American Mom who busts her ass to see to it they are supported.

Respectfully,

http://www.patrioticmom.us
pamelareece@patrioticmom.us

 
Comment by Robert

Dear Ms. Colby:

I sent an e-mail in protest and disgust to the Mayor of Berkeley only to be told that He is an Army Captain and would know if the Council went too far. All this from a guy who was convicted of stealing newspapers in 2002. I would think he would have more sense than to bring such national attention onto his already questionable grasp on reality.

I will be on a road trip to that city with Marines of all ages to show them what the right to protest is all about.

Sincerely,

A retired Deputy Sheriff and proud friend of the Marine Corps

 
Comment by Claire Staples

Berkeley has long been a city of the mentally challenged. It’s in the air up there – drifting across the Bay from San Francisco, a city that has never gotten over the “Flower Children” Era. Maybe we could get both cities to secede from the U.S.

 
Comment by Charles Grey

there was a point in time in this country wherein NO ONE in a position of authority would have even DREAMED of making such pronouncements as the traitorous slime referred to as the “Berkley City council”. When did that change. How have the good citizens of this country let that happen. We should be ashamed that we sit here on our asses, paralyzed, fearing to do anything of substance. there are no words to describe the level that this scum have bowed to in slandering our country and our men and women who protect her.

Our President and the Congress (House and Senate) should move quickly and loudly to cut off all federal funds and emergency support, including the withdrawal of federal insurance from banks as long as ANY such proclaimation stands in the city of Berkley or any other municipality or county that approves such an ordinance.

Charles R. Grey

 
Comment by Mark Wayland

Two comments. Code Pink is one of the most disgusting groups that has ever exhisted. Their far left hate America first agenda is beyond the thinking of most Americans. I would like someone to explain to me how they are allowed to be a 503 C Chairity, exempt from taxes when what they are doing goes against current IRS tax laws. Look it up Makes for interesting reading. Second, if you read the articals of treson, most of the Berkeley City Coucil should be locked up for the next 20 years. Pease take a minute and read the following.
TITLE 18–CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

PART I–CRIMES

CHAPTER 115–TREASON, SEDITION, AND SUBVERSIVE ACTIVITIES

Sec. 2388. Activities affecting armed forces during war

(a) Whoever, when the United States is at war, willfully makes or conveys false reports or false statements with intent to interfere with the operation or success of the military or naval forces of the United States or to promote the success of its enemies; or
Whoever, when the United States is at war, willfully causes or attempts to cause insubordination, disloyalty, mutiny, or refusal of duty, in the military or naval forces of the United States, or willfully obstructs the recruiting or enlistment service of the United States, to the injury of the service or the United States, or attempts to do so—
Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than twenty years, or both.
(b) If two or more persons conspire to violate subsection (a) of this section and one or more such persons do any act to effect the object of the conspiracy, each of the parties to such conspiracy shall be punished as provided in said subsection (a).
(c) Whoever harbors or conceals any person who he knows, or has reasonable grounds to believe or suspect, has committed, or is about to commit, an offense under this section, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
(d) This section shall apply within the admiralty and maritime jurisdiction of the United States, and on the high seas, as well as within the United States.

Enough said, It is time for the Federal Government to step in and take care of this. Remove Code Pinks tax exempt status and lock up the Council, all of this is within the law, and the law should be upheld.

 
Comment by Ronald Corbett

Thanks, Jamie for shining a bright light on these Berkeley cretins. I saw Laura Ingraham interview the president of Code Pink on this very subject. Berkeley officious officials and the Code Pink folk truly do behave as though they are cretins (cretin: a stupid, obtuse, or mentally defective person). They do not offer any logic to justify their offensive behavior toward the Marines and our nation. Whether they like it or not, we are at war. We send oue Marines to fight this war, and yet they are not welcome in Berkeley. Give me a break!

Did those people ever consider asking some Marines in Afghanistan or Iraq about their feelings in this matter? Do they bother to motor down to Pendleton to inquire of the newly recruited Marines down there what they think of Berkeley’s behavior?

You guys and gals on Fox News do a fantastic, fair and balanced job for our country. Thank you for your good work.

Ron Corbett

 
Comment by L.Skip Haswell

Is jane fonda on the city council of Berkeley, Ca. ???? Same I.Q. The only difference between the flower children of Berkeley in the 60’s when I served as a Marine in Vietnam is they are older now BUT still stupid!!!!!!!!
This whole thing makes me want to barf on the streets of Berkeley. Where are the good people of this city…Do we have any left who will stand up for America????

 
Comment by C. E. Berry

Kicking the military out of your city….this is yet one more example of how “dumbed down” our society has become. Clearly the folks of Berkeley do not know history and surely do not understand it. Ignorance is bliss as they say. I guess its hard to know that you are dumb, if you are dumb. Concerning our future, I guess the children of tomorrow won’t miss freedom and liberty because they will never know what it was like to have had it. If we continue to let these kinds of people railroad our country into being “cowards” …we will no longer have a country. Sadly these people have the right to vote.

STILLANAMERICAN

 
Comment by The Parkers

We were both born and raised in Berkeley. My husband was a Marine in the Korea conflict. His great nephew is currently guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery re- presenting the Army. My older son was in the Army for 25 years and served in the Persian Gulf War. My younger son was in the Navy for six years and served in the Persian Gulf War. My cousin’s son is currently in Iraq in the Army. My grandson is in the Army now in Germany. We are appauled and saddened that a few in Berkeley are besmerching the image of our city. We want people to know that these City Council members do not represent the majority of citizens of Berkeley in spite of the appearance that they do. We hope these members of the council in Berkeley that have created this furor will be realized that they are a minority of opinion in a city known for a university that is of world importance. We are bereft and stunned at their narrow minded anti -American views.

 
Comment by Barbara

Well, Berkely has done it again……made themselves the laughing stock of California and the country……another planet in the universe……they have been doing stupid things there for many years.

Pull the funding, and demand the Council resigns. This is simply disgusting and sickening.

Barbara
Granny in Vegas

 
Comment by Dean Brassfield

I sent the following E-mail message to the Berkeley Mayor:

To: Berkeley Mayor’s Office
Subject: Berkley, please leave California

As a lifelong California resident, except for one year during my service in Vietnam in 1969-1970, I ask you and Berkley, California to secede from California and the United States. You make Californians ashamed to answer the question, “where are you from?” If one answers, “California,” most people laugh and talk about the ridiculous things you and your local government does in Berkley. Therefore, I ask you to say goodbye to the patriotic Californians who love the United States, and take San Francisco with you when you secede from the United States of America because you aren’t Americans, you should join Chavez’s Venezuela, or Putins’ Russia.

I received the following reply:

Dear Dean Brassfield,

Thank you for your e-mail. I understand that the action taken by the Berkeley City Council regarding the Marines recruiting center has drawn significant national attention.

Let me be absolutely clear that this is not about the men and women who are serving our country in our armed forces. I am a retired U.S. Army Captain and I respect the choice of those who are serving our country.

However, this community strongly opposes the war in Iraq and the foreign policy of the current administration. I believed from the beginning that this was an unjust, illegal, and immoral war of choice.

A year ago, the U.S. Marines established a recruiting office within a few blocks of our local high school, community college and university. Since then, community members who oppose the war in Iraq have been exercising their free speech in protesting the presence of the Marine recruiters. Pro-war protestors have also attended to exercise their free speech rights.

On January 28th, the Berkeley City Council took action to waive the permit fee for anti-war protestors one afternoon a week. Any group, whether pro- or anti- war, can obtain such a permit. In addition, the City Council indicated its desire for the Marine recruiting station, as a visible symbol of the war, to be relocated.

I understand that there are people across the country that may not agree with this action but it is the Berkeley City Council’s responsibility to represent the will of the people of Berkeley.

I also understand that the language proposed to the Council did not adequately differentiate our respect and support for those serving in the armed forced and our opposition to the Iraq war policy. I will be working with the Council to clarify that language at our next meeting.

I hope that our country will end the war in Iraq soon and bring our troops home safely. We are truly fortunate to live in a country that can tolerate and accept a range of views and opinions and I respect your feelings on this issue.

Mayor Tom Bates

I say Berkeley should be banished from California, and they should take San Francisco and all its degenerates with them!

 
Comment by Ana Rebecca

I am a U.S. Military Supporter from San Diego, CA. I also come from a long line of family who served in the Military. My dear friends are Marines of whom a few are in Iraq fighting this war for our Freedoms as we speak, so that these disrespectful people may bash our Marine Corps.

I pray that my friends have not heard of what is happening in Berkeley. Troop and War support is very important to our Troops.

These protestors have stated that they “Support the Troops but not the War.” The disrespect of that statement speaks volumes of what “little” they do know about our world and the Military.

To say that to a man or women who have served or is serving in the War is a slap in the face to them. For all our Military that has died and put their lives on the line, and yes even for “Code Pink” is an outright blatant disrepect and evil statement.

I would like them to spend one day, one hour with a Marine and his family. I would like them to see what their world is like before they make such horrible comments and protests that they have displayed thus far.

To the Mayor and all the people in City Hall of Berkelely that have supported “Code Pink’s” efforts against the Marine Corps ~ “SHAME ON YOU” SHAME!! ~ To all of you, there is such a word I would like you to really think about, it is called “TREASON”.

Semper Fi to our Marine Corps! “Always Faithful”

Ana Rebecca
San Diego, CA

 
Comment by John Tormey

The members of the Berkley City council are a disgrase to our country.. I wish my wife and I could
participate in the demonstrations against these trators to our country, but because of the distance from Tennessee and the expense involved, we can not… You have our FULL support in your condemnation of these so called Americans……

John and Ann Tormey

 
Comment by Gary M. Sheinfeld (USMC-VET)

As a USMC Vet I am totally disgusted and mightily PO’ed at the scum from Berzerkly. I wonder how they would greet the Islamic fascists should they show up there? It would be an interesting meeting, just before the Islamics cut their heads off because the US Marines would not be allowed into Berzerky to protect their unworthy souls.

 
Comment by Russell Neglia

Berkeley is an embarrassment to Americans in general and reasonable people in particular. I suggest that the Berkeley City Council join their friends in North Korea, China, Iran and all the other lunatics.

 
Comment by Barak Morton

The following is an email I sent to each council member and the Mayor.

As a patriot whose family came over with the pilgrims, I must warn you that hypocracy of this magnitude WILL come back on you. If you are willing to silence our military men and women then WHO will stand for you when you are being SILENCED by whomever (a regime, a dictator, a rogue government), you name it, you may face it someday and in your absolute ignorance, I repeat, WHO will stand up for you? Search your hearts, your political views are HIGHLY irrelevent to this issue. Are you really making a stand for your convictions or are you attacking the very foundations this country was founded upon. Then again, that may very well be what you are doing, and willingly. In that case, I fear for your futures, as poloticians? No, as Americans that enjoy freedoms that many other nations do not.

Barak Morton

As of this date I have recieved responses from the Mayor and 2 council members. Council Member Gordon Wozniak has acted in a courageous manner to stand against each and every other member. I would like to applaud him and say that he is in our prayers. The other council member (whos name I won’t reveal) is a coward for voting against 1 of the 3 resolutions in order to be able to say to outraged constituents like myself that, he, “voted against it”! Right! At least the Mayor had the (you know what’s) to tell me he believes different from me. They all have their heads in a place the the sun don’t shine!

God Bless America, especially the ones that are or appreciate our troops!!!

 
Comment by Glenn Valerga

I am a Disabled Korean War Marine Corps vet. It’s the pits to have to fight communists in Korea years ago and now in my golden years having to fight the communists in the Peoples Republic of Berkley. We can win by hitting them in the pocket book. Don’t buy in Berkley and don’t send your kids to Cal. Sempre Fi

 
Comment by Dee

Anyone who wouldn’t welcome our fine Marines in their community needs their head examined!
And they also need to learn a little bit about history – the real history, that is – not some of the fairy tales they are teaching in our schools today!
This is a stupid move by people in Berkeley!

Dee

 
Comment by Lou Murray

The people in Berkeley, California will never understand that the ONLY reason that they are even able to protest is because of the sacrifices our military men and women have made for all of us.
It’s too bad they get all the publicity they do. I think the Marines would be better off if they didn’t bother with Berkeley. Are there even any people good enough to join them there? Of course if the citizens of Berkeley every face a major disaster, they should be left on their own. They obviously don’t feel they need the Military. Maybe Mexico would be willing to take them in.
Leave them on their own, it’s not a part of the country that we want associated with the USA. Let them take their shame with them.
We will welcome the Marines and all other branches of our Military all over the rest of the country.

 
Comment by judi

Hey Osama.. Berkely…X marks the spot!!!!! Easy takens they don’t have any military there…

 
Comment by Pat L

I’m a retired Marine and stand beside all of my Brothers and Sisters in arms. After 23 years of active service and now being retired for almost twenty years I am always amazed how people I come in contact with may not agree with the President but always stand and show honor to the Peace Keepers protecting them. I stand pround to an American, with love for my country and will protect her to the day I die,

What we see going on with the City of Berkely is way so many man and woman serve. Its to protect all Americans. It hurts me to no end to know thier are people who call us names and dishonor us to return to thier safe beds knowing we are out protecting them and thier children.

Stop the funding and demand the Resignation of Concil Members

Semper Fi to all my Brothers and Sisters in Arms

Pat L

 
Comment by Shannon of SD, CA

This makes me sick on my stomach…I am 100% supportive of free speech, but this country has gone too far and frankly, I am sick of it…

What gets me is that they are targeting a recruiting station and claiming this war is creating “Unjust Mass Murders” when all throughout the city, are numerous abortion clinics, where mass murder happens on a daily basis!

But you don’t see them protesting outside their doors? Why? Because it is considered “pro choice” and that type of killing or murder is ok. Well as far as I know, enlisting in service is also a choice. These men and women choose to enlist and defend this country. And we are a safer place because of them. We do not have a draft. Just like the police choose to “protect and serve” so do the military, just on a grander scale.

Who do these whining little socialist call first when they need help? Who helped them during the horrible earthquakes? Not this Code Pink Anti-American Group… Let’s see who they turn to for help when our country suffers another attack of terrorism. Nobody loves a war or the death that comes with it. But what is the alternative? Do we fight the war there or bring the fight here to our own country? Either way, we MUST support our troops and not only when it is convenient to do so.

When the $hiite hits the fan, I am sure they will cry for support. But they would be the very last speck in the U.S. I would help. Let the singing granny and her Code Pink groupies come to their cities rescue in their time of crisis.

Thank you to our Marines, Soldiers, and Sailors for protecting my freedoms with your life. Sadly, some of those Americans are simply not worthy of your bloodshed…

 
Comment by David Luecke

Noting the sentiment expressed in this blog, I would suggest that the “media” publish a list of the business and organizations within the Berkeley limits, so we can notify them of our disagreement with this policy and boycott the products and services that are produced in this “free city”. By using the power of the dollar, we may be able to convince the Berkeley voting community to alter the present course of their government’s actions.
Opposition to a war should not be expressed against the soldiers who are trying to represent and defend their country.
I share the comment listed above that “this reminds me of Nam”, when the returning uniformed soldiers were harassed and spat on in the San Francisco airport. I am a former Marine and bear witness to this type of action in this area of California in the 1970’s.

Please share the list of Berkeley government members and businesses that support this measure. I will happily remove them from my list of vendors.

 
Comment by Patricia Rutz

Just exactly, who do Ying Lee, the other city council members of Berkeley, California, and the “Code Pinks” think they are? It hurts my heart, and it is hard to conceive that there are people, in the United States of America, who really don’t get the true concept of sacrifice. Thank God, yes, I said, God, for so many who have given and continue the willingness to give their lives, to ensure our nation and its’ people their freedoms and the advantages they have today. The selfless men and women of our military have preserved our inalienable rights. They deserve our respect and gratitude. The recent occurrences of protesting or banning of recruiters on college campuses, in towns or any other place is disgraceful. These people should be ashamed of themselves and their stance. I personally, am grateful to be born free and feel extremely, priviledged to live in this country…There once was a slogan in the 60’s, “Like It or Leave It.” I recommend that they follow this advice. Note: I also, advocate that the federal government withdraw any and all funding from this community!

 
Comment by Rob Steinhorst

I believe that Federal funding should be pulled from communities or organizations that advocate the removal of military recruiting or presence. The “Bay” area is a good place to start. What is the position of the Speaker of the House, both US Senators and the Governor of California?

 
Comment by Patricia

If Berkeley removes the Marines from their city, ALL federal funding should be curtailed immediately. Oh, and should they have a natural disaster or any kind of situation – NO federal troops should be ordered to help them. I heard this interview with Ying Lee. and she sounds like an idiot! You can’t reason with terrorists, but we could send her over to try. Unfortunately, she won’t see the error in her thinking until they’re cutting her head off!

 
Comment by Libia Busalacchi

As a mother of three U.S. Marines from San Francisco, it’s horrifying to see what they’ve done to the Bay Area. Berkeley is just as filthy and crime-ridden as San Francisco and as far as I’m concerned, the military office is the only light in that dumpy city across the bay. Pull all federal funding from this police & military-hating city, and we’ll all watch them deteriorate, as they have been over the past 20 years. San Francisco is another Berkeley in the making, as they’ve recently pulled their ROTC program (I suppose they’d prefer teens to hang out on the streets),. This City has succumbed to extreme liberalism like their weird neighbors, and now it’s nothing but a toilet. Tourists take their lives into their own hands when visiting.

 
Comment by Aticus

Let’s go one step further, how about we close all the military bases in California. The code pink can spend their time trying to repair the state’s economy.

 
Comment by Lucas Pattison

Does anyone have a transcript of this interview???
I want to use it for an article at school.

 
Comment by ginger

I was looking for the FoxNews clip to embed on my blog and instead found someones commentary which had a picture of “Code Pink” holding a sign saying We Support the Killing of Our Troops (or something very simular) and then it listed their website in the corner….but I can’t find the photo anywhere….does someone know where to find it?
I think they have removed it from their site but its very important that we keep it out there!!!

And I would like to know why the same laws that keep the protestors a minimum number of feet from an abortion clinic or politcal rally apply to this situation as well…..and why the ‘victims’ in this situation is the one being punished (one of CPs big issues is victim blaming in Pakistan)…..and why homeland security isn’t getting involoved in this—since as a military recruitment office it could be seen as a federal matter.

I watch with interest =—-= and support for the marines!

 
Comment by Alex Slocum

I am proud as an American to see the solidarity here among your readers Jamie, and I thank you for your efforts on this issue. There is NO excuse for ever denigrating or attacking our troops and veterans in any way. The people at Berzerkeley need to be told that the vast majority of Americans and Californians disagree with them and are disgusted by this whole issue. If they all have the right to freedom of speech and protest, then by God, so do we.

I recently posted a blog about this on my profile, which is dedicated to supporting our troops and veterans. I also have posted there the contact info for the the mayor and district officials involved with this. Major kudos to Jim DeMint; I think any legislation should go even farther to also ensure EDUCATION, NOT INDOCTRINATION at all American universities and schools.

If any of your readers would like to visit or express support to our troops and vets, I cordially invite them all. ( http://WWW.Myspace.com/ussoldierstribute )

Thank you so much for your work– Alex Slocum, Michigan

 
Comment by Tracy Aicher

This is the website to the minutes of the Berkeley City Council meeting held on 29 Jan 2008:

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=11042

Below are the agenda items ref the USMC Recruiting Office and the parking space allotted to Code Pink.

12. Marine Recruiting Office in Berkeley (PDF)
From: Peace and Justice Commission
Recommendation:
1. Direct the City Attorney to investigate and report back to Council within 60 days on City options for enforcing Chapter 13.28 of the Berkeley Municipal Code, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, with respect to military recruiting offices in Berkeley;
2. Direct the City Manager to send letters to the Marine Corps Recruiting Station at 64 Shattuck Avenue and to General James T. Conway, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, advising them that the Marine recruiting office is not welcome in our city, and if recruiters choose to stay, they do so as uninvited and unwelcome intruders;
3. Encourage all people to avoid cooperation with the Marine Corps recruiting station, and applaud residents and organizations such as Code Pink, that may volunteer to impede, passively or actively, by nonviolent means, the work of any military recruiting office located in the City of Berkeley.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Manuel Hector, Commission Secretary, 981-5100

15. Permit Waiver and Parking Space Designation Request for Code Pink (PDF)
From: Councilmembers Maio and Anderson
Recommendation: Approve the waiver of a sound permit ($36) every Wednesday from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm for the next six (6) months (February 6, 2008 – July 30, 2008) and designate one (1) parking space on Shattuck directly in front of the Military Recruiting Station at 64 Shattuck Square for Code Pink. It is recommended that Council approve the permanent tagging of the one parking spot and designate it with signage “No Parking from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm every Wednesday,” for six (6) months from approval of this request, and that Code Pink be allowed permission for one table and chairs that may not obstruct the 10-foot access for public-right-of-way.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Linda Maio, Councilmember, District 1, 981-7110

 
Comment by Del Garcia

It is amazing that the people of Berkeley just don’t get it: without our military there can no freedom of speech–or freedom from harm. I am guessing that when things get tough and the city of Berkeley faces some “bad guys” they will be wanting to call upon our brave military members to help out. Without our military heroes defending us against our enemies, these freedoms would not exist. We need our military to carry out the difficult task of protecting us from harm and against those who would plot to destroy us. Our Marines and other military need our full support, thanksgiving and respect for all they do for our us. God bless “the few, the proud”–our military men and women who serve unsefishly. God have mercy on those petty little people who are unwilling to see the valuable service our military heroes perform on a daily basis. Mr. Demint has my respect for stepping up to defend our men and women and taking the action necessary to put a stop to this embarrassing action by a small-minded community. Del Garcia

 
Comment by Amanda Johnson

I agree that Recruiters fabricate the truth, but I can promise you if my husband didn’t join the Marine Corps that we would not have the life we have now. Most Marines will tell you the same thing. My husband doesn’t get paid anything close to what he deserves, but sometimes money doesn’t matter. If you have ever been around a Marine, you would know there are few that could be them. It takes a special person to go through what they are put through on a daily basis. It makes me sick to know that they can be this disrespected.

“The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!” Eleanor Roosevelt

 
Comment by William L Fury

What is frightniing is that these same people in Berkely are going to mix in with the Real Americans and could destroy the dreams of a better life. While these people are allowed to desigrate the sidewalks , Public Property, and disrupt the lives of so many people that dont agree with them, which live there .The City council is to run the Government for the people not for their pet Whims .Yes! the protesters have a Right, but for the Council to take sides with a few, not the many people their surposed to represent is against their Oath of Office . This is a personal view backed up with power ,not the Electors View. Whats Next?? The Police Dept With Gestopo Tactics . This is Power going off the Deep end .Why so much Hate ? Its the right of anyone to walk in a Recruiters office without a Fuss or being attacked. The rest of the world is watching this and laughing at all Americans and this form of Free Government . But these are not Governors, but Dictators. A 41yr Navy VET.

 
Comment by R. Veal

Along with my anger over the Berkley City Councils disgusting treatment of the Marine Corps recruiters, I have to laugh a little as well. The statement that our Marines are “Unwanted, and Unwelcome Intruders” is why I am laughing. The U.S. Marine Corps have been unwanted and unwelcome intruders in such places as Iwo Jima, and Guadalcanal. The the fanatical and formidable Japanese Army was unable to turn back or defeat our Marines, so I don’t think they need to worry much about a bunch of hippie has-beens and the Code Pink traveling freakshow. These pathetic losers have bitten off more than they can chew with this one.

 
Comment by Gloria Montgomery

VFW Condemns Berkeley City Council for Permitting Marine Harassment

I wanted to pass to you a statement from the national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars regarding Berkeley City Council’s giving Marines the boot. The chief also is encouraging the 2.3 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries to email the city council.

“The resolution is a direct insult to not only the Marines Corps, but also to all members of the nation’s armed forces,” said George Lisicki, national commander of the VFW, the nation’s largest organization of combat veterans. “Their recent actions represent a calculated effort to legalize harassment of one of our nation’s most elite military organizations. If there were ever a prize awarded for lack of appreciation and awareness for what our military has contributed to preserving our way of life, the Berkeley City Council would certainly win the trophy.”

Here is a link to the story: http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.newsDtl&did=4441

 
Comment by Lonnie Walker

I’ll break it down as to how I see this. The Marine Recruiters were Americans before they were Marines. Therefore what Berkley is really saying is that Americans are uninvited/unwelcomed guests in their city. I have no travel plans to go to Berkley’s crappy little town and I don’t purchase anything that comes out of that town.

I agree with Senator DeMint, we should pull their federal funding and keep the marine corp recruiter there. I also think we should keep the state of california from coming to their aid. If we have to, I think we should purchase the building they recruit out of. When the recruiters need any supplies/services, we should send them in from somewhere else so as not to support THEIR local businesses. In order to get Federal funding I think it would be fair for the Berkley city council to be forced to cut a pro military support our troop ad and I would broadcast it in EVERY community in California. That way we publicly humiliate them while sending a message to every other city that thinks that what Berkley did was right.

If you use their backward logic about wanting the marine corps recruiter out of their town because they lie, that would mean politicians aren’t welcome either. They lie sometimes too. I’m a 20-year Air Force veteran and proud of it. I think what Berkley did was dispicable. I’ve got even more controversial ideas of what they can do with their non-binding city city resolution!

Lonnie Walker
Abilene, Texas

 
Comment by John Sheppard

As a vet from that other unpopular war back in the 60s and 70s, I think the entire administration of Berkeley should be relieved. This is a free country as everyone knows and it goes both ways. I n addition to trying to keep undesirable OUT of the country, people have the right to leave if they don’t like it here. Let all the folks in Berkely who don’t want a military presence go live somewhere else. Chances are the place they go live would slap them behind bars for voicing their anti government comments.

 
Comment by Carl

Anyone that would support the tactics of Code Pink or MoveOn.org clearly come under the heading of hyperpartisans… that is, fanatics. Their credibility is null and void.

 
Comment by Mary B

I have written my Senators asking them to stand with Senator DeMint in removing earmark money and more from the city of Berkeley. Can’t wait to see if they do it. I don’t expect the USMC or the Dept. of Defense to declare the city “off limits”, but individuals can do it. Any and all military personnel, their families, and those who respect the US military should take their money elsewhere–buy cars, groceries, movie tickets, Valentine candy, chewing gum, EVERYTHING, somewhere else. And I hope that local citizens will show up with cameras to film all Code Pink activities, so that the rest of us can see it for ourselves.

God bless the US military!

 
Comment by Kathy S.

As a Nam Era Veteran, I say Berkley’s funding should be taken away. Let them defend themselves since they have no respect for our military services and those who serve and defend our Country. There is freedom of speech but one must take responsibility of their speech and it doesn’t mean that anyone can say anything they want with no consequences.
I really think that there should be an investigation into Code Pink and the city of Berkley as they tread on the border of Treason!
Where are our Congressmen and Senators who should be denouncing this type of speech and action? Are they afraid to speak out against this type of speech that comes on the line of treason or are some of our Congressmen and Senators agreeing with them? If so, people need to think of impeaching them!

 
Comment by G.L.

As a parent of a new Marine recruit, it is distressing to see “Pink” supporters get any press. My son left for Parrish Island recently. The Marine Corp involved our entire family in the whole process, kept us informed after he left and the entire Training Matrix is online for anyone to check. I don’ see how they could have lied….and surprise! They didn’t. Everything is very much the way he was told it would be.

If you even begin to think the kids are lied to, then just check the Marine Corp website it is all there. I am a teacher and it is an insult to every teen and parent to assume they are so gullible as to not have the sense to check it out before signing. You don’t even buy a car without research. Geesh…gimme a break. Ms. Lee is grossly misinformed and has not done even the most rudimentary research. If you are gonna get on TV, please research your topic so that your point is intelligent and understandable! Underage children, by the way, can’t sign up….you have to be 18 or have parental consent.

If Berkley doesn’t like the Marines, I would invite them to visit other counties and pick one that is sans Marine recruiting offices. There are several and they are quite nice. Luggage is cheap and flights leave hourly.

I would not at this time do business with any company in this city until this stupidity is over. They do not deserve any more camera time either.

By the way, I am very moderate, usually more liberal than conservative, but I do have common sense. This is not a party issue it is an American issue. We are free to choose and build our own futures and no PINK (omg!) party should take any one option away from us.

 
Comment by Van

As a retired military member and a one time recruiter in Sacramento, I came across similar situations. then the military closed down a few military bases which that really hurt their wallets. What the recruiters should do is carry a portable music player with them to job fairs and when they are confronted with anti military demonstrations, they need stand up then crank up “I’m proud to be an American” by Lee Greenwood and other patriotic songs, sing along so they know what the Military stands for and let them react to that infront of local and nationwide media.

 

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.

Close
E-mail It
Powered by WordPress This blog is powered by WordPress.com