Friday, February 08, 2008

Berkeley Non Grata

The recent declaration of the Berkeley City Council about military recruiters and particularly marines has earned my contempt. The Council stated that "If recruiters choose to stay, they do so as uninvited and unwelcome intruders;" and goes on to applaud residents and organizations that "volunteer to impede, passively or actively, by nonviolent means, the work of any military recruiting office located in the City of Berkeley."

It will color my actions and influence my future visits to that city in such a way to avoid, when possible, support to any business or organization that is resident in that city. No doubt there are many that disagree with the Council but it is incumbent upon them to make their voices heard and rescind the Council's action.

It was attitudes such as this that enabled the shameful treatment of Vietnam veterans. There are many today, myself included, that are embarrassed that we did not speak up then. I do now. May Berkeley go to Hell!

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