Uninvited and Unwelcome Guests

[Dodgergirl]

This is a really interesting news item. At first I thought this was a rumor, but it appears to be true. I find it interesting that $$ can be cut from the State budget in retaliation for an action by the City Council.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/berkeley.asp

[Ironhorse]

I've been following this story the last few weeks. I have some mixed feelings on the stripping of the federal funds, I think it "punishes" the wrong people (i.e. kids and disabled, etc.), but I also see the governments point. Berkeley showed some poor judgement on this one, really poor judgement. Encouraging it's residents to "impede" the recruiters, albeit in a non-violent manner, is sure to encourage more aggressive/violent confrontations. I think Berkeley went overboard, sometimes you just want to think twice before you "bite the hand that feeds you". Voting to publicly state they don't support the war would have seemed to be an easier path than this. But I know, not everyone wants and easier path, sometimes some just want headlines, then realize they opened a humongous can of worms.

[MadScot]

I agree with most of what you say here Ironhorse. Where I have a problem is the biting the hand that feeds you tie in. It relates somewhat to the Oakhurst incorporation movement. The state and feds want to mandate the policy of Berkeley the same way Madera County wants to continue to rule Oakhurst. After all isn't this money that you refer to as feed taken from the citizens of Berkeley to begin with.

[Ironhorse]

I agree with most of what you say here Ironhorse. Where I have a problem is the biting the hand that feeds you tie in. It relates somewhat to the Oakhurst incorporation movement. The state and feds want to mandate the policy of Berkeley the same way Madera County wants to continue to rule Oakhurst. After all isn't this money that you refer to as feed taken from the citizens of Berkeley to begin with.

Yep it is the same money. Maybe what Berkeley really needs to be told is, "Okay, if we're at war and YOU get invaded, don't call the Marines"?. Like I said, I struggle with it, but feel Berkeley's "punishment" punishes the wrong people. After all, did the whole city support the statement, or was it just a minority? I don't advocate or support "impeding" recruiters, in past times (long past, Vietnam era) I only saw it lead to violence and more stupidity. Non-productive.

[Twolf]

Yes, a sad, embarassing day for Berkeley, where I live for now. It was the first time I felt compelled to write the local city council members with a piece of my mind. The last few years they have gone off on these windmill jousting jaunts. In recent years it has included: support for Palistine, Armenian genocide & impeaching Cheney. All of these are good causes but what the heck do they have to do with running a city? I wrote them that it wasn't the Marines that invaded Iraq, it was Bush. The armed forces are just tools that do what they are ordered; they don't make policy. It is like blaming the mailman because you get junk mail. I get so angry at them because they waste time on this stuff, while the downtown fills up with the homeless and shops close their doors. They are re-voting on this issue Tue & hopefully will get it right now. The big problem now is that all these outside, right wing, pro-military have come to town to protest. Should be quite a bad show tommorrow. Bezerkeley for sure!

Twolf

[MadScot]

I think it's kinda dumb all the way around. Berkeley can't be that big a hotbed in the recruiting effort. It's not like they are closing down the office. Do they think a few grannies working with code pink are really going to change someones mind from going into the office. Is there anyplace in the country where people are exposed to more anti-war sentiment already. Plus there's another two offices in Oakland less than 15 minutes away. Now the feds and state republicans are going to turn it into a big political showdown. Don't both sides have better things to do than argue over this.