Berkeley (Feb. 2008) PDF Print
As you probably have heard, the Berkeley City Council recently declared that recruiters of the U.S. Marines in the city were "uninvited and unwelcome intruders."  I believe this resolution reflected a stunning disregard for the millions of brave and selfless Americans serving in our armed forces who are devoting their lives to protecting our freedoms and keeping our nation secure.  Regardless of how these city officials feel about current U.S. military operations, they should express appreciation for members of our armed forces rather than publicly calling for their departure out of the city.  As such, I believe their decision on late Tuesday to partially backtrack from their original resolution was a step in the right direction. I have co-sponsored legislation that would strip federal earmarks from going to the city of Berkeley and redirect this funding to the U.S. Marines, and signed a letter to the President urging him to take similar action through an executive order.  This action would send a clear message that local governments who feel it necessary to voice concerns about U.S. military operations should do so without insulting the men and women who are serving and sacrificing in these missions.  Our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines certainly deserve this basic level of respect and gratitude.