Patrick Henry would be most surprised to hear this claim...
Posted on 02/16/2008 4:28:26 AM PST by TexasCajun
The Berkeley Chamber of Commerce has heard from individuals far and wide regarding recent Berkeley City Council actions and we appreciate that the American spirit is alive and robust.
The business community was not notified of pending city council action, nor asked for input.
We ask everyone to try to separate the actions of the City Council and not harm the good, hard-working small business owners - most of whom do not live in Berkeley and therefore cannot vote in Berkeley.
Additionally, we believe that the Berkeley City Council owes an apology to the community and others, whether they be a Marine or a hard-working business owner, folks that are just trying to do their job in this terrible economy, and which is now more difficult because their actions. We feel that granting a parking space in front of the Marine's office is harassment for them and their neighbors, and should be rescinded.
In the long term, we expect collaboration with the Mayor and City Council when considering actions which may impact our local businesses and community.
The Berkeley Chamber of Commerce believes in a community where all voices are heard in a fair manner.
At the same time, we believe that it is NOT in the spirit of free speech to grant favoritism to any viewpoint, whether we agree with that viewpoint or not.
Unfortunately recent City Council actions coincide with a very weak national economy.
As in many cities and towns across America, hard-working business owners, (85% of Berkeley’s businesses) have less than five employees, operate on a thin margin, and rely heavily on their walk-in customers. The housing and credit crisis have resulted in an unstable economy and a risky business environment. Combined with recent council action, our business community is painfully feeling the revenue loss.
The Berkeley Chamber of Commerce is proud that we promote, connect and strengthen business and community. In short, we are all here to help each other be successful, and to work together to create the best Berkeley possible, one that is inviting and respectful for all.
Berkeley lauds itself as the birthplace of free speech, a tremendous gift to America. We believe it works both ways, and in a fair manner.
Ted Garrett
CEO
Berkeley Chamber of Commerce
To Whom It May or May Not Concern:
Me and my friends will never ever support any business in your disgusting city.
The actions of your city council in support of Code Pink harassing the United States Marines to the point of asking/forcing them to leave is deplorable.
Your city police would not even force Code Pink to remove itself from the doorway of the Marine recruiting office for those wishing to enter.
This city’s open disdain for our fine men and women in the military is repugnant.
I will vocally support the removal of all Federal funds from your city.
I will also vocally protest to all the businesses in your city & boycott their services.
But not because of the city's Marine protest! -- NO! -- It's Bush's Fault!
Notice anything missing from Mr. Garrett's response?
Hey Ted....The goal is to get the small businesses to leave Berkley. The goal is to exterminate the America hating city.
There is no mention of respect or gratitude towards our brave men and women not just in the Marines, but all our armed forces.
It's Group-Think in this rabidly anti-American cesspool called Berkeley.
This is richer than a chocolate mousse wrapped in a croissant and covered with powdered sugar.
According to this clown, there was no free speech until some hippies in Berkeley invented it.
snort
I'm still looking for this "weak" economy that the lefties are talking about...
We ask everyone to try to separate the actions of the City Council and not harm the good, hard-working small business owners - most of whom do not live in Berkeley and therefore cannot vote in Berkeley.
You don’t like it, change it!
Unless you all really agree with what the City Council is doing, Mr. Garrett, tell those bozos on the council that local business people will no longer donate to their campaigns. I'll bet you'll see some action then...
Mr. Garrett,
Nice letter, but I notice one thing is missing.
There is no mention of the Chamber of Commerce's or your personal respect and gratitude towards our brave men and women not just in the Marines, but all our armed forces.
It was also telling how you weaved the liberal mantra "very weak national economy - Bush's fault" message into your 'City Council should apologize to our business owners for bringing the wrath of all the Redneck, America-Loving , Military Supporting masses down on our neck.'
But neverless, God Bless You for your effort.
I think he meant free commie speech... unheard of in Russia.
Patrick Henry would be most surprised to hear this claim...
see 16 to understand what they’re talking about.
The small business owner is enabling the city council. BOYCOTT BERKELEY
Kindness is a losing proposition with the left wingers.
They scornfully laugh at such a letter.
The grammar swat team is planning a hit. Beware.
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