Posted on 03/02/2008 2:22:54 AM PST by USMC Brat
BERKELEY, Calif. (KCBS) -- The protests that continue in Berkeley over the Marine’s recruiting station come at a hefty price tag for the city.
Protests have been held every Friday for months outside the Marines recruitment center on Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley.
”It supports the war by continuing to pull people into the war machine,” said Jennifer Kitter, a Code Pink member, and regular at the protests.
The city manager says Berkeley police are spending $20,000 each time such a protest is held, to make sure that the demonstrators don’t get physical with each other.
”I’m supporting the troops, all of the troops, and in this case, the Marines,” said John Roy, a former Marine, who stands in front of the recruitment station waving an American flag.
Both sides vow the protests will continue.
AWESOME. What’d be even better is if conventions and meeting which were scheduled to be held in the area started pulling out and heading for other venues.
Sounds like an excellent idea to me.
I can’t make it because I’m out of the area. But, please get pics and don’t forget your video cameras! I would love to donate a case of deodorant to present as a gift to the natives. Don’t go empty handed, at least take a bottle of Hemp shampoo as an exchange currency... lol :).
Wowser, Code Pink is costing the city of Berkeley big bucks.
I can’t be there in person either because I’m several states away — makes me wish I lived closer. Best I can do is be there in spirit and send a donation to MAF.
For all who CAN be there... take lots of pictures and video.
Thanks for the ping!
Yes, I am a lifetime California girl, but our family has moved out of state and far away. So, we won’t be in Berkeley, either.
BTTT
According to Laurie Capitelli’s Administrative Asst the businesses are rising up against the daily protests. The Chamber is working with the City Council to bring a peaceful end to the constant circus. The Chamber has encouraged the Council repeatedly to formally apologize to the Marines.
I don’t know what to think... we don’t see any media accounts of the Chamber of Commerce taking action, so IF it’s going on it’s behind closed doors.
Regarding Police enforcement the Adm Asst told me that is improving. “When protesters break the law they will be charged.” — Hmmm, we’ll see...
The Adm Asst volunteered that the Parking Pass and Sound Permit issued to Code Pink are the same type issued to construction crews and Conventions. She said they are routinely granted as requested. She added that Code Pink files necessary permit requests for each day they protest, except for 4 hours on Wednesday’s which the City Council granted.
Capitelli’s Adm Asst indicated that she doesn’t agree with the politics or activities happening in Berkely. Capitelli along with “a few other councilmembers” do not hold a majority to rescind the Council’s actions, but they are working together. They’re looking forward to the Election in Nov when it is expected the Mayor and some councilmembers will be replaced.
Personally, I think the Mayor and Councilmembers committed Political Suicide with their offensive actions toward the Marines, and armed services as a whole.
What the Adm Asst failed to understand from me in our conversation is that the original resolution is what outraged the Nation, and that Code Pink is secondary. The Council didn’t go far enough in “softening their language.” By agreeing to “not send a letter” in item #2 they left item #3 in tact, which basically said the same thing.
It’s going to be a long road ahead.
Regarding post #71, Well done! None of my letters have been answered to date and it looks like phone calls are the only way to find out where anyone stands in Berkeley.
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