The “pro-peace” (uh huh) movement strikes again:
(CBS) BERKELEY Marine Captain Richard Lund recruits college students and graduates as candidates for officer positions in the marines. But carrying out that job in Berkeley is not always an easy task.
He has listened to a variety of complaints from members of the anti-war group Code Pink in recent weeks.
“We are so shocked and horrified that the Marines have come to Berkeley to prey on our children,” said Zanne Joi, a Code Pink member.
Last week, the Code Pink group protested by defacing the recruiting center and calling the recruiters liars.
In the face of all this, one might ask why would any recruiter want to come to Berkeley?
Lund says that the office is close to the UC Berkeley campus and a BART station that it is convenient for recruits.
But what about the Berkeley attitude?
“It was a little bit of a consideration,” Lund said. “But this is my home. This is America. I’m from the Bay Area. I don’t mind being in any city, any neighborhood. To me it’s all home.”
The Marines did receive a couple of visitors who approve of their presence.
“It seems to me by trying to shut down recruiting on or near college campuses, you’re really violating the principles of free speech. And I find that repugnant,” said Berkeley resident Nancy Klein. “But we have to be a little bit crazy here, it’s kind of our persona.”
Lund wrote this letter to Code Pink after they defaced the recruiting office.
Gateway Pundit has photos of what these anti-war nuts did to the outside of the building.
Hat tip: Stop The ACLU
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Hmm, I thought they were “a little bit stupid”. That fits there persona much better.
Comment by NC Cop @ 10/5/2007 - 11:03 am
Nice letter Captain Lund. Lund made valid and intelligent points, which is probably why nobody at Codepink would understand it.
So basically, since all of Codepink’s candidates have recently said they would not pull troops out of Iraq if elected, they need to turn on our troops. Wonderful.
Message to Codepink:
“OFFICERS ARE PART OF THE TROOPS, TOO!”
Please, please, buy a clue.
Comment by NC Cop @ 10/5/2007 - 11:10 am
I’d just like to point out that direct interference with the activities of the military during a time of war, as in interfering with recruitment efforts, falls directly and unambiguously under the definition of sedition. And the laws against sedition should be enforced. It also falls under the strict definition of sabotage and treason.
It’s well past time that these laws started being enforced again.
Comment by Severian @ 10/5/2007 - 11:18 am
Congressmen who willfully take actions during wartime that damage morale, and undermine the military are saboteurs and should be arrested, exiled or hanged.”
~ President Abraham Lincoln
I believe this quote should be extended to citizens and non-citizen residents of the US as well as our Congresscritters.
Comment by PCD @ 10/5/2007 - 11:44 am
The unattractive ladies of Code Pink are among conservatism’s greatest assets, particularly when they take their blouses off in political speech.
Comment by Banjo @ 10/5/2007 - 5:59 pm
Wrong group your thinking about Banjo.
THAT particular group is “Breast not Bombs”
Sherri Glasers group I believe.
Why is it that the nastiest looking men and women are the only ones that want to get naked….lol
Comment by sanity @ 10/5/2007 - 6:46 pm
I am a corporal in the US Marines and I work in advertising and public relations for the Marine Corps Recruiting Command.
I have been following this issue lately and, even though Capt. Lund said it very well, I must say that if someone has an issue with the current status of the US Government, it would seem to me that they should be talking to their congressmen/women, senators, House Reps, etc… Seriously - some young man or woman elects to join the Marine Corps and suddenly they’re in the wrong?
These troops enlist with absolute knowledge of the risks. They know they could be sent to Iraq, Afghanistan, Djibouti, or any other country we’re fighting terrorism. They know from day one with their recruiter that there’s always a risk of death.
They train and prepare - but no amount of preparation can guarantee you’ll survive. They move into combat zones - WILLINGLY - because it’s what they believe is right. Who are YOU (Code Pink) to tell them they’re murderers and traitors?
Who are you to disgrace your countrymen?
Marines have mentally branded the code of Honor, Courage and Commitment to their souls and will die for it. They will die for you. They will die so you don’t have to.
You think what we’re doing is wrong? No matter what came to pass before the events of 9/11, I can most certainly guarantee that if we didn’t take action, this war would’ve been waged right here on OUR US soil.
Let’s go back and stop the President from branching away from his original goal (Osama) to topple the tyrannical regime in Iraq. Then fast-forward five years when the streets of Berkeley are stained with blood.
When the Marines have a perimeter around you, under heavy direct fire - What would you think?
Whether what we’re doing in Iraq is right or wrong is absolutely NOT the point. Just remember that whether you’re “Code Pink, Red, Green or Blue,” Republican, Democrat, Green Party … The Marines will die for you. When you trample the National Flag and curse the Marines - They’ll still die for you.
The United States Marine Corps is not affiliated with Republicans. We’re not affiliated with the Democrats. We’re affiliated with you - Our country. We’re affiliated with this ground.
When a young man or woman makes that firm decision to join the Marines, they have to “swear-in,” reciting the Oath of Enlistment:
“I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”
Now, at no time does it list any political parties.
It says that I will support and defend THE CONSTITUTION. So let’s take a look at that particular document. We’ll just go with the Preamble:
“We the people, of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense,
promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
I know - When our ancestors wrote the Constitution they meant to conclude with, “But, only when it’s all convenient.”
When our government acts in a way you disagree with, it is your DUTY as citizen to question those actions. Not to question your faith in the military. We do what is asked of us - and we’ll continue to do so. While you’re disgracing this Nation, remember - Some young Marine, Soldier, Sailor or Airman is gasping in their last breath in order to protect the rights of the citizens of other countries. They’re dying for you. They’re dying for strangers. All they want is your support. Disagree with your President, but love your servicemen and women. Without them, you’ll have to fight for yourself.
Comment by Corporal @ 10/6/2007 - 10:40 am
Excellent post, Corporal and thank you very much for your service!
Comment by NC Cop @ 10/6/2007 - 5:27 pm
Thank you for your support NC Cop. I appreciate it.
Comment by Corporal @ 10/8/2007 - 8:10 am
Comment by Lorica @ 10/8/2007 - 9:43 am
Corporal, may I add to the thanks that others have expressed here, not just for your service and sacrifice, but for your eloquent and pointed post regarding the lunacy of the Code Pink protesters.
When I look out at what passes for young men and women in the US today, semi-illiterate, lazy, attention deficient, reading something so well written, and by a person who has their head on straight and has committed themselves to our protection, it renews my hope for the future. In my job I see a fair number of soldiers and airmen (not too many Marines unfortunately), and they always impress me as the best this country has to offer, and our hope for the future.
I’d like to thank you for being the type of person who can restore hope and wash away some of the cynicism that we all pick up looking at the Britney Spears generation, as well as for being willing to go out in harms way and protect us all from the savages of the world. You are among the best that this great country has produced, and I wish you Godspeed. I feel that you will be successful in whatever you set your mind to, be it a military career or a civilian one.
Comment by Severian @ 10/8/2007 - 10:54 am
Corporal, let me also add my thanks for your post here and for the service you and the entire Marine Corps provide every day, for all of us. Those who would deface your recruiting centers, obstruct your work, and attack your service do not deserve your protection, yet you would all willingly lay down your lives to uphold their right to be so blazingly stupid. It’s that type of dedication that’s kept us a free nation and a model for the rest of the world to copy or envy.
I had the privilege of knowing some Marines during my time in the USAF, and every one was, to echo Severian’s comments, the best this country has to offer. From your post, and by their service every day, it’s obvious that that has not changed.
Again, thank you and God bless you.
Comment by Great White Rat @ 10/8/2007 - 11:16 am
Corporal, I echo the sentiments of others in this thread who have thanked you for your service. Thanks so much for your insight and dedication.
Comment by Sister Toldjah @ 10/8/2007 - 12:32 pm
I must say, The Marine Corps does the most with the oldest and least equipment. To think Code Pink are anything more than a bunch old crones off their meds is the mental illness that permeates the Democrat party.
Comment by PCD @ 10/8/2007 - 1:34 pm
I’d like to take a moment to thank you all for your kind words.
Fortunately, this is a free country - A country whose citizens are free to believe whatever they choose. The unfortunate part about it, is that also means they have the freedom to burn our flag, protest at funerals … Sometimes I wonder if they even know who they’re protesting. They’ll tell you they protest “the government,” but that’s the most obsurdly vague thing I’ve ever heard.
They’re protesting the military and saying servicemen are dying because God is punishing them for their acts. But, they’re just trying to rationalize their exsistence.
The truth is that they protest the troops because they don’t know what else to do. As I said before - I am all about freedom of speech. Go pickett on the White House lawn. But be warned - There are Marines guarding it. Go pickett the Pentagon. Pickett something monumental.
In reply to my original post, someone spoke about today’s youth. I whole-heartedly agree. unfortunately, I am typically lumped into the same category, as I too am a “Millenial.” I was born in 1985. Since I was a little boy watching “G.I. Joe,” I always knew I’d one day serve my country.
Too many of today’s children and young adults think it’s cool to wear their pants below their “hind-quarters” and speak in broken English (even though they were born and raised in the States).
I’ll never understand it.
Thank you once again for your support. I was overwhelmed by the response.
Truly Faithful I remain,
Corporal of Marines.
Comment by Corporal @ 10/9/2007 - 6:56 pm
One of the nice things about free speech, Corporal, is that it is often very useful at letting you know who the nutcases are who you shouldn’t turn your back on. They seem incapable of staying low profile enough to blend in don’t they?
Comment by Severian @ 10/9/2007 - 7:12 pm
Corporal, I am very proud to call you my friend. Your are such a wicked bad ass. Thanks for the sacrifices you make for our country. I may not be on the front lines but I stand behind you and your Marines, My Marines. OO RAH!
Storekeeper
Comment by Storekeeper @ 10/10/2007 - 8:54 am
SK3,
You know I love you, and I’m glad my wife forwarded this to you so you could read it. Remember - You Coast Guardsman are always on our minds - One of yours died helping the Marines on Iwo Jima. You do a great job of protecting our shores.
From Aztec shore to Arctic zone,
To Europe and Far East.
The Flag is carried by our ships,
In times of war and peace.
And never have we struck it yet,
In spite of foe-men’s might,
Who cheered our crews and cheered again,
For showing how to fight.
We’re always ready for the call,
We place our trust in Thee.
Through surf and storm and howling gale,
High shall our purpose be.
“Semper Paratus” is our guide,
Our fame, our glory too.
To fight to save or fight to die,
Aye! Coast Guard, we are for you!
Semper Paratus
Corporal of Marines.
Comment by Corporal @ 10/10/2007 - 1:08 pm