Marines v. Berkeley

It seems that some of the cowards in Berkeley, facing a pro-military onslaught, are already softening their position.

Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates, who said "I believe in the Code Pink cause. The Marines don't belong here, they shouldn't have come here, and they should leave," just a few days ago, now has a new position:

In the face of an onslaught of pro-military criticism from around the country, Bates, a retired Army captain, also issued a statement that said the City Council’s resolution Tuesday night “did not adequately differentiate our respect and support for those serving in the armed forces and our opposition to the Iraq war policy.” He said he would ask the council to modify the resolution at its next meeting, scheduled for Feb. 12.

What a piece of, um, work. And he's a retired Army Captain? You're a disgrace to the uniform and every man and woman who wears it, sir. Fortunately for you and your community, those same Marines that you hate and condemn will continue to defend your right to do so.

Here's the statement of Pete Hesgeth at Vets For Freedom:

"The man or woman who puts on the uniform of a United States Marine, Soldier, Sailor or Airman swears an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States," said Executive Director of Vets for Freedom, Pete Hegseth. "Clearly, the elected officials of Berkley, California see the Constitution as a mere roadblock in their radical left-wing agenda. What these fanatics fail to realize is that the fantasy world that they live in exists under the very cloak of freedom provided by the sacrifices of the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces."

He continued "The Constitution is not conditional. The blatant favoring of one group's freedoms over another's because of political partisanship is exactly the type of divisive politics that is endangering the success of the missions in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Global War on Terror. The progress being made would not be possible without the brave soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines that serve in our armed forces. Recruitment is essential to success in the war on terror."

We have met the enemy and he is us.

Also:

• Stop the Traitors in Berkeley