Marines refuse to leave Berkeley despute Council resolution

[2pac Shakur]

BERKELEY, Calif.—While anti-war protesters chained themselves outside a U.S. Marines recruiting center here, a spokesman said Corps does not plan to abandon the office even though the City Council has officially rolled up the welcome mat.
The Berkeley City Council voted Tuesday to tell the Marines that if its recruiters choose to stay in their rented downtown space "they do so as uninvited and unwelcome guests."

Gunnery Sgt. Pauline Franklin said Friday that while the Corps respects city officials' right to free speech, the Marines would not be leaving.

Conservative bloggers and Republican Sen. Jim DeMint, R-South Carolina, lashed out at Berkeley following Tuesday's resolution. DeMint said he would draft legislation to strip the city of federal money, including funds destined for UC Berkeley, for school lunches in the Berkeley Unified School District and public safety.

"The First Amendment gives the City of Berkeley the right to be idiotic, but from now on they should do it with their own money," DeMint said in a statement.

Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates said he would speak with the Marines' landlord to see if the recruiters could break their lease early without penalty.

A retired Army captain, Bates also said Friday that he wants the council to amend its resolution because it "did not adequately differentiate our respect and support for those serving in the armed forces and our opposition to the Iraq war policy."

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_8...nclick_check=1

So it's not enough for the Marines to be uninvited occupiers of Afghanistan and Iraq, now they gotta do it to Berkeley?

[Actuary321]

I really like DeMint's plan. As you keep saying 2pac, Free speech ain't free.

[Loner]

Originally Posted by 2pac Shakur

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_8...nclick_check=1

So it's not enough for the Marines to be uninvited occupiers of Afghanistan and Iraq, now they gotta do it to Berkeley?

The city council doesn't hold their lease. They have no business passing resolutions telling anyone to leave.

[Ohel Moed]

For some pictures (perhaps NSFW) of the scene in Berkeley, check out:
http://www.zombietime.com/berkeley_m...orps_2-1-2008/

If you have a visceral hate of President Bush, you'll love the signs that some people came up with.

[2pac Shakur]

Originally Posted by Loner

The city council doesn't hold their lease. They have no business passing resolutions telling anyone to leave.

So who has the right to tell the Marines to leave?
Coast Guard?

[2pac Shakur]

Originally Posted by Ohel Moed

For some pictures (perhaps NSFW) of the scene in Berkeley, check out:
http://www.zombietime.com/berkeley_m...orps_2-1-2008/

If you have a visceral hate of President Bush, you'll love the signs that some people came up with.

I think I am in love.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Originally Posted by Actuary321

I really like DeMint's plan. As you keep saying 2pac, Free speech ain't free.

I like how it sounds like he's whining like a petulant baby when he's going to take his money and go home because he doesn't like someone. Oh, and too bad to the kids who need free lunches in the Berkeley school district. Go cry to your city council that they're not doing exactly what some guy in South Carolina wants them to do.

[lennie]

Let's solve the Middle East and California problems all at once. Let's give the Israelis California.

[Loner]

Originally Posted by 2pac Shakur

So who has the right to tell the Marines to leave?
Coast Guard?

Their landlord perhaps, if they violate the terms of their lease. But a municipal entity has no business passing resolutions declaring people or entities off limits.
Now if they wanted to pass zoning laws or something regarding the use of commercial space, that's another matter.

Seriously,do you think your city council is within its rights to pass a resolution declaring you persona non grata and that you would therefore be obligated to leave?

[Pseudolus]

Originally Posted by lennie

Let's solve the Middle East and California problems all at once. Let's give the Israelis California.

Hey, they already have Hollywood.