I have avoided writing on the situation in Berkeley and their attempts to expel Marine Recruiters from their community as I felt I could not write on the topic without my absolute abhorrence for their actions coming to the forefront.

That was until I saw this today:
(original City Council Meeting on this issue)

Those who would support the actions of these individuals and the likes of Code Pink are not in my opinion, patriots. Sorry folks, I have never said that before but I have come to that point.

I am tired of the “we support the troops but don’t support the war” crowd. I have had it with Congressional leaders who think nothing of declaring the war lost or expressing that the surge has been a failure when all signs point to many successes. Twisting and turning the facts to suit your rhetoric just does not cut it anymore.

Ace has much more, including attempts by Senator DeMint to force Berkeley to pay a dear price for their antics.

Whether Berkeley backs down in the face of tremendous pressure or Congress agrees to cut their funding at this point is moot to me.

They will find another way, another time, to attempt to disparage those who have fought for their right to act as disrespectful, juvenille individuals. What an absolute disgrace.

Written by Sue

3 Responses to “Sorry folks, these are not patriots”

1. ~J~ says:

   February 13, 2008 at 4:51 am

   I’m so proud to be represented by Sen. DeMint. I also read the California legislature is considering withholding funds until they apologize and stop this bovine scat.

   Then again we’re talking about California and Berkeley. Harry Reid to the rescue of those who would have us go down in defeat.
2. David M. says:

   February 13, 2008 at 11:13 am

   As J knows, I supported the war originally but thought we had won and should have left when we deposed Saddam and destroyed his weapons. I don’t understand what’s inconsistent about supporting the war originally; not supporting the war now, but still supporting our troops. Bringing our troops home in a phased withdrawal is the greatest support we could give them. I think a phased withdrawal would take about 2 years. I do not think McCain’s comparison to troops remaining in Iraq and our continued presence in Korea and Europe after those wars have any relationship, btw.
3. Sue says:

   February 13, 2008 at 1:33 pm

   David:

   I respect your opinion about when you feel it would have been right to leave Iraq. However, the consequences of doing so could be debated ad nauseum.

   As far as separating the war from the troops, many choose to view the war in that fashion. I for one do not agree and here is why.

   First of all, I have never met anyone, and that includes those with whom I have had relationships who wear or have worn the uniform of this country who likes war. But I do remember a conversation which I had with a close family friend who was recently retired from the Army.

   My Dad was then on his second tour of duty in what many called an unjust war and as a teenager I found it hard to understand how a soldier could be blamed for simply doing his or her job. The Colonel told me that while those looking in from the outside might not grasp the tasks at hand, those who wore the uniform did. Their mission and their uniform were one and the same. They do not ask for war and as he said many could even be disillusioned by the mission laid before them but regardless, their uniform tied them to something greater than the mission..the United States of America.

   The same applies, at least in my mind today. Do I think that all phases of the Iraq war were executed perfectly, no. But has there been even one day that has passed while we have boots on the ground there that I have doubted the ability of our military to tackle the mission with which they have been tasked? No.

   I never expected perfection, not from the White House and not from the military leaders. Your thoughts on phased withdrawal are exactly what the President and Secretary Gates have put forth, but I am also pleased that they are listening carefully to the advice of General Petreaus on this issue.

   So I suppose David, while I may not have explained myself in a way which makes sense to all, I know I cannot say I support the troops but do not support the war. That leaves any gains we have made in limbo, and every life sacrificed for naught.

   I can only say for me, the mission is tied to the uniform and the uniform is tied to America.