Berkeley: “A change in PR strategy” Update: Police inaction video added
posted at 10:30 am on February 13, 2008 by Bryan
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The SF Gate headline says that Berkeley backed down on Tuesday. And that’s what Berkeley’s leadership wants the country to think, but read between the lines of this story and see if you can figure out what the Berkeley city council actually changed.
Council members conceded that they had erred in passing a resolution Jan. 29 that condemned the Marines - rather than the war in Iraq - and some council members added that they felt they owed U.S. troops an apology as well the many Berkeley residents who were ashamed and offended by their position.
“To err is human but to really screw up it takes the Berkeley City Council,” said council member Gordon Wozniak. “We failed our city. We embarrassed our city.”
In the end, however, the council voted against issuing a public apology for its January action.
The officials said, however, that they strongly believe the Bush administration has used lies and deceit to lead the country into a war in which nearly 4,000 American troops have been killed. They also criticized the government for what they said was hiding the horrors of the war behind a “support our troops” mantra.
No apology. No change in policy. To the extent that there was a backdown, it came in the form of a shift on the council.
The backdown became apparent late Tuesday night when Mayor Tom Bates and three council members aligned themselves with the two who called on the council last week to rethink its position. The January decision created a firestorm of criticism across the nation from people who called the council’s position on the Marines harsh and inappropriate. Others cheered the council as courageous.
That move realigns the council so that a majority is against the January letter. But they didn’t pass anything and haven’t issued an apology. They voted against doing that.
They’re still on the Code Stink side of the war, and as Move America Forward reported, the local and state police didn’t lift a finger to help when the leftwingers violated the protest permits.
So what did they actually change? Nothing, at least not yet.
As a source on the Hill put it this morning:
Basically, this is a fig leaf retreat, doing the bare minimum to stop the public outcry, but still emphatically supporting Code Pink and urging everyone to “impede” military recruiters. Not to mention they voted against an apology. Berkeley hasn’t changed their stance, they’ve changed their PR strategy. Senators will still work to pass Semper Fi Act.
Code Pink spent Tuesday agitating on Berkeley’s behalf in DC. They’re not backing down. Senators DeMint, Cornyn et al will continue to work on passing the Semper Fi Act. This isn’t over.
Update: Here’s Zombie’s first of two photo essays on Tuesday’s events. It’s a work in progress, so there’s more to come.
Update: Here’s video that appears to be from yesterday of the police doing nothing while the Code Pink protesters block the recruiting station’s front door. Abortion protesters would NEVER get away with this. The police would haul them off, lock them up and throw the strongest possible charges at them. In the video you’ll hear the police officer say that they’re trying to remain as neutral as possible. They’re not. By allowing the protesters to block the entrance, they’re taking a side. It’s an outrage.
Update: The Weekly Standard’s Brian Faughnan has more, including a clip of Congressman John Campbell (R-CA) discussing the Semper Fi Act.
(front page photo from SF Gate)
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Threaten their pockets and they change the wording but, not the message.
boomer on February 13, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Keep up the good work!
infidel2 on February 13, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Does any one have video of the alteration yesterday? Man, I wish Zombie was there.
infidel2 on February 13, 2008 at 10:37 AM
LoveLiberalism is never having to say you’re sorry.bloggless on February 13, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Nevermind, Zombie was there!
infidel2 on February 13, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Why doesn’t someone ask Obama and Hillary their views on the situation? I realize a Senate vote should produce something along that line, but they can just avoid voting. As candidates, it should be a fair game question, I would think.
a capella on February 13, 2008 at 10:41 AM
A review of Berkeley’s past council minutes shows a resolution in January ‘08, condemning Richard Honnaker, Bush’s appointee to the federal bench. Honnaker got grilled yesterday by Specter, et al., and is facing fierce opposition from NOW, NARAL, all the usual suspects. Honnaker is good, decent, intelligent man and would be a great asset to the judicial system.
Get a hold of your elected mouthpiece to get this man through.
Squarestate on February 13, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Good. I want Demint’s bill passed and Berkeley given the royal slap down. Are they still allowing Code Stink unlimited parking in front of the recruitment station? Are they exempt from noise laws? This is so outrageous.
Blake on February 13, 2008 at 10:43 AM
I’d bet a month’s pay that the Berkeley City Council believes that Waterboarding is torture…..just like Juan “Z-Visa” McCain does. Any takers???
DfDeportation on February 13, 2008 at 10:46 AM
The Berkeley PD (or the Cheif at least) can be charged with non-feasance if they refuse to enforce the laws of the State of California.
mojo on February 13, 2008 at 10:50 AM
DfDeportation on February 13, 2008 at 10:46 AM
I’d say that’s a given.
boomer on February 13, 2008 at 10:51 AM
I love the slogan on the sign. What a perfect description of those nut jobs.
orlandocajun on February 13, 2008 at 10:52 AM
The pic of the mayor in the pink beret says is all for me. They are unrepentent little fascists with envy so green it fills them with the bile of hatred for all of the people better and stronger than them.
No cash for evil clowns.
bbz123 on February 13, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Any word on the Semper Fi Act?
Hiney Von Pewps on February 13, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Yes, they made a mistake but it’s Bush’s fault.
Isn’t everything?
Hening on February 13, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Whaaaaaahhhh! Don’t take away our money! We still hate the Marines, but please give us more money! WHAAAAAH!
Tony737 on February 13, 2008 at 10:59 AM
They are simply sub-human.
What kind of creature takes a vote to see if they should issue an apology when it is clear to even them that one is due?
EJDolbow on February 13, 2008 at 11:05 AM
First off a city council members can not (more like should not) bad mouth a part of government they have no part of. If Berkley City Council in fact did talk and condemning Honaker, they can loose their seat. And I am all for them losing their seat.
If no apology has been issued even though they say they have erred, they should still get their federal funding taken away. Due to the fact that they 1. did not uphold the permit violations (aka the police which is mandatory) this should go for City AND State funding! 2. Giving a exception and permit for known Protestors who target the military, a parking space as well as a protesting permit, WITHOUT paying for it! 3. the need of regualtions that will be upheld concerning protesting is obviously not being upheld and in all ways being violated…. therefore the City of Berkley should suffer for not keeping lock step with their “Laws”.
Until then, Berkley should not recieve ANY Federal or State funding …. and maybe need to lose most of their privledges. If you have been to Berzerkley, you know what privledges I am talking about.
upinak on February 13, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Maybe the DEA could radically step up enforcement in the area and cut off essential supplies. I imagine the local heads would force the city council to apoligize.
snaggletoothie on February 13, 2008 at 11:27 AM
I’m waiting for someone to go to the recruiting office, have the entrance blocked, and insist the police allow him access to the office. Have someone there with a camera to document their response.
Dave from Flint on February 13, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Wouldn’t that be just the icing on the cake? Code Pink and the City of Berkley sued via a young man or woman or one re-joining the military, and can not talk to a recruiter due to the “protesting” even when asked to be let through to speak with them.
***I smell lots and lots of money Berkley and the State of Cali won’t have anymore*** I love the smell of tanning oil and money in the morning!
upinak on February 13, 2008 at 11:41 AM
How can that be ok?
ronsfi on February 13, 2008 at 11:42 AM
You couldn’t block a McDonalds that way and get away with it.
ronsfi on February 13, 2008 at 11:42 AM
have they blocked the Marines from entering their own building yet? and if so, how did the Marines react? I would expect nothing less than for them to act professionally, but you know they wouldn’t mind having to “force” their way in to work.
striper1 on February 13, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Hey how about the Marines blockade Jerkley!
ronsfi on February 13, 2008 at 11:53 AM
It’s not over until the USMC gets Code Pink’s reserved parking spot.
rw on February 13, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Makes you wish for an earthquake.
And you know how slow federal response can be……..
drjohn on February 13, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Kinda like the earthquake in Seattle, the day after the mardi Gras Riots when the mayor said “There will be no more Mardi Gras Celebrations in Seattle” and then the nice big earthquake started seconds after that. I was there for the riots and the earthquake… LOL what a rush!
upinak on February 13, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Do I have to repeat myself?
Hello, Mr. President - national guard!
corona on February 13, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Agree - I’d love to see Hillary, Barack and McCain answer that.
knob on February 13, 2008 at 12:05 PM
‘Spose those idiot cops would remain neutral if someone wanted to go and slug one of those morons blocking the door?
About which laws do cops get to remain “neutral”? Which ones can they choose not to enforce?
drjohn on February 13, 2008 at 12:08 PM
OH bull**** who in the hell do they think they are , the cow saying no business to day is just begging to get socked in the mouth . Might haver to go drop off a thank you card tuesday to the marines and see if these pinko pos try blocking me .
Mojack420 on February 13, 2008 at 12:13 PM
yeah the cops were violating the law just sitting there. Lawsuit lawsuit lawsuit.
spacekicker on February 13, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Everything I read here sounds good..but…we are in danger of sounding like the radical left if we can’t phrase our disdain and dislike more carefully……The police, both state and local are probably in fear of their jobs, although this does’t support their lack of following the law, it probably goes a great extent to the reasons they failed to follow it. Poor soldiers they are. Certainly not good marines. Who will they call for backup in the event of a full terrorist event?
Bob67 on February 13, 2008 at 12:16 PM
I think we need to do our own little Conservative version of Jena, Louisiana and descend upon Berkeley.
Levinite on February 13, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Sent $10 to MAF yesterday by USPS. Be sure to help them out y’all, these folks are on-site doing what we can’t do from afar: getting in the faces of these traitors!
Biffstir on February 13, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Wish I lived closer, I’d be there every day going in bringing donuts to that recruitment station. Lucky for me I live in Texas where idiots know better than to act like idiots in public.
b4itsover on February 13, 2008 at 12:25 PM
I think this video deserves its own story.
Vincenzo on February 13, 2008 at 12:30 PM
I thought interfering with military recruiters was a federal offense. Anyone know for sure?
jdawg on February 13, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Tasers all around!
RobCon on February 13, 2008 at 12:39 PM
I just want to Tazer them.
Kini on February 13, 2008 at 12:48 PM
I like that idea, but I was wondering if the moonbats are chained together does the current flow through all of them?
striper1 on February 13, 2008 at 12:52 PM
If someone has the time and inclination, a little research should go into Berkeley laws regarding blocking of public walkways, and blocking access to businesses vis-a-vis fire safety and person’s with disabilities access act. Then a group should go there with cameras and if the protesters are found to be in violation of any laws, they should be placed under citizen’s arrest. Most people don’t realize that anyone can effect an arrest of another person for the violation of a law (check the local statutes, I’m not a lawyer). The caveat is they have to have absolute proof (video and witnesses) so they can’t be counter-sued for false arrest.
Imagine the local police departments embarrassment when they have to come and collect those arrested, while their own cops are just stading around looking like oafs - would make great “news at 11″ coverage!
saukeye on February 13, 2008 at 12:55 PM
there’s no way this would be allowed and permitted, peaceful or not, if this was for a liberal thing.
Defector01 on February 13, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Some of the signs shown in Zombietime photos are advocating treason for the “sake of humanity.” Why would those people even live in this country if they think we are that awful. Let’s see them have the nads to back up their words and move somewhere that is more to their liking. I hear Scandinavia is lovely this time of year.
I am beginning to understand the term “chicken dove” a lot better now.
Mallard T. Drake on February 13, 2008 at 1:07 PM
makes me want to go hippie stomping.
I love the fact that they call everyone nazis and facist yet have a profound hatred to Isreal.
GREENTURTLE on February 13, 2008 at 1:26 PM
Wow! They are breaking the law and the cop just shrugs is shoulders?
Wonder what would have happened if it was a pro-life group blocking the entrance to an abortion clinic?
JannyMae on February 13, 2008 at 1:26 PM
if i fell back and hurt my ankle due to being force back by the pinkos would that be considered assault?
GREENTURTLE on February 13, 2008 at 1:28 PM
Cut the funds off or this gargabge will spread. Libs are basically cowards at heart. The least sign of resistance sends them into a state of desperation. Cowardice will spread if cowardice by law enforcement is allowed to permeate the public environment. Failure to uphold the law only encourages law breaking.
volsense on February 13, 2008 at 1:33 PM
Per the request of HA members:
City of Berkley;
Conflist of Interest Code
Still looking for permit pretaining to Protesting. They have a few Dept. in Berkley but a protesting Permit is usually given via the State (depending on State) and Berkley does not have anything other then Permit for buildings, construction on their website at the moment.
upinak on February 13, 2008 at 1:33 PM
Just realized that in the link to the video, Bryan made the same allusion I did.
I want to clarify, though, that abortion protestors shouldn’t be allowed to block an entrance either, but they should be allowed to protest.
JannyMae on February 13, 2008 at 1:35 PM
The Agenda, and minutes are under the Clerk page www/ci.berkeley.ca
Marine Recruiting Office in Berkeley
From: Peace and Justice Commission
Recommendation:
1) Direct the City Attorney to investigate and report back to Council within 60 days
on City options for enforcing Chapter 13.28 of the Berkeley Municipal Code,
prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, with respect to
military recruiting offices in Berkeley;
2) Direct the City Manager to send letters to the Marine Corps Recruiting Station at
64 Shattuck Avenue and to General James T. Conway, Commandant of the
United States Marine Corps, advising them that the Marine recruiting office is not
welcome in our city, and if recruiters choose to stay, they do so as uninvited and
unwelcome intruders;
3) Encourage all people to avoid cooperation with the Marine Corps recruiting
station, and applaud residents and organizations such as Code Pink, that may
volunteer to impede, passively or actively, by nonviolent means, the work of any
military recruiting office located in the City of Berkeley.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Manuel Hector, Commission Secretary, 981-****
Withdrawal of California National Guard Troops from Iraq
From: Peace and Justice Commission
Recommendation: Call upon the Governor of California to demand that the
President and Congress take immediate steps to withdraw California National Guard
troops from Iraq now, and urge the California State Assembly and Senate to
introduce legislation calling upon the prompt return of the California National Guard
from Iraq.
Financial Implications: None
Contact: Manuel Hector, Commission Secretary, 981-
I got it here
upinak on February 13, 2008 at 1:47 PM
Dang it
upinak on February 13, 2008 at 1:50 PM
That video did terrible things to my blood pressure.
SouthernDem on February 13, 2008 at 2:33 PM
This whole thing just makes my blood boil! I would have no problems facing jail time or a fine for plastering one of those bastards to the ground.
That cop just shrugged his shoulders when asked if that’s all he’s good for. He couldn’t even answer that question, what an idiot.
Geez, I can’t even begin to write the words I’d like to say. I know I’d be banned.
Torch on February 13, 2008 at 2:41 PM
I’m so glad I wasn’t there. I think I would have gotten myself in trouble.
what you need is some pepper spray or some knowledge of pressure points. I think I could have made that stupid lady and sissy dude cry in about 3 seconds. Unfortunately, the worthless losers in the Berkeley PD would have arrested me instead.
BadBrad on February 13, 2008 at 4:59 PM
Mallard T. Drake:
Reading this gave me the image of those Foster Farms commercials where the two chickens are going around trying to pass themselves off as real Foster Farm Chickens… “Hi, we’re from Berkeley and we’re trying to pretend like we’re Real Americans…”
jasnell on February 13, 2008 at 7:22 PM
You and me, both. I’ve been pretty mellow for years, but, God forgive me, I do believe I would have started swinging at those mangy traitors the moment they laid a hand on me.
Zorro on February 13, 2008 at 7:38 PM
This should be a great lawsuit by moveamericaforward.org against Berkely for the cowardly inaction of the police. Here in Tucson our police remain mostly neutral while stopping any crimes, only bending slightly to the liberal side because they know how crazy they are. This makes Tucson moonbats call them unfair facsist pigs!
wayne on February 13, 2008 at 7:53 PM
Code PInk would prefer Kucinich, but Obama is their number two. I want these scuds to suffer severe disappointment next fall. This is why I gladly back McCain, even though I wanted either Fred or Mitt. McCain is the ONLY sane choice before us now, and we should be taking advantage of the current democrat slapfest by pulling in around our nominee. My greatest fear is that the GOP stupidity that kept Mitt out of the running will ultimately result in a Code Pink victory.
argos on February 13, 2008 at 8:47 PM