Posted By:
Catherine Moy
Permalink

In a message dated 3/7/2008 4:56:17 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, Mayor@ci.berkeley.ca.us writes:

Dear Ms. Moy,

Over the past few weeks the City of Berkeley has significantly increased the police presence in the vicinity of the Marine Recruiters Station.  I believe we have adequate coverage at this point.  However, the City of Berkeley is a Mayor/Council - City Manager form of goverment and it is not appropriate for the Mayor to determine the appropriate level of police enforcement.  I will forward your e-mail to the City Manager and Police Chief for their information and consideration.

Sincerely,

Mayor Tom Bates

My Response

Dear Mayor Bates,

Thank you for your response and forwarding our concerns to the police department. I am well aware of how your municipality is set up to work. My concern is that you, as elected officials, are not doing everything you can to protect your citizens and businesses within your city. You were elected to listen to citizens and work on the problems of the city. With all due respect, the Berkeley City Council has fueled a situation that, we fear, could inspire an escalation of deviant and volatile behavior among the “peace” crowd.

While you were out of town on Thursday, we did see police patrols who were alert and working hard in the vicinity of the recruiters center. We thanked them for their service.

You did not address the other issues that, we believe, are fueling the agitators who harass the Marine’s and intimidate citizens. To reiterate, we are asking you to simply erect a 24-hour taped surveillance system trained on the Marine center to ensure you capture any criminal activity. This is a simple, positive step that helps increase safety.

Please refer to the earlier email about other very simple steps that would send a message to provocateurs and angry “peaceniks” around the country that you do not endorse their violent, disruptive behavior. It is in the best interests of all peace-loving people that the Berkeley City Council take action and stop this charade.

Very sincerely,

Catherine Moy

Posted By:
Catherine Moy
Permalink

Dear Mayor Bates,

I am sorry that Melanie Morgan and I missed you yesterday at your office. We had hoped you would take the time to get back with us today about our requests regarding stepped up security at the Marine Recruiting center in your town. We want to see more police officers guarding the center, and request a full-time security camera on the area that can capture criminal behavior. Prosecution of criminals must follow.

As you can see from Mrs. Malkin’s reporting (you can read it - here), the rash of violence by “peace” activists is a serious matter. As you also know, left-wing activists have attacked people at the recruiting center in Berkeley. Media across the nation have reported such. And your favored group, Code Pink, encourages “forceful” behavior to close down recruiting centers, as you can read in Mrs. Malkin’s article.

I again will ask you to put a stop to the badgering and violation of others’ civil rights at the Marine Recruiting Center by Code Pink and others. You can do this by rescinding the free parking space and noise permits that you have seen fit to give Code Pink. The Berkeley City Council must also rescind its misguided resolution calling on activists to harass the Marines, and make a formal apology to the Marines and their families.

Your actions and the resolutions of the City Council have encouraged this deviant behavior that knows no end. Peaceful Gandhi-style protest is one thing. Using IEDs, like that which was used in Times Square, and the tactics of Code Pink, are quite another. We condemn this violence and your coddling of those whose daily goals include terrorizing recruiters.

We at Move America Forward call on you to stop this dangerous charade now. If anybody else is hurt during scuffles, bombings, assaults, batteries or any other violence at the Berkeley Marine Recruiting Center, we will hold you personally responsible. It is utterly irresponsible for you and the Berkeley City Council to encourage dissidents to attack others while paying their bills with public funds.

We await your response to our urgent request that you protect our Marine’ and individuals visiting the recruiting center, rescind all resolutions giving favor to Code Pink and urging people to protest the Marines, and offer a formal apology to the Marines for your grievous and un-American actions.

Sincerely,

Catherine Moy
Executive Director, Move America Forward
(916) 441-6197