Berkeley softens stance on Marines

[unhappycamper]

Berkeley softens stance on Marines
By Michelle Locke - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Feb 13, 2008 19:05:13 EST

BERKELEY, Calif. — City council members here who were criticized for telling Marine recruiters they do not want them in their city have moderated their position, saying they oppose the Iraq war but support the troops.

The Berkeley City Council voted two weeks ago to send a letter to a downtown recruitment station advising the Marines they were not welcome.

After a marathon session that stretched into early Wednesday, the council decided against sending the letter, saying it recognizes recruiters’ right to be in Berkeley. The council members say they still strongly oppose the war and the recruitment of young people, but “deeply respect and support” the men and women of the armed forces.

Some on the council had pushed for issuing an apology. Others rejected that, saying they just wanted to clarify their position.

Councilwoman Linda Maio said the council opposes recruitment, not the military.


Rest of article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2008/02/ap_berkeleymarines_080213/