Stand With Our Military

 

At a time when our military men and women need our support, theres a troubling development taking place in several cities across the nation.

 

Two weeks ago, in Berkeley, California, the City Council voted 6-3 to send a letter to the U.S. Marines telling them that their recruiting office in the city was no longer welcome.  The City Council also labeled Marine recruiters as uninvited and unwelcome intruders.  Thats right the men and women who serve our nation during this time of war who put their lives on the line for our freedoms - they are what Berkeley City Council calls uninvited and unwelcome intruders.

 

If that wasnt enough, Berkeley City Council took additional action empowering a radical protest organization and voted to give the group, Code Pink, space outside the recruitment office and urged them to impede, passively or actively the work of the recruiters.

 

And just days later, another disturbing scenario unfolded in the city of Toledo, Ohio, where the Mayor told the Marines they were no longer welcome in his city.  The Marines had planned to conduct a critical training exercise in Toledo they had done so in the past with no problems.   But this year just hours before the Marines were scheduled to arrive the Mayor pulled the plug on the exercise saying the Marines should leave because they frighten people.  Through a spokesman, the Mayor said he did not want the Marines drilling and practicing in a highly visible area.

 

This kind of action is simply outrageous and our legislative team at the ACLJ is engaging this issue right now.  Theres legislation thats just been introduced by Senator DeMint of South Carolina and five colleagues in the Senate and by Rep. John Campbell of California in the House legislation that would punish the City of Berkeley, California for its actions.

 

The legislation, the Semper Fi Act of 2008, would rescind over $2 million in hidden earmarks for Berkeley, California in the 2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill, and transfer the funds to the Marines.

 

In the Senate, the measure was introduced by U.S. Senators Jim DeMint of South Carolina, Saxby Chambliss of Georgia, Tom Coburn, M.D. of Oklahoma, John Cornyn of Texas, James Inhofe of Oklahoma, and David Vitter of Louisiana.  We expect it will gain additional support quickly.

 

Our legislative team tells me that Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama is also working on legislation a broader measure that would address the situation beyond whats happening in Berkeley.

 

At the American Center for Law and Justice, we need to hear from you Stand with the ACLJ as we work to ensure that our military gets the support and respect it deserves.

 

Sign on today to our petition supporting our military and help send a powerful message to Capitol Hill that legislation like the Semper Fi Act of 2008 is needed in this hostile climate here at home.

 

The men and women who serve our nation in the military do so at great sacrifice and risk.  They remain dedicated to protecting our freedoms, and they certainly deserve our support.  Dont let liberal politicians get away with this outrageous behavior.

 

Well keep you posted as this legislation gains momentum.  Right now, though, we need to hear from you.

 

Sign on to our petition of support here.